Posts Tagged ‘Bass Strait’

Sounds to me like Roger is going a little crazy… for Tasmania!
Thankfully his trip to Flinders Island is only a few weeks away.
Not long after that, he’ll be touring mainland regions of Tasmania.
When you read this article, you’ll realise just how crazy for Tasmania
the man really is… and what his lovely wife Jeanette has to put up with!

A Week in the Life of Roger

by Roger Findlay

Because of my location here on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, it’s bothering me that I’m not spending enough time in Tasmania.  I must confess that I envy all the Think Tasmania writers who live in the state; especially those who have settled after moving from elsewhere.

Michelle Kneipp-Pegler, another feature writer also crazy for Tasmania like Roger

Nikon: Capturing Tasmanian Food and Drink

My current frustration is caused by my redundant camera that is yearning to snap the indescribable scenery in Tasmania.  As a substitute, images of the fabled Irish and Tasmanian Scallop Pies will be a treat for Nikon!  Yes, today is St. Patrick’s Day where Jeanette has spent countless hours preparing the pies to appease her husband.

The Findlay house was filled with the divine smell of scallop pies baking in the oven

Jeanette:  Roger has been away with the fairies reading books on Tasmania,
visiting Tasmanian websites, researching holiday accommodation and travel
costs.  He’s considering a short trip at the end of June but he doesn’t know
whether he should fly or sail.  I found one of his notes with the sums:

Roger compares the costs and options for travelling to Tasmania

Tasmanian History Books

Yes, she’s right, my mind has been elsewhere, going crazy for Tasmania.  I’ve been reading two books at the same time.  One is about the whaling fleet that operated out of Hobart and the other is a first-hand account of the activists that live in the Tasmanian forests.

At this point I am reminded of the news clip that covered the success of Sea Shepherd that sent the Japanese whaling fleet limping home from the Southern Ocean almost empty handed.  Seeing the Bob Barker docked in Hobart and hearing the words of the courageous, young skipper was the highlight of my week.

Sea Shepherd anti-whaling vessel, The Bob Barker, docked in Hobart

I’ve been on eBay looking for books.  There’s always a bargain especially as I seek out some of the older publications.  A good find was Tasmanian Journey written by Stanley Brogden in 1948 when he travelled by coach through much of Tasmania.  I was saddened to read of Tasmanian Devils being hunted and killed.  At that time, they were seen as a major threat to sheep.  If only those people had known of the current plight to prevent extinction.

Being crazy for Tasmania, Roger collects Tasmanian books from eBay

Brogden mentions the intention of Pioneer Hotels on several occasions.  He sees them in the same light as the Federal Group where they would control a good portion of the tourism and hospitality sector.  I can find no record of Pioneer Hotels today.

Fly, Drive or Sail to Tasmania

Sharp Airlines will be taking us to Flinders Island and they’ve finally got my money after telling me that there were only three seats left on the flight!  It struck me as a convenient way of getting the money early.  Yes all $912 of it for a 50 minute flight for two people.  The following day, I received their newsletter advertising specials at $99 one-way.  They’re sharp alright!  Maybe we’ll be sitting next to the pilot with complimentary drinks and live, in-flight entertainment. It had better be good.

To promote deportation of wayward children, the Spirit of Tasmania has a special where children travel free.  The only catch being that they have to be accompanied by an adult.  Jeanette may pass off as child if she wears baggy pj’s and carries a pillow.

The Spirit of Tasmania arrives in Devonport, Tasmania from Melbourne, Victoria

Scallop Pie Challenge

Nikon is just moments away from action.  Just like Ian Thorpe, he’s making a comeback and wants to succeed.  The scallop pies will be a major test and a late decision will be made on the aperture.  Close to the oven, conditions will be difficult but there will be slight relief as the fridge door opens frequently.

Who wouldn't be crazy for Tasmanian scallop pies, home-made by Jeanette Findlay

Guinness is also ready to go.  His one ball is poised for carbonation.  Premature carbonation has been a problem in the past but tonight he’s expecting a good head.  The ball has shown restraint on the long journey from Dublin and will enjoy his empty can being crushed in the morning.  The pictures tell the story and I’m thankful that the Scallop Pie Challenge is over!

Roger is also crazy for Tasmanian scallop pies (or Irish ones) with Guinness

So what do you think?  Is Roger crazy for Tasmania… or maybe just crazy?
Either way, Roger spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

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Map: Flinders Island Tasmania…

Coastal Town of Penguin

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The pretty coastal town of Penguin on Tasmania’s north west coast is located 137kms from Launceston; 17kms east of Burnie and 31kms west of Devonport.  It has a population of around 5,500 and it acquired the name from the fairy penguins, which live around its coastline.  Penguin is nestled in a very scenic spot right beside the beautiful waters of Bass Strait with the impressive Dial Range sitting behind the town towards the south.

The foreshore of the coastal town of Penguin, including the Big One!

Eating and Staying in Penguin

Penguin is a popular tourist destination with a number of excellent cafes and restaurants.  It’s well known by surrounding locals as the place to eat out on a weekend.  There are great places to have a meal like Wild Café Restaurant, Renaessance, The Groovy Penguin, Shady Grove Cafe and Casablanca at the Surf Lifesaving Club.  There’s also a really nice bakery right near the beach.

The range of accommodation options for such a small town is surprising, with two hotels, a caravan park, B&B’s and holiday apartments.  The coastal town of Penguin still retains that laid back, small town feel… wonderful when you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or visiting for the day.  While wandering around the shops of Penguin if you need a perfect gift or something special for yourself, call into Nest in Main Street.  This is a splendid shop that stocks a very nice range of local artisan merchandise.

Things to Do in Penguin

There are lots of things to do in Penguin.  Why not check out the penguins that visit each evening between November and March.  Have your photo taken with the 3.15 metre Big Penguin in the beachfront park.  It’s apparently the largest Penguin in the world.  And while you’re walking down Main Street have a look at the penguin garbage bins along the way.  A much nicer alternative to regular ones!

The Uniting Church, the Bakery bin and the Big Penguin

Admire Penguin Uniting Church and St. Stephens Anglican Church, both old churches in Main Street.  There’s the replica Dutch windmill in Hiscutt Park, which was presented to the people of Penguin to commemorate the Dutch settlers of the area and the Dutch explorers who were the first Europeans to discover Tasmania.

Just west of the Uniting Church is Johnsons Beach Reef.  It’s a popular place at low tide for exploring when the reef is exposed.

Shopping at the Penguin Sunday Markets

The Penguin Sunday Markets are very popular, with more than 200 stalls.  They are Tasmania’s largest undercover markets.  There’s a lot to see at the markets with stalls ranging from food, antiques and collectables, books, art and craft.

Shopping for antiques and collectables in the coastal town of Penguin, Tasmania

Penguin Sunday Markets, on the north west coast of Tasmania, one of the state's best markets

There’s a great lolly shop, with a large assortment of all types of lollies.  And we can’t forget the Tasmanian woodwork, jewellery, gift-ware, fruit and veggies, clothing and live music.  There’s always so much to see at the Penguin Sunday Markets.

The lolly shop! A highlight of every coastal town, Penguin included

Bush-Walking in Penguin

If you’re the energetic sort there are some great reserve walks just behind Penguin in the Dial Range.  Walks range from 30 mins to 2 hours that cater to all fitness levels, with wonderful scenery along the way.  Call into the Penguin Tourist Information Centre in Main Street while you’re in town to get all the info on Penguin and surrounds, or phone them on (03) 64371421.

The deep blue seas of Bass Strait make the drive to Penguin a memorable one

A great way to get to the coastal town of Penguin with terrific views across Bass Strait, is to take the coast road from Ulverstone or via Sulphur Creek from Burnie.  This is such a pretty drive and well worth the diversion from the Bass Highway.

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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Map: Coastal Town of Penguin, Tasmania…

Kelping On King Island

by Roger Findlay

Filling out my annual tax return, I started to think of unusual occupations.  Just down the road from us there is a company called Artificial Breeders.  The guy that “milks” the bulls has great difficulty with his job description and I guess those at the Tax Office would be wondering about the authenticity of a Kelper.

Roger contemplates life as a kelper on King Island, Tasmania

King Island Kelper

There’s not a lot of work on King Island apart from the dairy, beef, tourism, shipping and cray fishing industries.  For a guy that needs to make a living, the unusual occupation of kelping is an option.  By registering with the Currie based Kelp Industries, one is able to acquire a licence and number to collect Bull Kelp from the rugged coastline and sell it for processing.

The job is not a glamorous one as it entails an early rise and hopping over slippery rocks with a bitter wind constantly nagging.  On a summer’s day the work can be a pleasure but, in general, it’s a hard way of making a living.

Rugged coastline of King Island: Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania

Bull Kelp

Bull Kelp is quite common on the eastern and western flanks of Tasmania as well as the southern part of King Island.  It grows at the rate of 10cm per day and is washed ashore in the swirls and swells that caused so many shipwrecks around the island.

It is valued for its high alginate content.  The alginates are the derivative of processed kelp and can be used in detergents, soaps, shampoos, grouts and foodstuffs to name a few.  It is also being promoted as a substance suited to health and well-being.  Cows that have access to the beach prove that point.  They love Bull Kelp; pregnant cows especially go into a frenzy at the sight!

Kelp washed ashore on the beaches of King Island

Kelping: Have Licence & Equipment…

Once you’ve got your kelping licence and your number, you’re going to need a light truck with a winch.  It may be advisable to coat the vehicle and equipment with a good quality rust preventative before you start backing it into the shallow, salty waves.  Yes, the winch and cable needs a good coating too but at the end of the day the sea will have won and your valuable equipment will begin to rust.

Kelping equipment required to collect the seaweed includes a light truck

If you decide to continue as a kelper, you may be looking at major restoration or new equipment in a very short time.  Is it really worth it?

Kelp: Fetch it, Dry it, Weigh it, Ship it!

There are fewer than sixty kelpers on King Island and only a few of those do it as their main occupation.  They don’t get too excited as they hang their haul on the galvanized racks, as they know that the kelp will dry down to one fifth of its original weight and that will govern the payment.  Kelp Industries processes about 2500 tonnes per annum and ship it to the sister company (ISP Alginates) in Scotland.

Kelp Industries pays the kelpers by weight after the seaweed has dried on racks

Drying racks for the Bull Kelp collected from the coast of King Island, Tasmania

Somehow, I don’t think there would be many kelpers needing to submit a tax return.  Surely the depreciation of equipment would outweigh the income!

Roger Findlay is our travel writer.  Literally!  He spends all his
holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the experience for Think Tasmania.
If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of research
(so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: King Island, Tasmania…

Nest: A Gift Shop in Penguin

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

There’s a great little gift shop called Nest in the pretty north-west Tasmanian town of Penguin.  It’s located in one of the quaint old buildings in the main street of Penguin.

The front of gift shop Nest, located in the main street of Penguin, Tasmania

Natalie Simpson Feathers Her Own Nest

Natalie Simpson started Nest two years ago after feeling Penguin needed a gift store that sold unique and mostly hand-made items.  There was nothing like it in the town.  With a picturesque view of Bass Strait through the shop’s front windows, along with the assortment of wonderful objects inside, it’s a pleasure to shop here.

Natalie Simpson at Nest, her gift shop in Penguin, Tasmania

Natalie’s interior design background stands out tremendously in the way everything is lovingly displayed.  There is a collection of fantastic Tasmanian talent on the shelves.  Coming from the north west of Tasmania herself, Natalie is a big supporter of local artists and has filled the shelves with the most delightful items.  Once again, I was blown away by the amount of talented people out there.

Some of the lovely things available at Nest in Penguin Tasmania

Gift Shop Making People Happy in Penguin

Nest is one of those shops that makes you feel happy inside!  As you pick up each exclusive, well-made piece you are attracted to its beauty.  Natalie says she likes the idea that her customers can pick up and feel the items for sale, as she didn’t want Nest to deny people the chance to touch and feel the merchandise.

There are so many excellent things here…

• a great range of jewellery
• handbags
• cards and stationery items
• art for your walls
• toys
• nick knacks
• many other brilliant bits and pieces

You should see it for yourself.  You really must visit Nest next time you’re in Penguin.

Feather your own nest with some of the items sold by Natalie Simpson

Nest Penguin: the Finer Details

Nest is open Tuesdays to Fridays 10.00am to 5.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10.00am to 4.00pm.  To keep up with what’s in store visit the Nest blog or Nest – Penguin Facebook page.

Some of the beautiful, mostly hand-made items sold at Nest in Penguin

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.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Nest, Penguin Tasmania…

Naracoopa Cottages: Meet the Hosts

by Roger Findlay

When Jeanette and I stayed at the Naracoopa Cottages (King Island) in 2009 we experienced exceptional hospitality from our hosts John and Rhonda.  For this reason I contacted the couple to ask them how they do it and a bit about themselves.  I hope you enjoy what I’ve written from their extensive notes and I thank them for giving me the opportunity.

John and Rhonda: a Love Story!

John’s brother, Bert, works at the hospital on King Island and so does Rhonda.  About eleven years ago, Melbourne based John decided he needed a sea change and asked his brother if he could find him a date!  As in every romance, John met Rhonda they fell in love and married not long after.

Introducing Rhonda and John, owners of Naracoopa Cottages on King Island

I observed their love for each other.  Every morning John opens the front gate for Rhonda as she leaves for work.  He keeps the home fires burning and in the evening he opens the gate and greets her as she returns.

Naracoopa Cottages: a New Lease on Life

It was a wrench for John to leave a good job in Melbourne, his son and his dog (Mojo), but it was something he had to do.  Initially John worked a variety of jobs and lived at Rhonda’s house in Currie, but he was keen to move elsewhere.  One day they were driving along the Esplanade in Naracoopa.  They were aware that the Naracoopa Cottages had been on the market for years and the owner had recently lost her husband.  Noticing how run-down the buildings were, John sensed the time was right to make an offer.  The offer was accepted and the refurbishing began.

John devoted all his time to the repair and restoration of the buildings and the garden.  In his spare time, he looked for ways of increasing business.  He taught himself how to use a computer; he designed a website and learned the tricks to getting his business on the first page of Google.

All this time, Rhonda kept going in and out to the hospital job and John opened and closed the gate with Mojo, not far from his heel.  Love Is!

Former faithful companion at Naracoopa Cottages, John's beloved "Mojo"

John and Rhonda Meet Charlie!

One day, Rhonda had the brilliant idea of decorating the front lawn with a boat and jetty.  To her surprise, John and his son set about the project by acquiring an old Aurora Energy power pole for a slab of beer.  Abalone fisherman, Robert Jordan, had a leaky boat that couldn’t be fixed and then along came Charlie!

John bought Charlie on eBay.  She was the most attractive mannequin he could find.  She arrived by King Island Airlines and she turned plenty of heads as John drove his naked passenger up and down the main drag of Currie doing the macho thing:  blockies!  King Island is a small place and news travels fast.  The phone began to ring as Rhonda received reports of her husband’s new lady friend.

Charlie (now dressed as a man) provides some interest at Naracoopa Cottages

Charlie now sits on the jetty next to the boat on the lawn.  But John decided to dress her as a man to deter the local young bucks who seem to be interested in anything in a skirt!

Over to You John…

One of the great things about running the Naracoopa Cottages is the amount of really nice people that cross our paths.  We try to be as friendly and helpful as possible to our guests but are also aware and very mindful of the fine line between being friendly and invading their space.

Last year we won two awards (showing off now!):

• Winner Westpac Business Excellence Awards for Tourism 2011
• Winner Westpac Business Excellence Awards for Customer Service 2011.

John & Rhonda: proud of their award-winning Naracoopa Cottages

Naracoopa Cottages are also Number One for King Island with Trip Advisor reviews.

Rhonda and I also do our bit as volunteer members of the Naracoopa Progress Association.  We keep the foreshore areas clean and tidy, procure and erect playground equipment, foreshore seating, signage etc.

King Island Birds and Wildlife

We are striving towards being self-sustaining with a healthy orchard and vegetable plot, but are forever having problems with the wildlife versus our garden: 1600 people; 600,000 wallabies, innumerable possums…  Oh well, I guess we share!  The wildlife is so abundant.

I also became quite interested in birds because of the variety of bird-life on our property to the extent of developing a website on King Island birds.  There is an interesting article about saving the whales beached at Naracoopa a few years ago.

John & Rhonda Meet Julia Gillard

The prime minister even came here last July.  It was about 8am on a Saturday morning.  It was about the carbon tax issue:  she inspected our solar and wind power installations.  She must have been up fairly early to be here at 8am, considering the time it takes to fly here.  And to cover her face with make-up!

Julia Gillard visited Naracoopa Cottages to inspect energy-saving measures

I have another photo of her and I and it looks like we’re coming out of the pub in Currie!  I sent it to friends and family with the caption ‘Jules and I on a pub crawl’.  In real life she comes across as a genuine and nice person.

With over 600,000 wallabies on the island, you can now understand
why John has to open and close the gate to Naracoopa Cottages!
Or is it to keep the young ladies away from Charlie?  ~ Roger

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Naracoopa Cottages, King Island Tasmania…

Naracoopa Holiday Cottages: A Slice of Paradise!

by Roger Findlay

“A Slice of Paradise”.  That’s how Naracoopa Holiday Cottages were described on the internet.  I had seen and heard it all before!   A few years ago I took a gamble with this “Slice of Paradise” and have never regretted that day.

Beautiful scenes at Naracoopa, on the coast of King Island, Tasmania

Naracoopa Holiday Cottages, King Island, Tasmania

The Holiday Cottages are situated on the eastern side of King Island just across the road from the sea.  Sheltered from the wind, Naracoopa provides magnificent unobstructed views over Sea Elephant Bay and Councillor Island making it a pleasure to sip on a beer while cooking lunch on the impressive wood-fired barbecue.

Cook lunch on the impressive wood-fired barbecue at Naracoopa Holiday Cottages

The one or two bedroom cottages are attractively painted inside and out and complement the superbly manicured gardens.  Inside you will find everything that you need for a comfortable stay.  The well-equipped kitchen enables elaborate food preparation while the lounge and bedrooms boast spotlessly clean, good quality furnishings.  Each cottage has satellite TV, DVD player and informative books with relevance to King Island.

Superbly manicured gardens, a feature of the Naracoopa Holiday Cottages

Well-Equipped Slice of Paradise

Outside buildings include a laundry and an eye catching games room complete with table tennis and pool tables, darts and board games.  Mountain bikes, telescope, DVD, library and WiFi… yes, Naracoopa Cottages have the lot!

Naracoopa Holiday Cottages, King Island, Tasmania: A Slice of Paradise!

Hosts, John and Rhonda, are considerately aware of the fact that the fly-in tourist will arrive with very little and for this reason everything is provided except for meals other than basic breakfast items, bread and milk.

For the day trip you can take tables and chairs in the back of the car and I’m sure I saw some fishing rods for the kids when I was there.  On request, a picnic hamper of choice foods is also available.

A very pretty collection of beach shells from Naracoopa (King Island)

Where is Naracoopa?

Naracoopa is about a twenty five minute drive from Currie.  If you are planning on self-catering, it would be wise to stock up with provisions in Currie as you won’t find a shop in Naracoopa.

Buy supplies in Currie (King Island) before arriving at this slice of paradise

What it can offer is total relaxation, unspoilt coastline, sea views and a long, re-built pier that would suit the fisherman.  There is also a beach front park for the kids.  Just like me, you won’t be disappointed choosing this one!

Fishing anyone? The pier at Naracoopa, a perfect place to drop a line

Next week I will be telling you why the hosts, John and Rhonda
claim Naracoopa Holiday Cottages are a “slice of paradise”.
In the meantime, check their website for cost and booking details.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Naracoopa Holiday Cottages, King Island, Tasmania…

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 wind 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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