Fair Dinkum Sailing Around Australia

Inspect, Repair & Recommence

2010-05-18T09:20:00.030+10:00

Jen & I inspected Fair Dinkum in Broome last week. The boat has opened up quite badly below the water line along with the rudder. Have take the broken bleed screw & hosing off the diesel and had them repaired in Melbourne. Re-fitted the repaired bow roller and fitted repair kit to the toilet. The outboard motor is currently being serviced by Kingswood Marine.

The intention is to arrive in Broome 23rd May and set about re-cauking the hull below the waterline. Prime then anit-foul the boat.
I plan to set off from Broome early to mid June for Fremantle and see how I go.

CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR CREW.

Captains Log - October 09

2009-10-20T09:27:00.013+11:00

Fair Dinkum is now firmly on the hard at Port Of Broome slipway.

CURRENT POSITION

After leaving Darwin our cameo crew member (Reece Mabbit) was incapacitated for 4 days +. Along with this, the currents and nose winds made the going very tough, especially for two. The currents were that bad in places it was hard to make any headway at all. On one occasion, even with full sails and motor on, only 14 miles was made in 15 hours. With the cyclone season coming in, and plenty of advise on conditions from the locals, it soon became evident to me that task at hand may be too big a job for just two. The decision was made to remove the boat from the water until sailing conditions improve.

Removing Fair Dinkum from the water was harder than one would think.

Firstly, in Broome, there is no slipway as we know it. Instead they have a big ramp into Robuck Bay and when the tide goes out they put a jinker (specialy built trailer of various capacities and owners) in with a tractor. When the 7 - 10 metre tide comes in, you put your boat on it and then they pull you out with a grader or tractor. Then your boat is lifted out of the jinker with a crane. Very expensive and very difficult to get a jinker & tractor organised (see sponsors on official website).

We will keep you all posted on the planned completion of the journey.

As a matter of interest, so far we have completed 4600 nautical miles or 8500 kilometres which is 1/5 of the way around the world and raised $7,345.00 for The Stroke Foundation (donate here).

Don't forget to tune into 'Macca's' show 'Australia All Over' on a Sunday morning where he will be doing regular updates on Fair Dinkum. The word is Macca is even considering getting on board for a leg of the trip as a celebrity crew member.

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (12th Edition)

2009-09-29T08:16:00.007+10:00

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (12th Edition)

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’

CURRENT POSITION

AT LAST………….DAR…WIN’D! ….‘the top END’ and onwards to BROOME, W.A.

Big apologies from the Blog Editor for the delay in catching up with ‘Fair Dinkum’ – it’s a shocking life when work rules the days! I shall endeavour to keep everyone updated each fortnight and better informed over the coming months. Internet coverage probably will not be that good, but hopefully the phone calls will keep us all up to date with Fair Dinkum’s continuing adventures.

The Skipper and crew arrived in Darwin, much to their relief and are now well on their way towards Broome W.A. with a change of crew aboard. Out new crew member is Reese Mabbett and Dallas Smith has left the trip to return to Melbourne. With 35 deg up here the boat is now much hotter. The coming weeks bring promise of magnificent country and boomer tides.

The editor caught up with Jen (the skipper’s long suffering wife) for lunch a few weeks ago. Jen is keeping the home fires burning – with assistance from her pooch ‘Archie’. I have the feeling that Archie rules the house and the skipper may have some competition when he returns!

Jen has been a fabulous supporter to Gerry in the realisation of his dream and I admire them both enourmously. Not an all weather sailor, Jen has her priorities right and is staying in Melbourne to ensure her beloved ‘SAINTS’ (St Kilda Football Club for those who don’t know what Aussie Rules Footy is) go on to glory to win the Grand Final at the MCG next week…..go Jen!

Following is a catch up on Fair Dinkums sail ‘across the top end’

The south-easterly trade winds were unrelenting for the trip across the top, exceeding 30 knots at times and blowing night and day. After rounding the most southern, eastern and northern points of mainland Australia we spent the day at Seisia on the western tip of Cape York provisioning the boat for crossing the Gulf and onto Darwin.

The Gulf crossing was 340 nautical miles. From Gove to Darwin took about 14 days.

On Sunday morning mid August we issued a Pan Pan in the early hours as the boat was taking water after hitting a submerged object (unknown). We were 100 nautical miles into the Gulf and received no immediate reply. A response was finally received from Coast Watch Adelaide. They notified Central Marine Rescue in Canberra of our circumstance, and monitored our progress. All on board packed a small bag containing personal effects in case the pumps could not manage the water and we needed to take to the life raft. The leak did not worsen and we slipped the boat in Darwin.

We continued on through he Gugari Rip, affectionately known as ‘Hole In The Wall’. The shortcut through the 'Hole' saves 35 n. miles on the trip to Darwin, but can be 'exhilarating.' It is the boating equivalent to threading the eye of a needle.

Most of the land between Gove and Darwin is Aboriginal land. We didn't have landing permits and therefore were not able to put a foot a shore. The skipper installed an extra bilge pump today also. Fair Dinkum arrived at the Hole In The Wall 10 minutes before the Young Endeavour; she made a grand sight coming through under sail.

27/8/2009 Fair Dinkum came through the night encountering the dreamtime, swirling whirlpools and a warship ghosting by. At first light we saw a distant; it was another 6 hours of frustration to get to anchor. Fair Dinkum entered Cullen Bay Marina through a lock system. This is one of the few places in Australia that has a Lockmaster! This was also the first time since we left Cooktown, over a month ago, that we could step off the boat onto 'dry land'.

Words from Gerr..ard the Gent.

“It has taken 2O YEARS to make Gerr…ard the Gent admit that he has experienced his worst ever night a sea.” 19/8/09 The skipper ranked last night as his worst night at anchor for the whole trip; the yacht pitched and rolled all night.

Quote of the Week is from Isak Dinesen–

"The cure for anything is saltwater – sweat, tears, or the sea."

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Fair Dinkum - Back On The Move!

2009-09-11T09:43:00.003+10:00

After some well earned rest and some fleeting repairs on the vessel, Fair Dinkum and crew will shortly be on the move. Next leg will see the guys moving from Darwin to Broome. Cast off will be Monday 14th September..

Leaving the crew is Dallas Smith - thanks for your efforts Dallas!! Taking his place is Reese Mabbett - happy sailing Reese.

Stayed tuned for more updates and the latest photo gallery!

Fair Dinkum Reaches Darwin

2009-08-27T07:57:00.002+10:00

The crew has reached Darwin and are enjoying some well earned respite for the next week or so.

Stay tuned for more updates!!

LATEST GALLERY - FAR NORTH

2009-08-18T10:17:00.005+10:00

Stay tuned for the latest blog.. coming soon.

Fair Dinkum is currently rounding the top end. Check out their current location here.

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (11th Edition)

2009-08-11T10:18:00.008+10:00

Thursday, August 6th, 2009
Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’

CURRENT POSITION

The Skipper and crew are now preparing to make a left turn at the top of Australia to head to Darwin.

They will probably not be in such constant contact with us for a few weeks, so we are preparing to do a few interviews with people that will give you some insight into our intrepid skipper and his crew. It is taking a little longer than expected to catch up with people, so please be patient with us!
The guys are experiencing great sailing and overnight anchorages, but are now in the more remote areas.

Words from Gerr..ard the Gent.

“Gerr…ard the Gent is no experienced fisherman….he managed t

o snare his own hands with fish hooks, instead of the fish! This resulted in being able to

extract one hook, but he had to make and painful trip to Cooktown to get the

2nd one taken out! The skipper had some choice words for this episode.”

NO DOUBT HE HAS BEEN BANNED FROM GOING ANYWHERE NEAR FISHING LINES AND HOOKS FOR THE REST OF THE TRIP!

Quote of the Week is from the Religion of a Sailor by Antoine de Saint Exupery –
“If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea..."

watch for MORE NEWS as it comes in from the FAR NORTH….

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Update

2009-08-04T15:03:00.002+10:00

The crew is currently out of contact..

Stay tuned for more updates when they hit some mobile range!!

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (10th Edition)

2009-07-21T12:14:00.008+10:00

TOWNSVILLE - CAIRNS

CURRENT POSITION

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’

Townsville – Dunk Island - Cairns – Cape Tribulation - Queensland.

The Skipper celebrated his 64th at last!!!! BIRTHDAY IN CAIRNS – now truly and ‘old salt’.

Special Announcement: Exciting news about ‘Cameo Crew’ guests on ‘Fair Dinkum’ Jodi Ryan & Aaron Neary. Aaron managed to achieve the ultimate surprise for ‘Jodi’ with a 16mtr. deepwater proposal off Hamilton Island (the ultimate private affair)…this news via a very excited ‘Gerrard the Gent’. ….Jodi left her cameras in Melbourne – so we are waiting for the ‘disposable camera’ shots.

-CONGRATULATIONS FROM US ALL TO JODI & AARON-

Skipper and crew have experienced some swift sailing up the coast of Queensland to Cairns, passing through many anchorages.
The skipper had a meeting in Townsville with ‘Macca’ who continues to give great support via his radio program and there is continuing support from local radio, tv, and other media.
‘Fair Dinkum’ continues to experience great support for fundraising and has experienced generosity from many. The Barracuda Bar in Airlie Beach during a Sunday arvo jam session.

Dallas rejoined ‘Fair Dinkum’ in Cairns and is working hard onboard again.

Words from Gerr..ard the Gent.
“Did you know that our crewman Rob during one of his physical challenges around Australia as the ‘Desert Sailor’, ran via road from Melbourne to Cairns three years ago. The most extraordinary thing is that Rob managed to do this in 3 months, IT HAS TAKEN ‘Fair Dinkum’ 4 MONTHS TO ACHIEVE THE SAME, VIA SEA.”

Quote of the Week is an old Norwegian addage –
" There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes."

Next Blog will have a special interview section with a very special person….watch for it….

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THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (9th Edition)

2009-07-07T10:28:00.009+10:00

Saturday, July 5th, 2009

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’ - Mackay - Queensland.

The skipper and crew are getting in some fair sailing and fair winds as they make great progress up the Queensland coast.

We found the skipper doing some maintenance on the dinghy this week, so he is still hard at work as they prepare to set sail for Brampton Island and Airlie Beach. We hope for good news Tuesday/Wednesday.

Essential gear for getting around mangroves in Queensland – a good light set of rubber boots!

There have been some more radio interviews and an interview on Channel 9 WIN.

Dallas is going to have a well earned break when the relief crew arrive at Airlie Beach/Hamilton Island, and he will rejoin ‘Fair Dinkum’ in Cairns.

Words from Gerr..ard the Gent.
“Fixing the chart plotter to assist with shipping identification really got a work out going into Mackay…..upwards of 50 vessels ‘appeared’ – the fishing fleet hard at work no doubt. Just when you really need it to work…the sheer number of vessels caused it to go into temporary confusion and…..SHUT DOWN. A few very anxious moments in the dark, then breathed a sigh of relief….this was fortunately only a temporary hiccup and she came back up again and worked.”
Quote of the Week is from Joshua Slocum –
"The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails."

Hope the Cameo Crew Guests have booked their air tickets….soon to board ‘Fair Dinkum’ Jodie Ryan & Aaron Neary.

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MEDIA ALERT

2009-06-30T10:48:00.002+10:00

Watch out for a report on the crew during WIN'S News Bulletin tonight!!

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (8th Edition)

2009-06-30T10:33:00.012+10:00

CURRENT POSITION

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’:
Mooloolaba – Tin Can Bay – Bundaberg, Queensland.

Fair Dinkum and crew are progressing at a great rate up the Queensland coast.
They have proceeded north from Mooloolaba and anchored overnight at Double Island Point, then crossed the Wide Bay bar and into Tin Can Bay, staying 2 nights. Gerry reported seeing and feeding the fresh water dolphins at Tin Can Bay. This particular pod of special dolphins, currently numbering 32, are the only other freshwater dolphins found in the world apart from those in the Amazon River – so they are pretty special.

Fair Dinkum then traversed the inside passage from Tin Can Bay to Gladstone & Bundaberg. The guys have encountered good weather so they have taken this window of opportunity to head north to the tropics. Next port of call will be the Great Keppels on route to Hamilton Island.

The skipper reports that the ships radio now easily monitors other shipping. The Queensland coast is known for quite large fishing fleets, defence activity and of course is a busy area for ships who come across the top of Australia from Asia to deliver cargoes to Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne. It’s only 20mins from horizon to a passing vessel, so keen eyes and ears are essential.

Words from Gerr..ard the Gent.
Has ‘Gerr..ard the Gent’ found his best place on the yacht? Rumour has it that lying in the furled sails in the warm sun is becoming a daily routine! Jen and Jodi have their doubts though, as we all know, THE MAN has to have his finger on the pulse 24/7.”

Quote of the Week is from Mark Twain –
"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the things you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

First Cameo Crew Guests soon to board ‘Fair Dinkum’
The blogging editor and also the website manager are pretty sure that you wouldn’t lose your money if you guessed that the first guest crew members will be Jodi Ryan & Aaron Neary. They hope to join Fair Dinkum at Hamilton Island and enjoy some diving experiences.
Then the photos will tell some tales, once Jodi is the photographer!

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Current Position Update

2009-06-19T13:28:00.005+10:00

CURRENT POSITION -

Fair Dinkum will be moving around these locations over the weekend -

Double Island Point. Then Tin Can Bay. Then Harvey bay all very quickly.

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (7th Edition)

2009-06-16T07:51:00.012+10:00

VIEW CURRENT LOCATION

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’
Southport – Mooloolaba, Queensland.
The guys had a great sail up the inside passage from Southport to overnight anchorage in the Karragarra Passage just off Lamb Island in the southern part of Moreton Bay.

They ventured further north, bumping over some ‘shifting sands’ in some of the marked channels after the very heavy rains over the last months. They made the shipping channel and headed north past Moreton Island and onwards to Mooloolaba.

Fair Dinkum & Crew have done interviews on Channel 7 – Sunshine Coast and with the Sunshine Coast Bulletin…..getting the message out there regarding the important work that is done by the Stroke Foundation. This communication is a very important part of reaching as many people as possible to raise community awareness regarding the effects of stroke on individuals, families and the community at large.

The skipper has also been doing some ‘adjustments’ to the ships radio so that it will be easier to monitor other shipping in ‘Fair Dinkums’ vicinity when at sea.

Words from Gerr..ard the Gent.

“Dallas and I were invited to attend the Southern Solicitors Convention Cocktail Party and Dinner whilst we were moored in Southport. A great site we were too…. Everyone in their dinner suits and black ties…and the two of us in typical sailors gear … jeans and T-shirts! We spoke to the guest and these great people raised a large amount of money to assist the Stroke Foundation. Not content to stop there they are going to organise an auction on their return to Melbourne for a Port Phillip Bay day trip on Fair Dinkum upon her return, very generously helping us to continue raising community awareness and assisting the achievement of our fundraising target. Great effort.”

Quote of the Week is from Dennis Connor –

‘Sailing is just the bottom line, like adding up the score in bridge. My real interest is in the tremendous game of life’.

First Cameo Crew Guests soon to board ‘Fair Dinkum’

With us heading off to Tin Can Bay next on our way to Gladstone, we are planning to have our first Guest Crew board ‘Fair Dinkum’ once we are a little further north.

Who do you think the first guest crew members will be?

Take a look around the website and see if you can find any clues……..

CAPTAINS LOG - Edition 2

2009-06-12T13:35:00.003+10:00

BIG THANKS to Daryl & Lee for towing Fair Dinkum out of trouble - Much appreciated!

LATEST GALLERY - COFFS HARBOUR TO SOUTHPORT

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (6th Edition)

2009-06-09T08:49:00.015+10:00

CURRENT LOCATION

LATEST GALLERY (PORT MACQUARIE TO COFFS HARBOUR)

2 months after departing Melbourne ‘Fair Finkum’ has now crossed the border into northern waters.

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The skipper and crew continue to meet people who are supporting ‘Fair Dinkum’s fundraising with great generosity……our sincere thanks to all those who have supported and donated.

SPECIAL THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS to people for their generosity

‘MACCA’ for his continuing support via radio interviews at various ‘ports of call’

David, Manager of the Port Macquarie Marina

Scampi’s Seafood Restaurant

Elise & staff at Coffs Harbour Marina

Our waitress at ‘Wild Harbour Seafood Restaurant’ for her donation

Elaine & Mike for their generosity – inviting us to a BBQ at their home

Coffs Harbour Marina

Southport Marina & Yacht Club

Coffs Harbour – NSW to Southport - Queensland.

Our trip to Coffs Harbour was a little exciting to say the least! We punched a 3 knot tide all the way from Port Macquarie to Trial Bay with the diesel running at 1500 – 2500. It was dark when we arrived in Trial Bay with the Young Endeavour also anchored there…no doubt their crew were also learning what rough, wet weather sailing is all about.

The skipper decided the diesel wasn’t getting enough fuel, so made a few adjustments! We left early the next morning for Coffs Harbour and had a great 4 hours sail. The skipper eventually discovered that blocked fuel filters were the problem (apart from the tide) and he now has a log note to change them every 4 weeks.

‘Fair Dinkum’ bounced across the sand getting into the marina.

Records rains and floods…..more of that water we thought we had left behind, and the storms were ‘eventful’. If you would like to see just what they looked like connect with the videos posted on the ABC site at -

http://contribute.abc.net.au/_Coffs-Harbour-marina-in-storm-may-2009/video/662000/32422.html?b

Another ‘Gem’ from Gerr..ard the Gent.

‘Six metre waves broke boat moorings and crashed into the northern break wall. The concrete blocks you see in the video above are 10-12 ton and 10 of them were picked up and dumped over the wall into the marina. 2 marina fingers were also severely damaged and broken. The video on the ABC site doesn’t do justice to the power of the sea that day’…we were at least on the right side of the wall!’.

Quote of the Week is from Dom Degnon –

‘The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use.’

Did you know #6?

'Created to be the ideal safe haven, Coffs Harbour Marina has suffered from the direct onslaught of massive waves.' Coffs become the evacuation point for people in the region during huge rainfalls experienced in the region, as the Clarence River level rose to record levels, threatening houses and businesses in surrounding towns’.

Southport in the Broadwater - Queensland

Lat. 29deg 58" 32'South
Long. 153deg 25" 32'East

We had an overnighter from Coffs Harbour to Southport with very little visibility and rain. We came over the bar at Goldcoast Seaway into the inland waterway at daylight - masquerading as a ‘tonnage surfboard’. This bar is usually either ‘dead calm’ or ‘white knuckle stuff’ – depending on the weather.

Southport is considered the central business district of the Gold Coast and continues to experience massive growth which underpins the modernisation of this historically significant location.

Claiming its name from the fact it was the southern most port for the colony of Queensland, the beautiful parklands along the Broadwater providing visitors with great picnic areas and water-lined walkways. Being the largest expanse of calm water in Australia the area north to Brisbane is particularly popular for boating and other watersports.

Did you know #7?

From the Gold Coast hinterland the Nerang River snakes its way eastwards to a point just behind the ocean then winds northwards, following the coastline until it reaches that body of water known as The Broadwater. Just south of The Broadwater, and on either side of the river (an area now full of artificial canal developments), is that portion of land known as Surfers Paradise.

The history of Surfers Paradise is fascinating. It seems that the pre-colonial occupants - the Banjalang people - knew of the delights of the area long before Europeans arrived. The area around Surfers (as it is commonly known) was renowned for its excellent fishing grounds.

The coastline here was traversed by Captain Cook in 1770, by John Oxley in 1799 and 1802, and the opening of The Broadwater was noted in 1822 by John Bringle. White settlement of the area commenced with timber-getters in the 1840s and agriculture in the 1860s. The American Civil War created opportunities for cotton-growing at that time, though sugar was being grown by the late 1870s. The district was surveyed in 1869 and Southport was established in 1874.

The Southport Hotel was built in 1876 and traffic increased when a ferry service across the Nerang River was established that same year. Cobb & Co coaches started offering a service to and from Brisbane in the mid-1870s. T he pier, now long departed, was constructed in 1880 and the area known as Main Beach (where the Sheraton Mirage is located) was sold in 1885. The railway arrived in 1889 and a coastal road was completed in 1923. The development of the area since World War I has been continuous.

The origins of the modern town really date to 1923 when James Cavill paid £40 for a block of land and proceeded to build his famous Surfers Paradise Hotel. Two years later the bridge across the Nerang River was built, improving access to the hotel which boasted a small zoo and excellent gardens. During World War II the hotel was used by convalescing soldiers, some of whom later returned with their wives and families to enjoy the beach and the excellent climate.

The great change in the area occurred in the 1950s. Today the beachfront for most of the Gold Coast (and Surfers is now a suburb of the larger city) is just endless rows of high-rise development, all catering for the tourism which occurs on the coast throughout the year. All the buildings, many 20 or 30 storeys high, are cheek-by-jowl with the beach.

No one ever seems to have taken into account the inevitable victory of the sea. All that is required is a couple of really savage cyclones to drift too far south and to lash the coast with huge seas and torrential rains for a few weeks and there will be disasters of major proportions in this area which is built too close to the beach. In any contest between man and the sea, the sea will always win.

Captains Log - Edition 1

2009-06-05T12:25:00.011+10:00

CURRENT LOCATION

Special thanks to Bernie from B & M Mechanical for their excellent service in little notice when all others let us down..... GOOD ONE BERNIE Mob:0408554579 Ph:0266557771.

LATEST GALLERY (PORT MACQUARIE TO COFFS HARBOUR)

2009-05-25T08:14:00.022+10:00

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (5th Edition)

CURRENT POSITION

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’
Port Stephens & Port Macquarie - NSW.

Phone calls have ‘Fair Dinkum’ in/out of Port Stephens and now ‘hove to’ at Port Macquarie with the Hastings River running at a great rate of knots after the recent torrential rains in northern NSW and S of Brisbane.

Skipper and crew left Newcastle on Thursday 14th May, and sailed north looking forward to some fine weather …. looks like we have some more WET WEATHER ahead!! Just when we thought the sun was going to shine.

Whilst the guys were in Port Stephens they were at one of the local clubs one evening enjoying some music and the band gave them a big wrap to the locals from the stage. Some members of the Ulysses Club were also enjoying the entertainment that night, and after the guys left one of the members took up a ‘bucket collection’….delivering the most generous donations personally to ‘Fair Dinkum’ the next morning
…….people we are meeting at each port of call are supporting ‘Fair Dinkum’s fundraising with great generosity……
Our sincere thanks to all those who donated in Port Stephens……and to the Ulysses Club members for ‘delivering the donations’.

Did you know #4?
1770 - Port Stephens was named by Captain Cook in 1770 after Sir Phillip Stephens, Secretary of the Admiralty. Port Stephens, less than three hours drive from Sydney and forty minutes from Newcastle, is a major coastal recreational and holiday centre.

Many find Port Macquarie to be a perfect stopover for trips between Brisbane and Sydney (407 km north-east). Port Macquarie has fantastic beaches and extensive waterways that make up the Hastings River - offering great fishing.
We have had some more radio interviews and met some great people. We’ve also informed the Blog editing team that all three of us do not share the skill to type reports, so we are transferring our reports to them by phone --- just like all ocean going executives do! All sounds a bit suss to me….a ‘Gerr..ard the Gent’ excuse I’m sure.

We have to send a SPECIAL HELLO to the cabbie who dropped us back at ‘Fair Dinkum’ after we had been to town to satisfy a craving for a great Indian meal. He donated the cab fare to our fundraising……….our ‘Thanks’ to a great guy.

Another ‘Gem’ from Gerr..ard the Gent.
‘We had another “sideways slip” into our raft-up berth on arriving in Port Macquarie….that wind can blow just when you least expect it! Complete 360 and wouldn’t you k
now it, even though we were facing totally the opposite way to that which we had attempted…we slipped in perfectly....THE RIGHT WAY ROUND. No thanks to Skipper and Crew!

Did you know #5?
Port Macquarie was named after Lachlan Macquarie, the governor of NSW. Prior to European settlement, the area is thought to have been occupied by the Kattang Aborigines. Captain Cook sailed past this section of the coast in 1770, as did Matthew Flinders in 1802. However, the first to investigate the Hastings River Valley was John Oxley who followed the Hastings River during an overland trek from the Tamworth district in 1818.

Three ships set sail with 44 military personnel and 60 convicts who were chosen for their skills and good behaviour, and encouraged with the possibility of conditional pardons or tickets-of-leave after 18 months. A penal settlement was established in 1821 under Captain Francis Allman. The convicts were set to work clearing what is now the CBD of thick bush (mostly tea-tree and banksia) and substantial trees. One of the first buildings - the garrison hospital - still stands today. At this time, Port Macquarie was the most northerly settlement in the Australian colony.

Quote of the Week is from Donald Hamilton –
‘Being hove to in a long gale is the most boring way of being terrified I know.’

2009-05-13T20:51:00.019+10:00

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (4th Edition)

Ulladulla - Wollongong - Broken Bay - Newcastle

CURRENT POSITION

If you are reading this Blog…..spread the word to everyone…send this Blog address to all your friends and work colleagues, and get them to follow ‘Fair Dinkums’ adventures around Australia.

Many generous sponsors have been encountered by ‘Fairdinkum’ along the way so far – our very special thanks to:

Paul at Newcastle Yacht Club (NCYC)

Michael Smyth, Manager New Castle Yacht Club (NCYC)

Natasha at NBN9 Newcastle,

John (Harbour Master) Eden,

Bermagui Fishermans Co Op,

Craig Turnball for making our sign in Eden,

Teter Moxham

John & Carol Stapleton, Ulladulla Fishermans Co Op

and especially Karen - General Manager of Royal Motor Yacht Club, Broken Bay

OnBoard 'Fair Dinkum' - Ulladulla - Wollongong - Broken Bay - Newcastle

Phone calls from ‘Fair Dinkum’ from all ports of call have the guys really spinning along up the NSW Coast, having settled in very well to the routines and rigours of ‘sailing’ & ‘eating’. They have also left a lot of the cold and wet weather behind them…they had more very wet weather around Jervis Bay with all of them becoming very wet and uncomfortable….however with warmer weather they have made great time through to Newcastle.

Next port of call at Wollongong revealed beautiful landscape from all directions. The area around Wollongong is known as Illawarra with the hilly Illawarra Escarpment making a perfect backdrop to the city and the Illawarra Lake to the south. North along the coast is Flagstaff Point, with its distinctive lighthouse and outlook over Boat Harbour, which was carved out of rock by convicts and completed in 1868. Much change has taken place in Wollongong in the recent past - once perhaps unjustly regarded as just a steel making and coal mining town, it has a rich and diverse cultural scene, natural beauty and many things to see and do.

The Royal Motor Yacht Squadron was home for a few days in Pittwater and in Newcastle ‘Fair Dinkum’ is moored in the heart of Newcastle Harbour.

In Newcastle the press finally caught up with the ‘slippery sailors’ who have had interviews on radio, been filmed by NBN9 for their news service, and were going to have pics taken for the local paper.

This is great news as the message will get out about the very important reason for this voyage…to help raise much need funds for the Stroke Foundation of Australia.

The capital of the Hunter Region, Newcastle is a modern beachside city boasting a spectacular coastline, rich Aboriginal and European heritage and a pleasant climate.

The City of Newcastle possesses some of Australia’s best beaches and these provide an array of recreational opportunities. Newcastle is built around a large working harbour. The adjacent Harbour Foreshore has undergone stunning changes in recent years and is now a focal point for recreation in the Hunter. Newcastle is home to some fine entertainment venues, where you can see the very best of local, national and international performers. The range of home-grown talent is truly amazing. Newcastle's reputation as a leading source of young musical talent in Australia continues to grow with the local music scene generating a great deal of interest.

Silverchair’s remarkable rise to fame has undoubtedly contributed to the large number of emerging young bands, all hoping to emulate Silverchair's astonishing success. Groups such as Supersonic, Muzzy Pep and Enertia are just some of the upcoming young bands currently enjoying a wave of popularity on the music scene.

But Newcastle offers lots more to visitors….the list goes on and on…..so, take time to visit for yourself.

We leave Newcastle on Thursday to sail north to Port Stephens….

Another ‘Gem’ from Gerr..ard the Gent.

‘Dallas seems to have finally gathered his fishing skills and has been providing the galley with some sumptuous ingredients….unfortunately I have had to play chef, as well as skipper!......again G…the Gent is winning over the hearts of yachties and landlubbers alike with his culinary skills…modest chap…your skipper !!! The pics prove that ‘baked beans’ are now permanently off the shipboard menu.’

Did you know #3?

Ulladulla's lighthouse is part of a network of navigational aids maintained around Australia's 20,000 kilometre coastline for the safety of ships and other crafts. The iron lighthouse was built in 1871 and was originally located at the entrance to Ulladulla harbour. The first Lighthouse keeper was William Gambell, an ex-sea captain who lived with his wife and family in a slab house on the beach. The lighthouse was re-erected to Ulladulla's south headland - Warden's Head in 1889.

It was designed in the Colonial Architect's Office by Edward Moriarty in the same style as the Wollongong Breakwater Light. It is one of only 2 lighthouses in New South Wales made from wrought iron plates.

At Wardens Head the lighthouse first had a fixed light of 800 candles operating. In 1920 the original oil lamp was replaced with a flashing light powered by acetylene gas for automatic operation and the station was demanned. The next conversion was to to electricity in 1964. The light is now battery operated and float charged from 240v mains supply.

Current operational Data.
Character : Group flashing 2 every 10 seconds.
Intensity: 28,000 candelas. Range: 17 nautical miles.
Elevation of Lighthouse: 34 metres.

Quote of the Week is spoken by Ratty to Mole in Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) –

"There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not."

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (3rd Edition)

2009-04-28T09:10:00.012+10:00

Onboard Fair Dinkum – Bass Strait (Gabo Island) to Bermegui & beyond, NSW.

Brief phone call from ‘Fair Dinkum’ today about 20nm from Bermegui, at anchor off W…….Island tonight (Monday) and making a dash for port before the bad weather everyone has been experiencing in Melbourne hits us tomorrow……more next time.

Another ‘Gem’ from Gerr..ard the Gent.

‘Coming out of the slush of Gabo we had 15-20knots on the nose and 3-4mtr seas. It took us 9 hours to do 40nm, motor sailing……topped off by copping a side wave when crossing the bar into Bermagui.....we were three very wet and sodden sailors rafting up to one of the trawlers in the harbor. Yes you guessed it…the sun came out once we were squared away!’

BERMAGUI, NSW (pop. 1500) is a fishing village and angling resort.

Scenically impressive are its backdrop of hills (Mount Dromedary) and its rugged coast. Bermagui has long been a fishermen’s paradise, and in the 1930’s became known internationally after much publicity by the American sportsman and famous western novelist, Zane Grey.

The town is surrounded by secluded surf beaches, estuaries, wetlands and coastal lagoons, with Mount Dromedary watching over the scene. The continental shelf is at its closest point to the mainland of Australia at Bermagui and many charter boats operate deep sea, dive and game fishing trips where black marlin and a chase of yellow fin tuna are regular events.

EDEN, N.S.W. Latitude 37° 04.5 S; Longitude 149° 56.5 E.

Entrance depth into bay is 36 metres. Width of bay is 5 km wide. Bottom sand. MHWS 1.6m. MLWS 0.3m. The excellent natural harbor is on Twofold Bay. Eden (pop. 3270), is now the most important fishing port on the south coast.

Did you know #3?

The Port of Eden is the most southern declared Port in NSW, and services the south coast of NSW, and it is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in NSW. This is one of the few places in the world that Humpback Whales feed on their migratory route. The waters are rich with krill and the whales quite often stop and feed. The fact that so many species of whales can be seen in these waters and that they travel close to shores makes Eden an ideal place for whale watching.

There is a multi-purpose wharf that has a length of 200 metres that is shared with the Department of Defence. Since its completion, it has handled not only Warship visits, but Logging and Cruise Ships.

GABO ISLAND light seemed to be with us for ever. As the swell rose and the confusion of the opposing wave forms grew, we were looking forward to just “heading north”. Green Point lighthouse came into view and our goal seemed to be within sight. The opposing tidal flow in this area had us going backwards at times, even though we were motor-sailing at 6.5kts. We eventually rounded Red Point and into Eden’s Twofold Bay. It was grand entrance.

Quote of the Week is from William Arthur Ward –

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails”.

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (2nd Edition)

2009-04-20T13:56:00.002+10:00

VIEW CURRENT POSITION

Onboard Fair Dinkum – Bass Strait
Position: 38.13 049 South / 148.41 777 East Middle of the Bass Strait Oil Rigs

TO REFUGE COVE: The gale force winds & rain that hit Melbourne early morning last Tuesday chased Fair Dinkum all the way to Refuge Cove on Wilson’s Promotory – both Fair Dinkum and crew have been hiding at Refuge Cover until setting sail again early this morning to cross the paddock to Gabo Island and then head north along the east coast to Eden.

Did you know #1?
The jutting spur of Wilsons Promontory is a fragment of a former land bridge that once connected the Australian mainland to Tasmania, across the Bass Strait.
Sailing around the bottom of Wilson’s Promontory was a great experience, with the enormous rock formations visible many miles away. One huge monolith called Skull Rock (Cleft Island) stands out like a beacon for miles, and the incredible South East Point lighthouse perched precariously on a rocky outcrop is an awesome sight!

Refuge Cove is exactly that! It is a safe haven after leaving Melbourne to ‘get a shake down’ before heading across the last of Bass Strait to Gabo Island. And ‘shake down’ is the mild version of what happened when Fair Dinkum dragged anchor.

Skipper to crew “We best get the anchor up and reset” – much activity by all to get the anchor up – Skipper reverses to reposition – “What the ##**!! IS THAT” – whoops, forgot the dinghy was tied to the stern!! Fair Dinkum gets blasted sideways, the dinghy rope goes around the prop, and a huge gust of wind lays Fair Dinkum’s mast towards the ocean – the CHAOS THEORY kicks in for several minutes until she rights herself and the anchor is hastily dropped again. Skipper thinks “Must make an effort to remember that the dinghy has left the deck, and is astern”. Crew think “why the ##**!! did he go astern without bringing the dinghy alongside”.

Dallas decided to ‘cool off’ and dived into the freezing waters to save the day, cutting the rope to free the propellor.

The steep bush-clad hills that surround Refuge Cove offer a brief respite. It’s marvellous what a couple of days rest can do for sailors. You soon forget. Refuge Cove is one of those special spots in the south of Australia that has particular significance for those that choose to travel by sea.

Looking down from the cliffs at the tiny bay dwarfed by the grandeur all around seemed to make the trouble and discomfort of our first day all worth it. But….”The road to success has many tempting parking places” and the east coast is our next milestone, so Refuge Cove was left behind.

TO EDEN: From Refuge Cove, Eden is 225nm, or 42 hours to the north east. This part of our circumnavigation marks the end of Bass Strait and is a major milestone. At daybreak we hoisted sails to a Southwester and slipped out of Refuge Cove. About midday the first of the oil drilling platforms appeared and throughout the next couple of hours we found ourselves tracking through eight of them. They made the day pass quickly while on watch, having something to focus on and knowing that major shipping does not come this way.

Large groups of fur seals seemed to gather every few miles for aerobics classes, weight watchers, country womens institute, bridge club and general AGM’s. It was obvious from their configuration and activity (or lack of it), what group they belonged to. Bridge Clubs seemed to be the most popular, with seals seemingly quite happy to show their “cards” above the water, to all and sundry.
As darkness falls tonight Gabo Island will still be a good way off, but with luck we will get through the confusion of the opposing wave forms that will confront Fair Dinkum there. The opposing tidal flow in this area can slow the progress of passage considerably, even if we choose to motor sail.
We hope to be in Eden within 2 days if the weather remains reasonably stable.

Did you know #2?
Many visitors to the pristine Wilsons Promontory National Park today would be surprised at Refuge Cove’s dark past as a whaling station and Granite Quarry.

1798
George Bass and a crew of six travel in an open whaleboat from Port Jackson (Sydney) to try and establish whether a Strait exists between NSW and Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). Due to poor navigation equipment he initially mistakes the Prom for the Furneaux Islands (Flinders Island) and sets out to sea, presuming Van Diemens Land to be close. When their boat starts to leak they head back stopping at Great Glennie Island lured there by a plume of smoke. To their great surprise they find seven half starved convicts who they help upon their return from Western Port. They take two onboard for the return journey and help the remaining five to the mainland where they share their meagre rations; they are never heard from again. Poor weather kept them in the area for another 15 days during which they explored Sealers Cove, Seal Island and Corner Inlet. Later upon the suggestions of Bass and Flinders, Governor Hunter names the Prom after their friend, Thomas Wilson, a London trader who had recommended Matthew Flinders to the Governor.

1799
Captain Charles Bishop (who later became a business partner of Bass and after whom Mt Bishop is named) accompanies Bass and Flinders on the first part of their circumnavigation of Tasmania (confirming the existence of Bass Strait) and commences sealing. Less than two months later he returned to Sydney with 5,200 pelts and 300 gallons of Seal oil.

1800-06
Up to 200 colonial and foreign operators harvest seals in Bass Strait landing over 100,000 skins in Sydney. This decimated the population to such an extent that it became unprofitable upon which Whaling and Mutton birding took over. Refuge Cove, Home Cove and Rabbit Island are used as bases with the slaughter being great enough to run their waters red. Today, over 200 years later seal numbers are estimated to have recovered to about 30,000.

1841
A whaling station is established at Lady’s Bay (now Refuge Cove). Whales hunted out by 1847, local timber used to boil down the blubber.

1859-60
Crushed granite quarried from Refuge Cove for Port Albert road making.

1880’s
Crushed granite quarried from Refuge Cove for the new entrance to the Gippsland Lakes.

The old granite quarry

1905
Wilsons Promontory National Park is created becoming Victoria’s second National Park, 30,350ha are permanently reserved. The land however is still subject to the mining laws and the timber was under the control of the forestry department. Many areas are also excluded, including Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay, Oberon Bay, Mt Singapore, South-east Point and a half mile wide strip of coastline. Existing grazing leases are used to fund the management of the park.

1969
Yanakie Run, Refuge Cove and Great Glennie Island, Dannevig Island, McHugh Island, Ramsbotham Rocks and Rabbit Rocks added to the Park (park now 50,460ha).

2007
Refuge Cove added to the Victorian Heritage Register (due to its whaling past).

2009
The devastating ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires destroy large areas of bushland within the Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Gerry, Rob & Dallas

Don’t forget to share this Blog’s address with your friends and work mates around Australia, do your part to help promote the fundraising purpose of the Fair Dinkum’s voyage….helping others by raising money for the Stroke Foundation.

Quote of the Week is from William Falconer –
‘The effect of sailing is produced by a judicious arrangement of the sails to the direction of the wind.’

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND

2009-04-15T09:26:00.000+10:00

VIEW CURRENT POSITION HERE

Good Friday, Easter 2009. Families and many friends gather at No2 Berth at Docklands to wish all crew and Fair Dinkum a safe & exciting voyage as she is about to leave on her adventures around Australia.

Fair Dinkum is well and truly ready for her adventures! On a foray below deck – that great feeling and familiar ‘yachting’ smell brings memories flooding back of the start of voyages gone before. Yachties know that familiar comfort well, along with the constant movement of the deck under their feet.

Young, and ‘not so young’, board for inspection under the watchful eyes of Gerry, Rob, and Dallas. Cameras are very busy as the Skipper, Navigator, and crew smile, knowing that it is time to leave.

The tensions accompany anticipation of a long voyage are there, and all have the ‘knot in the gut’ that goes with starting an adventure dreamed about for so long.

The weather pattern for the days ahead is great, there are still last minute things to go aboard, and the plan is to sail down to Blairgowrie early Saturday and overnight – sailing out through the heads on the ebb tide Sunday.

The sail down the bay on Saturday will get rid of the ‘knots’ for Skipper and crew and the run to Wilson Promontory and Refuge Cove will get the sea legs sorted.

The first days of a voyage will be taken up sorting chores and ‘personal’ spaces aboard…..all family and friends wish Fair Dinkum and her crew smooth sailing for anticipated adventures.

Don’t forget to check back with this Blog each week for updates to keep you informed about Fair Dinkum’s progress, the yacht’s log & position, the daily routines of Skipper & crew, (mis)adventures, and messages.

BON VOYAGE FROM MELBOURNE ……. WE ARE ON OUR WAY NORTH …

Gerry, Rob & Dallas

Don’t forget to share this Blog’s address with your friends and work mates around Australia, do your part to help promote the fundraising purpose of the Fair Dinkum’s voyage….helping others by raising money for the Stroke Foundation.

Quote of the Week is from Albert Einstein – ‘A human being is a part of the whole universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself as something separate. This delusion is a prison, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. To free ourselves from this we must widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures.’

Feet up at Geelong

2009-03-29T19:59:00.000+11:00

Fair Dinkum and the crew had a shakeout cruise to Geelong on the weekend. All went well.

Time is now on the wing. Hope to see you at the boat on Good Friday for a farewell drink.

Farewell BBQ - Friday 10th April 2009

2009-03-05T14:53:00.001+11:00

Don't forget Fair Dinkum's farewell BBQ at the Melbourne Docklands on Good Friday. 10th April 2009. BYO food, drink and partner. 12 o'clock start!!

(click map for larger image of boat location)

Maintenance Update

2009-03-02T11:28:00.000+11:00

- The main-sail is back on-board.

- The spray cloths have been made and fitted.

- The Dinghy is nearly ready.

- The navigator Rob is getting 'ofay' with the new equipment.

- New spreader light fitted.

- And Rob's book is ready to buy on-line.

Maintenance Update!

2009-02-18T12:57:00.000+11:00

Mainsail is at sail makers for new batten cars and new sail No. TSA 436.

A new dodger has been fitted and a new dinghy is under construction.

Rig has been tensioned up in readiness.

Watch this space......

Australia Day Working Bee.

2009-01-27T08:33:00.000+11:00

The boat's full complement, Gerry, Dal and Rob spent the weekend on board. Gerry's list of 'things to do' was reduced to 26.

Dal will require 8 inches surgically removed from each leg before he can earnestly call his bunk a bed.

Rob slept in his van, trying to pass it off as revisiting his Qld. run!

Although Gerry had moments of disapproval of the crew, these were short lived and considered the weekend a success.

Fair Dinkum Slipped

2009-01-22T11:35:00.000+11:00

Fair Dinkum has been slipped and made ready below her waterline.

The boat is back at Docklands. Gerry and the crew are working on, and slowly ticking off, the 32 items left on Gerry's list of 'things to do'.

There will be a farewell BBQ the day before departure, Good Friday, at the boat. BYO food and drink please. Donations will be gratefully received on the day. The boat can be a little hard to find; the boat's navigator gets lost every time! A map and / or instructions will be posted.

Rob's book Desert Sailor - A Journey of Endurance is with the printer and will be available shortly. The book is the memoirs of his running and sailing adventures. There is a chapter on the Bicentennial Tall Ships Race sailed on Gerry's boat, Avarest. A chapter also covers the 50th sailing of the Sydney to Hobart, sailed on the Fair Dinkum. These chapters could be well worth a read by anyone contemplating coming on board with Captain Gerry! For more information check out the official site - www.desertsailor.com.au

Gerry Announces Departure Date!

2009-01-15T14:43:00.001+11:00

Fair Dinkum will commence her fund raising voyage around Australia from Melbourne Docklands on Saturday 11th April 09. All supporters are invited & encouraged to attend. A departure time will be advised shortly.

Fair Dinkum Sailing Around Australia

Inspect, Repair & Recommence

Captains Log - October 09

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (12th Edition)

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (12th Edition)

Fair Dinkum - Back On The Move!

Fair Dinkum Reaches Darwin

LATEST GALLERY - FAR NORTH

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (11th Edition)

Update

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (10th Edition)

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (9th Edition)

Saturday, July 5th, 2009

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’ - Mackay - Queensland.

The skipper and crew are getting in some fair sailing and fair winds as they make great progress up the Queensland coast.

We found the skipper doing some maintenance on the dinghy this week, so he is still hard at work as they prepare to set sail for Brampton Island and Airlie Beach. We hope for good news Tuesday/Wednesday.

Essential gear for getting around mangroves in Queensland – a good light set of rubber boots!

There have been some more radio interviews and an interview on Channel 9 WIN.

Dallas is going to have a well earned break when the relief crew arrive at Airlie Beach/Hamilton Island, and he will rejoin ‘Fair Dinkum’ in Cairns.

MEDIA ALERT

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (8th Edition)

Current Position Update

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (7th Edition)

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’Southport – Mooloolaba, Queensland.The guys had a great sail up the inside passage from Southport to overnight anchorage in the Karragarra Passage just off Lamb Island in the southern part of Moreton Bay.

They ventured further north, bumping over some ‘shifting sands’ in some of the marked channels after the very heavy rains over the last months. They made the shipping channel and headed north past Moreton Island and onwards to Mooloolaba.

CAPTAINS LOG - Edition 2

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (6th Edition)

Records rains and floods…..more of that water we thought we had left behind, and the storms were ‘eventful’. If you would like to see just what they looked like connect with the videos posted on the ABC site at -

Captains Log - Edition 1

CURRENT POSITION

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (4th Edition)

Ulladulla - Wollongong - Broken Bay - Newcastle

CURRENT POSITION

If you are reading this Blog…..spread the word to everyone…send this Blog address to all your friends and work colleagues, and get them to follow ‘Fair Dinkums’ adventures around Australia.

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (3rd Edition)

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND (2nd Edition)

THE RIGHT WAY ROUND

Feet up at Geelong

Farewell BBQ - Friday 10th April 2009

Maintenance Update

Maintenance Update!

Australia Day Working Bee.

Fair Dinkum Slipped

Gerry Announces Departure Date!

Onboard ‘Fair Dinkum’
Southport – Mooloolaba, Queensland.
The guys had a great sail up the inside passage from Southport to overnight anchorage in the Karragarra Passage just off Lamb Island in the southern part of Moreton Bay.