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Day 1 (21/3/07)

We departed from Heron Cove Marina @ 6.53am, just as the sun was rising. There had been a spectacular thunderstorm in the area on Monday evening and the result created a humidity haze across Pittwater. Calm waters, no wind, and a little mist created a very picturesque view for our final sail in these waters (well for @ least 5 years !). A marlin was jumping in the water @ Barrenjoey Head – a new sight for all of us on board. We had a pod of six dolphins dancing across the bow just by North Head for a good 20 minutes. How great !!! Very little wind so have been motor sailing for the majority of the day and overnight.  

Day 2 (22/3/07)

An uneventful evening overall for the guys (@ this stage Jill is not required to do any night watches). Winds again in N/NE direction and to ensure that we meet our timetable for getting home, we again motored for several hours. Slight wind change occurred around 16.00 hours so we are finally having the opportunity to have a reasonable sail. Elevation cuts through the water beautifully and we are managing to achieve an average of 6 knots under sail. Travelling overnight, we managed to achieve 10knots and the decision was made to bypass Eden and continue southwards whilst the opportunity to sail was there. 

Day 3 (23/3/07)

The day was glorious and we were blessed to be able to see a small pod of pilot whales, a seal sunning himself on the ocean’s surface and a variety of birdlife. As we entered Bass Strait, we were greeted by a large pod of bottlenose dolphins (18-24 in total) who spent @ least 45 minutes entertaining us; dancing @ the bow, leaping in front of the boat and surfing the waves behind us – just magical ! During the night however, the weather changed and we spent an uncomfortable night working our way slowly SW. 

Day 4 (24/3/07)

A shocking day weather wise and a very unpleasant sail. Wind gusts to 47 knots experienced and we made the decision to head for shelter in Refuge Bay (Wilsons Promontory). We motored for 4.5 hours @ full speed, battling 4-6 metre swells. The good news is that Elevation showed she is able to handle any weather condition easily !! We arrived @ Refuge Bay at 21.35 and happily had our first hot drink of the day, then showered and had dinner. 

Day 5 (25/3/07)

Everyone awoke feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. We tidied the boat, had some breakfast and made plans to head to Port Philip Bay in order to hole up whilst the next Low comes through Bass Strait. Saw a large school of tuna in the entrance to the bay, with countless birds taking the opportunity for a meal. Chris Isaak on the CD player, sun shining …… what better way to head for our next destination. Very chilly out on deck; we really are @ the southern most point of our continent. Winds to 30 knots overnight and we saw the sun rise as we made our way into the heads.

Day 6 (26/3/07)

We arrived @ Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron to learn that there were no fuelling facilities. As we needed to top up on diesel, we headed back across Port Philip Bay to Queenscliff to obtain more fuel. There is a fishing boat harbour @ Queenscliff, however again no fuel jetty - you are required phone ahead for a tanker to actually deliver fuel to the main jetty (so different to home !!) Spent the day waiting around for fuel, then headed back to BYS. Port Philip Bay is a nursery for bottlenose dolphins and there are up to 90 dolphins in the bay. We were fortunate to have a large pod travelling with us throughout the day - as we passed Sorrento, as we headed across to Queenscliff and as we returned to BYS. Our good friends Lee and Neil Slaughter caught up with us @ BYS and we spent several hours in their company - fantastic fun (thanks to you both for a great evening !!)

Day 7 (27/3/07) 

A day for general cleaning and washing, plus some R&R for the crew. We will probably be @ BYS for another day as we wait for a low pressure system to head across the continent. Our intention is to leave on Thursday as there are two highs coming eastwards, meaning that we will have good sailing weather for days ! Tom Cruise for dinner this evening

Thanks Bill for your message. The boys are wondering - now we've got the shakedown cruise under control, can they have a couple of additional weeks leave to go on holiday ??

Day 8 (28/3/07)

We awoke to a sensational (but not sailor friendly) sunrise. The weather forecast for the next few days is not the best, but we are hopeful of being able to head off by Friday @ the latest. BOM information today read as follows:

West Coast, SA/VIC Border to Cape Otway:  
A strong wind warning is current.
Wednesday until midnightNortherly winds of 20/30 knots in the east at first but west/northwesterly winds 15/25 knots extending east to become general this morning. Northwest winds strengthening to 20/30 knots again in the west later. Seas of 2 to 3 metres. West to southwest swell 2.5 to 3.5 metres, rising to 3 to 6 metres across the west later today.
ThursdayWest/northwest winds 20/30 knots gradually strengthening to 25/35 knots and tending west/southwesterly later. Seas 2 to 3 metres rising to 3 to 5 metres. West to southwest swell 4 to 6 metres.
FridayWest/southwest wind 25/35 knots, easing to 20/30 knots from the west later. Seas 3 to 5 metres. West to southwest swell 4 to 6 metres abating to 3 to 5 metres later. 

We are experiencing some issues with our nav lights and Paul and Dale are working away to address. Peter and Jill wandered into Blairgowrie for a little reprovisioning and a coffee - a gentle 1km stroll in drizzly conditions. We are all keen to recommence our journey as soon as possible - really wanting to be home !!

Day 9 (29/3/07)

A gale warning is current for Victorian waters however we are hopeful that this front will pass during today and tonight and that we will be able to recommence our journey again on Friday. The nav lights issue has been addressed enough for us to continue travelling - there will however be further work required when we return to Fremantle.

Spent the day being tourists in Sorrento - a picturesque and historic town a short bus ride away from BYS. The front is now finally going through and we are primed for an early departure tomorrow.

Day 10 (30/3/07)

A very unfavourable weather report was waiting for us this morning (gale warning and seas of up to 7 metres). We therefore remained @ BYS for the day. Peter and Dale headed off to Frankston for the day; Paul and Jill remained in Blairgowrie and worked to ensure Elevation was shipshape !!

Day 11 (31/3/07)

At last - a weather forecast that we like !! So it's back out to sea this morning and off to Cape Otway. There are a couple of Highs coming across the Bight and we can therefore look forward to a (hopefully) comfortable passage westwards. Hoping that we will be able to pick up AM radio in order to listen to the Dockers game

We headed off @ 8.02 and motor sailed out of Port Philip Bay, planning the tide just right and therefore having a comfortable exit through the heads. Once clear of the shipping lane, we were required to continue motoring as the winds were to the SSW.  A uneventful day overall; we passed Cape Otway and the lighthouse around 19.35 and said goodbye to Bass Strait !

Day 12 (1/4/07)

A quiet night, with very little wind. So cold in the Southern Ocean and we are looking forward to being able to chase the sun home to Fremantle. The ocean this morning was dark and velvety - as the forecast is for variable winds under 10 knots, we are resigned to again motoring for the majority of the next 24 hours. We past the Vic/SA border just after 14.00 and are currently cruising @ 7.2 knots under power. The forecast for the next few days should ensure that we actually get some good sailing in !

Day 13 (2/4/07)

 We awoke to a brilliant sunrise directly behind us – yes, we are heading true west @ the moment. Still not enough breeze to do anything other than motor sail. We are sitting right in the middle of the High, and with luck, should see some favourable winds later in the day. Overnight it was bitterly cold out on deck; the sun is now shining and the sky clearing so we are looking forward to warmer weather. We are currently around 100km south of Adelaide in the Southern Ocean and heading rapidly towards the Indian Ocean ! @ just after 11.00, the winds picked up and we were able to sail for several hours. By nightfall, we had passed south of Kangaroo Island – we are averaging 6-7 knots in a light SW breeze. 

Day 14 (3/4/07) 

Overnight, we were able to mostly sail, with the engine required between midnight and 04.00 only. The wind is currently in the south @ 10-15 knots and we are achieving a very credible 7-8 knots under sail. @ 08.14 we passed south of Port Lincoln. Still very cold out in the Southern Ocean, but overall, having a good time with clear skies and the sun shining. The forecast for the next few days is looking ok and we should be able to enjoy some very favourable sailing conditions. Apart from a few mutton birds, the occasional albatross and one or two gulls, there is very little wildlife around - amazing really !!

Day 15 (4/4/07)

We were 652NM away from Albany @ lunchtime today. We are intending to make a quick stopover there (probably on Sunday) to refuel. Our lunch today was pizza – very cleverly dubbed “The Great Australian Bite” by Dale. The winds have remained favourable and we are achieving 7-8 knots consistently.

Day 16 (5/4/07)

 We were again required to motor overnight and by approximately 05.30, crossed the WA/SA border. The day is looking very promising – sun shining and very, very calm on the water. We just need some wind to kick us along !! To all of our families and friends, have a very safe and Happy Easter, either on the roads or on the water. Thanks Patsy & Steve for your very entertaining email  Thanks also to Carol – I’ve told the boys the Easter Bunny can’t swim but they all seem convinced he can fly. Am planning to add some further photos once we get a little closer to land – satnav is good, however the internet service provided is very slow and it’s not the best medium for updating the blog other than with commentary.  Special Easter cheerios to:

·         Loretta and the kids – lots and lots of love from your darling Dale

·         Sheila from  your darling Peter – ditto with kisses

And of course, go Freo !!!

Day 17 (6/4/07)

The wind arrived mid afternoon on Thursday and we made great progress during the PM and evening. Around 22.00, the swell also picked up, heeling us consistently across to the port side, which made for a very uncomfortable night overall. Having said that, we made some great progress sailing and were achieving 8-10 knots constantly. Today has been similar and whilst not the most pleasant conditions (winds gusting to 30-35 knots), we are making good time; should be in Albany by lunchtime on Sunday which means we have covered the Bight in 8.5 days - pretty impressive !!! 

Day 18 (7/4/07)

There were some fairly impressive lightning displays overnight, plus a couple of rain squalls as the cold front met the high. Unpleasant conditions, but again, good sailing achieved. Dale managed to achieve a distance of 17NM over his two hour watch (0400) which was pretty special !! The sun is now up and the swell abating and we are all looking forward to a more comfortable pace for @ least some of today. We are currently 169NM away from Albany, so looking good for a midday arrival tomorrow.

Thanks for your message Tanya – Peter sends love to you all. Will probably not be able to make Dunsborough for a meal as offered but will see you @ home very shortly. A special message for Leila – Dandy says that the Southern Ocean is too cold for mermaids, but he’ll be looking out for them in the Indian Ocean especially for you.

Day 19 (8/4/07)

Wind change to NNW occurred late yesterday afternoon and we motorsailed throughout the night, moving steadily closer to Albany. There were several rain squalls overnight and this morning. As we got closer to the mainland, we met the expected cold front and it was a wet and uncomfortable journey for the 11NM to Emu Point. The wind was gusting 40 - 45 knots SW (the highest noted was 45.9 knots) as we made our way closer to Albany and Paul and Peter were soaked as they guided us in. The good news for the guys was that the Easter Bunny did manage to find us overnight and left a few treats onboard for us to share. It was nice to tie up @ Emu Point and relax for the day. Also great to meet Anthony McCann from FSC and his wife on the jetty – thanks heaps for the offer to take us all into Albany. We look forward to catching up with you back in Fremantle. Elevation was certainly the centre of attention @ the marina – lots of people interested in her and wanting to chat about her and Buizens in general.

Day 20 (9/4/07)

 Trevor from Great Southern Fuel Supplies arrived as promised - we refuelled; had breakfast and waited for some rain squalls to pass. We left the marina @ 12.50, making our way back out to sea, again motorsailing. Seas were rough, with 4 – 6 metre swells. Wind was initially SE @ 25 knots, then changing to southerly @ 20 -25 knots. As this section of our journey is potentially very rough, the guys agreed to have 2 people on watch @ all times.  We are sitting around 6 NM off the WA coast. Very slow going to begin with, however as we headed westwards, the seas abated a little and we were able to pick up some speed. @ one stage, Dale managed to have Elevation running @ 13.9 knots !!! We passed Walpole just after 01.00. The night was relatively uneventful and by this morning, we had covered a fair amount of ground (120 NM).

Day 21 (10/04/07)

Very cold overnight due to the southerly winds, so it was piping hot porridge for everyone for breakfast. Rain squalls again occurring and the sky was very dark and wintery. @ 08.45 we were approximately 40 NM west of Cape Leeuwin; still motorsailing and averaging 7.5 knots consistently. There has been a following sea, with swell around 2.5 metres. We reached Cape Leeuwin (the most south westerly tip of our continent) @ 12.37. The lighthouse was clearly visible. The wind then picked up so we turned the motor off around 14.00 and sailed for a number of hours. With the  following sea, Peter was able to achieve a stunning 15.4 knots down one wave – on average we were maintaining 9.5 knots overall. We were buzzed by the new Customs plane just off Margaret River. Weather was great and with the speed obtained, we made Cape Naturaliste @ 19.20. The wind then changed from SE to easterly and it was a rough passage from Dunsborough to Garden Island.

There were dolphins to greet us by Warnbro, dancing in the bow waves. Once in Cockburn Sound, the sea flattened out and we comfortably sailed to the entrance of FSC. Was great to see Norm, Sam and Declan waving to us from the shore !! We motored into Fremantle Sailing Club and were settled into our new pen @ 09.20. We have travelled approximately 2300 nautical miles in less than 18 days and are all very pleased with our efforts. Thanks to Peter and Dale for sharing their skill and knowledge - it was great to have you both with us on this maiden voyage  Thanks to Sheila, Betts, Mandy, Sharman and Kate for being @ the Sailing Club to greet us - was wonderful to see you all. That's all for this blog @ the moment - we will spend some time now settling into FSC and enjoying the preparation for our next adventure

We've been in Pittwater for 2 weeks now and are almost ready to head off to sea and home to Fremantle. The last fortnight has been full on - all our gear arrived (23 boxes) and we have finally stowed everything in the most appropriate places to ensure that any list is minimised. The provisioning for our journey home has also been completed and the crew are all happy to know there is no danger of starving  

Our great friends Baz and Betts arrived for a few days (9/3 to 12/3) and it was fabulous to share our very first time out on Elevation with them both. We've also received several "good luck" calls from a number of boatie friends - thanks all !

Our first crew member, Peter Sim, and his wife Sheila, joined the boat on 12/3 and we had the opportunity to take our first full sail out on Pittwater. Shelia returned home to Bicton on 15/3 and will no doubt be following our adventures from the luxury of home. Our final crew member, Dale Hardy, arrived late on 17/3 and we completed our first ocean sail with him on board.

There is some finetuning to be effected today (Inmarsat & desalination plant) and we will be on our way on Wednesday 21/3. Our first port of call will be Eden and we should arrive sometime on Friday 23/3.

Imagine your man suggesting that he'd like to sail the seven seas...imagine then he tells you that he has had a secret dream since childhood to do this. Imagine my surprise !! Initial reaction was complete shock, but as I thought about it - well why not !! For the last 12 months, we've been rearranging our lives - finances, lifestyle, skill levels etc. We sold our beautiful Randell 41 "Golden Dream" - a great boat on which we had so much fun going to Rotto, and in particular Stark Bay. We've been unable to go boating for over 12 months, which has been a significant change. Lucky we have some sensational friends who have been kind enough to allow us a few days over @ the island (Thanks heaps Baz & Betts !!). We've sold our home and all our furniture, and are currently in transit in Fremantle whilst we count down the days to handover of "Elevation".

We head to Pittwater on 6 March 2007 and will then complete commissioning of "Elevation". Next phase is to bring her home to Fremantle !!!