Archive for the ‘Tasmanian People’ Category

Sydney to Hobart: the Youngest Tasmanian Female Skipper

by Laura Roper

I am the youngest ever Tasmanian female skipper to complete the Rolex Sydney to Hobart (in 5 days 3 minutes and 12 seconds and at 22 years of age!).  My name is Laura Roper and I am very happy to claim that title.

Laura Roper takes the helm of Natelle Two in the Sydney to Hobart

Sailing from Hobart

With a delivery crew of three sailors and a very keen aunty we left the Derwent Sailing Squadron in Sandy Bay Hobart on the 14th of December 2011 at 10am.  We waved goodbye and Merry Christmas to all those who had come to see us off.  Everyone that came had done something to help me achieve my dream;  from cooking, sponsorship (MountainView Meadery, The Metz Sandy Bay and Clarence Joint Therapy), aligning me with the A21 Campaign or just believing in me.  They were all there!  With one more lot of kisses, very tight hugs and the biggest smile that had ever crossed my face, we left Hobart.  And on time too!

Cruise Ships, Wildlife and Sunsets

We threw off the mooring lines and headed south down the river.  As I realised what I was about to be a part of, the excitement really set in.  We rounded Tasman Island later that afternoon and as we headed up towards the bottom of Maria Island we were overtaken by the cruise ship that had also left Hobart that day.  As Aunty Ruth contemplated jumping ship for happy hour we settled in for our first night.

A cruise ship departing Hobart overtakes the Natelle Two near Maria Island

The trip up the coast was beautiful but unfortunately not much wind, so the motor was going most of the way.  Between the four of us, we spotted various forms of wildlife:  birds, dolphins, whales and sharks.  We crossed Bass Strait with some lovely sunset views and without a hint of treacherous water in sight.

No treacherous waters in Bass Strait, just a gorgeous sunset vista!

Return to Eden

We pulled into Eden after crossing The Strait for a bit of R&R.  We stayed the afternoon and night and set out at 6am the next morning (Sunday).  As it turned out this was to be the longest day and night of my life!  The winds made 40 knots across the deck that night and I wasn’t really looking at the wave height.  I was too busy trying to keep myself awake and warm;  but I’m sure they were high.  In about 20 hours we had travelled about 50 nautical miles (in other words, not very far).  The next day, the same distance took us 6 hours.

Then the decision was made to head back to Eden.  We had broken the main traveller, lost a halyard and the main halyard had begun to break.  Luckily these were all easily fixed, and I was finally able to sleep for a few hours after being awake for 40.  The rest of the delivery trip was uneventful and we cruised quietly into Sydney on the evening of Wednesday the 19th of December.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge: the Natelle Two crew finally arrives for the start of the race

The Sydney Whirlwind

The following few days were a whirlwind of getting the boat up to scratch, talking to media, seeing friends, safety inspections and catching up on the week of news I had missed.  Then came Boxing Day.  My day started at 5:45am.   Up early to have the final shower I was to have for five days and get myself ready for the media.  That morning I had the 6:30am time slot on live ABC TV, then on to ABC Radio live, Sky Sports News and Fox Sports News.

The final skippers and navigators briefing was at 10am.  This was where we got our final look at the weather systems moving about the coast and what we were to expect in the coming days.  Starting with a NE and turning to a southerly up to 35 knots that evening.  The weather bureau predicted this to last a couple of days and for the wind to then swing back to the north east.  We were also to expect large swell due to the cyclone that was moving through northern Australia.  With a quick good luck wish to Jessica Watson it was back to the boat to get ready.

A21 Campaign

One of the A21 Campaign staff members came to meet me and thank me for my work in helping to raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking for the sex trade.  We carried their logo on our main sail as well as the hull of the boat and on our shirts, in the hope of helping young women that are experiencing something that I can’t even begin to comprehend and still struggle to understand.

From the Harbour to The Heads

We set off from the yacht club and the nerves began to set in.  We left early to go out and have a crew meeting in peace and quiet.  This is when we allocated jobs in the case of an emergency, notified the crew of their watches and addressed any questions anyone had.  Soon enough it was 12:30.  The nerves increased along with the number of boats and number of helicopters.

We had done our sail past with our storm sails and informed the committee of how many crew we had.  It wasn’t long before the 10 minute gun went and I don’t really remember much from then until we got out of The Heads.  I know I was shaking for part of it, as I nearly tacked into another boat, which would have spelled a very short end to months of work and years of dreams.  We were the last boat to start but we had 628 nautical miles to catch up and luckily some boats crossed the line too soon, so they were required to turn back and go through the start line again.

The next thing I really remember was rounding the seaward mark outside The Heads and heading for home!  The helicopters continued to buzz overhead and the spectator craft had taken off with the super maxis, so luckily we didn’t have to deal with their white wash too much once outside The Heads.

Thunder, Lightning & Other Challenges

As we headed down the NSW coast we settled in for the first watch of the night.  The change came in sooner than predicted and I wish I had pictures for you of the spectacular cloud that rolled in with the southerly.  I was too busy and it was a bit wet to take photos!  Along with the southerly change came a thunderstorm which gave some spectacular lightning, although being in the middle of the ocean with a big metal pole (the mast) sticking up in the air isn’t the most comforting place to be in the middle of an electrical storm!!

The mast of Natelle Two, causing the youngest Tasmanian female skipper some concern!

For the next two nights not much sleep was had; we found every leak that Natelle Two had plus some.  My brother was severely sea sick and Dad realised he had missed a couple of our scheduled radio contacts.  We were supposed to call in at midnight and listen on a different channel at midday.  Well Dad got them mixed up and in the end the sailing committee whacked us with a 60 minute penalty, even after Dad’s explanation and apology.

Dream Bass Strait Crossing

We had another dream crossing of Bass Strait and I am yet to believe the stories I’ve heard.  As we hit the Tasmanian coast and day began to break, the winds were perfect.  We put up a spinnaker and ran all the way to the bottom of Maria Island doing up to 12 knots as we surfed down the waves.  It was during these days I char-grilled my feet…  I forgot to put sunscreen on them, and would come to regret that when returning to work.  We also learned that water had gotten into the motor, stopping it from starting.  With Dad and Ashley on the job, we all held our breath until it finally spluttered to life.  This was the only real issue we had during the whole race.

On Friday we had lamb roast as we ran down the coast and moved closer to home.  It wasn’t long before Tasman Island was in view once again, and we were only 40 nautical miles from finishing.  The next major land mark was the Iron Pot.  As we approached, we realised we would have a little competition on our way up the river in the form of the yacht Aurora.  After a tacking duel around The Pot, we separated a little and were able to concentrate on our own race.

Welcome landmarks as the crew of Natelle Two round the Iron Pot south of Hobart

The Welcome Sight of Home

It was at this point the spectator craft began to appear.  My other brother Cameron and his girlfriend came to meet us at The Pot to take some photos, along with some other boats that had come to take in the sights.  I even got to wave to Mum from a distance who was standing on the beach.  This was the first real sign of civilisation for nearly five days and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as home came into view.  We had a lovely run up the river until Opossum Bay where we ran out of wind for about an hour.  Luckily we had some friends come out to meet us for a chat, while we finished off Mum’s homemade pies.

A Happy Hero’s Welcome

As the sea breeze came in we put up the spinnaker and headed for the finish line!  Unfortunately Aurora got away from us in the lighter winds and beat us home.  But nothing could detract from doing 11 knots over the finish line under spinnaker.  As we packed up the boat we got instructions on where we would moor in Kings Pier and about doing a sail past next to the Taste Festival.  I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of coming into my home town with everyone stopping their lunch to stand up just to clap and cheer me and my crew coming home.  It was at this point I discovered my smile could get bigger.

Natelle Two arrives home to a huge welcome from the crowds at the Taste Festival

We then headed for our berth with a prime spot next to the main jetty that everyone walks along.  I then saw a sea of red shirts on the backs of everyone that I knew and had supported me through out the past 12 months.  The announcer came over the speaker to welcome us home just as we were tying up and at that point I knew I had finished.  For the first time in my life I was the one being welcomed, not doing the welcoming!  Writing of this moment still gets me excited, with a smile on my face almost as big as the original.  The hugs and kisses ensued and I got to see my family for the first time since I left.  It may have only been two weeks but it felt like forever!

Officially the Youngest Tasmanian Female Skipper

The drinks began to flow and media began to descend, wanting to interview the youngest Tasmanian female skipper to finish the Sydney to Hobart.  Unfortunately they stuck around long enough to snap me being thrown in by my trusty crew.  It wasn’t long until the hype started to die down and I was able to focus on getting home for a shower!

Sydney to Hobart celebrations for the crew of Natelle Two at the finish

Laura Roper was treated to the customary dunking at the finish of the Sydney to Hobart

As the youngest Tasmanian female skipper ever, Laura had a lot of media attention

It was an experience and a half, and I cant wait to go again.  Now that I’m already the youngest Tasmanian female skipper, maybe just as crew next time.  But right now, I am going to enjoy the little things in life… showers, flushing toilets, deodorant and CLEAN undies!

Photo Credits

Laura Roper, Ruth Heather, Val Lamont, Aleisha Duggan, Amberly Ford

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Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania

by Roger Findlay

If you asked me to name ten things that attract me to Tasmania as a holiday-maker I would come up with the following:

1. Beauty of the island, breath-taking scenery and clean air.
   

   The breath-taking scenery and clean country air of Tasmania

2. Temperature and climate, most suitable for a Pommy!
3. Unspoilt places.  Slow to exploit tourism through changes.
   

   The pristine wilderness, another Tasmanian attraction high on Roger's top ten

4. Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania.  It’s a great experience every time.
5. Salamanca Market and any farmers market that we find along the way.
6. Food: especially seafood, cheese and beef.
   

   Roger enjoys the Tasmanian produce, including seafood, cheese and beef.

7. Pubs: Knopwoods, Shippies and the Royal Oak.  Gunners Arms – R.I.P.
8. Fish punts, Tassal and the Wursthaus.
9. Walking on the deserted beaches.  Douglas River springs to mind.
   

   Beaches make Roger's list of top ten attractions for holiday-makers in Tasmania

10. People we’ve met and friends we’ve made…
    The Madsden family, Patricia, Eddie & Dulcie, to name a few.

That’s ten things that attract me to Tasmania but there are so many more.

People often ask me why I choose to travel and holiday in Tasmania so much.  They often ask whether I get tired of visiting the same place year after year.  My answer is always the same; but I don’t have to change my lifestyle to suit them or anyone else.

I must confess that in recent weeks, I have been toying with the idea of a first visit to New Zealand.  I’m sure it is a very beautiful country with the South Island being exceptional, but for now I have unfinished business in Tasmania so NZ will have to wait until I retire in a few years’ time.

I first visited Tasmania in the mid 80’s.  I was chasing a job at the ACL plant in Launceston but it didn’t lead to anything except a brief look at the island.  The drive north and then down the east coast to Hobart convinced me that this was the place for me and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Beware: Sub-Standard Accommodation

There is only one criticism that I have to make and that is the rapidly increasing price of accommodation.  Some of it is mediocre and we have found a few of our hosts unsuited to the hospitality industry.

Beware!  Don’t be fooled by some of the places you find on the internet.  The photos and write-ups published by the owners themselves can make the accommodation look most attractive; when in reality it can be well below expectation.  If you do get caught out, don’t put up with it.  Let the owner know of your objections and demand a refund.  Then take your business elsewhere.

Rustic accommodation! Beware the tourist of the internet booking...

Beware Tasmania!  Don’t price yourself out of the market.  It is a fact that I can holiday in Vietnam or Thailand cheaper than Tasmania but that’s not for me.  However, when it comes to the decision of others, the attraction of a cheap overseas holiday may be their choice.

To attract the tourist keep the price reasonable, ensure good quality and make it so that the visitor wants to return.

Photos that accompany Roger’s article titled
Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania
have been taken by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.

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Tasmanian Menu is the title of a new book written by Simone Bett in conjunction with her husband Alastair.  Simone sent me a copy of the book so I could write a review for Think Tasmania.  And as luck should have it, the copy arrived on my birthday!  And for someone who loves books, food, photography and Tasmania, it made the most perfect present ever.

Just launched: Tasmanian Menu, a book by Simone Bett

What’s on the Tasmanian Menu?

I admit I haven’t read every word of Tasmanian Menu yet, despite poring over the pages.  But it’s the sort of book you can love instantly.  With the kids away (one at a friend’s house following a late-night Hobart Hurricanes match, and the other at the Moorilla Hobart International) I toyed with the idea of a day off myself.  But I was too excited about the book, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

A mouth-watering beef wellington, one of the delicious mains on the Tasmanian Menu

Books Lovers Please Note…

As far as books go, I love all sorts.  Novels, autobiographies, photography books and recipe books.  I visit the State Library of Tasmania regularly, and I share books with friends.  Having led the life of a gypsy, constantly on the move, my personal collection is minimal.  But this is one book that will always stay with me.

Beautiful images of Tasmania accompany the recipes using local ingredients

It’s not just a cook book, although the recipes are divine.  And it’s not just a book of photos, although they too are divine.  Tasmanian Menu is a gorgeous collection of pages combining Simone Bett’s passion for food and photography with the essence of what makes Tasmania so great.

Food by Simone Bett

I’ve openly confessed that I’m not a great cook.  But with the stunning produce available in Tasmania, I feel compelled to make more of my culinary opportunities.  Maybe that’s why I love this book so much.  Simone (who describes herself as an avid cook but not a chef) has shared her all-time favourite recipes.  And naturally, those recipes incorporate ingredients available locally.  But they’re not what you’d expect from an everyday Tasmanian menu.  Simone has been influenced by the foods from several cultures, and her choices reflect a very unique style.

Recipes in Tasmanian Menu reflect the unique eclectic style of Simone Bett

The book has been divided into four sections, covering recipes for entree, main, kids and dessert.  I firmly believe in the motto “Life is Short, Eat Dessert First”, so of course I went straight to that section.  Lemon tart, apple crumble,  creme brulee… and profiteroles with chocolate, toffee and raspberry coulis.  Y.U.M.  And if the juniors in my house read the section titled “Kids Menu” they will be seriously disillusioned when they compare their own diet to that proffered by Simone Bett!!

Desserts to die for, one of the sections in Tasmanian Menu

If dessert doesn’t excite you (hey what?), don’t be concerned.  Tasmanian beef and seafood also star in the recipes, while the vegetarian has not been forgotten.  Leek and goat’s cheese tart anyone?  Followed perhaps by Moroccan spiced lamb rack.  Did I mention it was my birthday?

Photography by Alastair Bett

At Think Tasmania, we aim to provide photos on the website that reflect the actual scene a first-hand visitor could expect.  Nothing too fancy or manipulated, just an honest, holiday snapshot.  But that doesn’t stop me drooling over the images taken by professional photographers, and wishing I could be that clever.  In fact, in my next life, I’d like to be blessed with creative genes.  Just a few would be reasonable to expect the next time around.

Photography promoting tourism & agriculture all in one beautiful Tasmanian book

The photos Simone has used in her book have been taken by Alastair Bett, and they are everything a novice photographer could dream of achieving.  The food photography is superb; the images of scenery even more so.  I can imagine Tasmanian Menu being an absolute winner for both the local tourism industry and the agricultural sector at the same time.

Tasmanian Menu: A Recipe for Success

It’s no secret I’m biased about Tasmania.  I love living here; I love writing about it and I can’t imagine ever leaving.  It’s really nice to network with others who feel the same way.  Validation, if you like.  So even though I haven’t read every word yet, I’m sure I will… and not just once.  This is one book I can definitely recommend without any hesitation.

Tasmanian Menu, the first book released by passionate foodie, Simone Bett

Tasmanian Menu: the perfect souvenir for a foodie tourist to take home as a memento of their holiday.  As I’ve already said, the book makes a perfect present for anyone with interests similar to my own.  And it’s also the perfect inspiration, for those looking to forge their passion into a career.  With years of hard work, dedication and determination, Simone Bett has delivered a real treasure.  Probably the first of many, I would imagine.

Tasmanian Menu is sold online for $39.95, including postage.
The website also lists current stockists of the book.

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The Taste Festival: Starring Mr Squid

by Cassandra Wunsch

The Taste Festival in Hobart draws huge crowds, keen to dine at the banquet of fresh fruit, seafood and decadent wines Tasmania has to offer.  This year there was a seven-day program of wine tasting events, and themed tours of the festival for visitors were back by popular demand.

The Taste Festival crowd inside the updated Princes Wharf Shed, Hobart

Media releases and television spots for the Taste always focus on the food, the wine and of course the prime location to watch the boats come in at the conclusion of the Sydney to Hobart, all of which draws tourists by the score.  Tasmania is already famous for Boag’s and Cascade; for Mures and abalone; and of course for wine.  The Taste also gives local performers the opportunity to strut their stuff on what is rapidly becoming a national stage.

Cascade Brewery, a major sponsor of the Taste Festival, in Hobart

Introducing Mr Squid, Sword Swallower Extraordinaire!

It is at this point in time I’d like to introduce you all to Mr Squid.  A Tasmanian by birth, he comes back every year for the Taste Festival, to dazzle and amaze, and of course to yell at his audience.

The sword swallower Mr Squid entertains the crowd at the Taste Festival

The unstoppable Mr Squid performs a number of eye-popping and stomach churning tricks, including fitting his entire body through a tennis racket, and swallowing a sword, much to the amusement of the kids.  For all the gasps and cries of dismay, not a single person managed to pry themselves away from the spectacle, and from Mr Squid’s cavalier disregard for his own body.

Crowds at the Taste Festival in Hobart appreciate the buskers every year

According to Mr Squid, he is one of only five sword swallowers in Australia at this time, out of 52 registered practitioners in the world.  It says something about Australia that such a high percentage of the world’s sword swallowers are here, doesn’t it?

He wasn’t alone at the Taste though.  Over the course of the day the crowd was treated to a pair of unicycle riders on bikes some 15 feet high!  A pair of ‘bouncy brothers’ in the entryway performed tricks for startled new arrivals that involved a lot of air time.

Roving performers, the Bouncy Brothers, greet arrivals at the Taste Festival

The Taste: Something for Everyone!

Thanks to all these performers and practitioners of ancient arts, the Taste was not only a bright and vibrant experience, it was also blissfully calm, with culture and food for mum and dad, and massive unicycles and men swallowing swords for the kids!

It was requested by the performers that at the conclusion of this article I mention that they are all buskers, who live on the enjoyment of the crowd and its expression in terms of remuneration.  In the words of Mr Squid, “these are hard times, but if you’re wearing $500 shoes, you can probably spare me a fiver!”

The Taste Festival runs every year in Hobart during the new year week and has been steadily increasing in size.  In an economic environment as volatile and uncertain as this one, many Australians are choosing to spend their holidays at home, discovering some of the amazing things we have to offer.  The Taste Festival in Hobart is rapidly rising in profile as more and more people discover Hobart’s unique flavour!

Patrons continue to flock to Princes Wharf for the Taste Festival in Hobart

Cassandra Wunsch is a third-year journalism student at Open Universities
Australia. She lives in Hobart with her husband Florian and daughter Taliesin,
and would like to continue to write full-time when she graduates.
Her personal blog is www.10percentinspired.com

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Map: Taste Festival, Hobart Tasmania…

Happy New Year!  2012 has arrived… time to reflect on the last year and make plans for the next.  We wish you good health and a bright and prosperous future.

All the best…

The Think Tasmania Team

The fireworks in the video were filmed during
New Years Eve celebrations on the Hobart Waterfront.

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Ho Ho Ho and a Very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.  Just sending this simple message to everyone…  may the festive season bring you joy and happiness.  Keep yourselves and your family safe over the holiday season.  And take some time to relax!

Merry Christmas to everyone from Think Tasmania

Thanks to You…

As well as wishing you a Merry Christmas, I’d also like to shout out some thanks…

Readers & Subscribers – Thanks to everyone who reads the articles we publish.  Without you, the whole exercise would be slightly pointless!

Online Visitors – Every time we receive a comment, we take notice.  If it’s praise and encouragement, it fires our enthusiasm.  If it’s constructive criticism, we take it on board to improve our delivery.  And if it’s mindless rubbish…  we get to practice our diplomacy and reasoning skills!

Contributors – To all the guest authors that have taken the time and effort to submit an article or a photo, thank you.  Your input makes Think Tasmania so diverse and interesting.  We’re flattered that you would share your stories with us.

Facebook Fans – We relish the interaction with our social media friends.  It’s a real buzz to see our material shared and talked about in the Facebook world.

The Think Tasmania Team – What can I say?  Thanks just doesn’t seem enough.  Before you joined me, Think Tasmania was a lonely place!  With your input, and incredible talent, this project has really blossomed.

Our Hosts – So many fabulous people have invited Think Tasmania to visit, giving us priceless information to share with the world.  Readers love the first-hand accounts we deliver, and we love to deliver them!

The State of Tasmania – We give thanks every day to be able to live in such a unique and diverse place.  The Tasmanian people are friendly; the Tasmanian food is magnificent and the Tasmanian environment is inspiring.  We could live here until the end of time, and never run short of things to write about.

Merry Christmas and enjoy all that Tasmania has to offer (Photo by D Sharon Pruitt)

Thanks To So Many Other Supporters…

Family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, the Tasmanian tourism industry and complete, random strangers… thanks for taking an interest in Think Tasmania.  Thanks too for appreciating that our unique system of networking (even though it’s complicated and hard to comprehend) actually works and achieves results!  And to anyone who honestly believed we could create a special website… thanks to you too!  Without all the amazing support, we might have fizzled out by now.  But instead, we’re loving this crazy ride and looking forward to an even brighter future.

Enjoy the Holidays

While most people enjoy some time away from their job over the summer, we’ll be hard at work here at Think Tasmania.  But please, don’t feel sorry for us!!  Tasmania really hits the ground running at this time of year.  The team will endeavour to bring you up to date about the…

• Moorilla Hobart International
• Taste Festival
• MONA FOMA
• Salamanca Market
• Festivale
• Hobart Hurricanes
• New Year on Royal
• Burnie International
• Stanley
• Bruny Island
• Bridport
• Cataract Gorge
• Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Of course if you have a special request, by all means contact Think Tasmania.  We’ll be standing by!

Have a great holiday - if you're really lucky, it will be in Tasmania!! (Photo by D Sharon Pruitt)

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Mary Lewis Designs: Tasmanian Glass Bead Artist

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Mary Lewis of Mary Lewis Designs is a glass bead artist.  I was lucky enough to see her at work with her blowtorch at the Tasmanian Craft Fair.  It was extremely interesting to watch the process of the torch turn glass rods into molten glass and then see Mary weave her magic and create stunning beads as the end result.

Mary Lewis Designs: glass beads workshop at the Tasmanian Craft Fair

Mary Lewis Designs: From the US to Tasmania

Mary began bead-making in the United States in the late 1970s.  She is now a full time glass artist in her studio in north west Tasmania.  As a testament to her artistic talent, the beautiful pieces sold by Mary Lewis Designs are much sought-after, both locally and internationally.  Mary’s unique glass beads are made from the finest Venetian Murano glass rods and other specialty glass from around the world.

Glass beads & jewellery made by Mary Lewis Designs in Tasmania

A good deal of her wearable art creations are one-of-a-kind; and she uses only high quality sterling silver, gold filled or solid 14k gold findings.  All of the beads are kiln annealed to guarantee their beauty and durability.  Living among the spectacular natural beauty of Tasmania helps to inspire Mary’s artistic journey as she makes amazing patterns on these striking glass beads.  Mary’s jewellery includes earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Unique handmade glass beads displayed at the Tasmanian Craft Fair

Buy Mary Lewis Designs Glass Beads…

You can find Mary Lewis Designs at these galleries:

• Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart
• The Launceston Country Club
• Dean Walker Designs Gallery in Burnie

Contact Mary Lewis Designs for more information.

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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