Planning The Return Trip Home

We are very used to taking all precautions before an ocean race, it is so easy to take a more cavalier approach to the trip back home. History shows that the chance of the unexpected on the return passage is high. Often the crew number and experienced level is less than then race crew so all the more reason for careful planning to ensures a safe and enjoyable passage.

Choosing the route and identifying anchorages along the way depends on the time available, personal preferences and the crew number and experience but needs to be carefully integrated with the weather outlook. Short term weather forecasts are so good these days so there is really no excuse for not being able to pick a suitable weather window for the planned route and then keeping in touch with any changing weather conditions once under way is critical.

Conditions do change and having thought through the various “what if” scenarios is prudent. Crews should realise this in advance, and any ensure that their time constraints do not become a limiting factor for the whole passage. If conditions change (as they so often do!) be prepared to change your plans and enjoy some good anchorage time until conditions are suitable to continue your passage.

Staying in touch with shoere-based connections is very important. Radio (HF and VHF ) are always available and mobile phone coverage is usually available for coastal passages.    

Many ocean sailors consider the race a good opportunity to get to a destination that allows them to chance to enjoy a more pleasurable and relaxing cruise back home. However, careful planning for the passage is key to making this a reality!

Join us on a cruise in company up the West Coast of Tasmania.

The Journey

Leave Hobart at 1pm on the 2nd January leaving the DSS after fuelling up down the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to Kettering of or Woodbridge, Then down to Recherche Bay. Inside Maatsuyker Island to Port Davey up to Melaleuca Inlet.

The next leg is up to Macquarie Harbour to Strahan then up the Gordon River St Johns Falls.

For those looking for a shorter trip home you will go straight to Macquarie Harbour

If you would like to join the cruise please send your phone number to Matt Fahey on 0457 797 675