Mon 14 Feb

Departed Elizabeth Pier, Hobart at 18:40 with a canon salute; three cheers received and returned from the ‘James Craig'.

Motored into a brisk Southerly under a crystal clear sky and a bright, shimmering moon.

Raised foresail and staysail passing the ‘Iron Pot', motor sailing at 6.5kts until Cape Raoul where the wind died away to nothing.

Transited the hole in the wall under a waning moon and seven hole in the wall ‘virgins' were initiated in the traditional fashion.

On passing The Lanterns  (Cape Hauy) Saturn rose painting a streak of reflected light across the water. With the cloudless night the Milky Way lit up like a lighted tree.

Sunrise found us just South of Maria Island, motoring into a boisterous Northerly; our position was later confirmed by a sail trainee and the first mate using celestial navigation.

The wind strength increased to 30kts so we dropped anchor at Bryans Corner at Schouten Passage for lunch and adventures ashore.

Tue 15th - 02 pm to Wed 16th - 02 pm

Having anchored at Bryans Corner, an enjoyable afternoon ensued with beach combing and fishing - many moderately sized flathead were caught and subsequently filleted.

The wind was still gusting to in excess of 30kts so we decided to stay for dinner; gourmet bangers and mash followed by sticky date pudding worthy of any top restaurant.

With night approaching we weighed anchor and set off, motor sailing with foresail and fore staysail into a lumpy headsea.

Wind and waves eventually abated, but not before Allan managed to achieve 4 full rings of the bell ploughing into one particularly monstrous wave! (Good one, ‘4 Bells!')

Morning brought with it rain and gloomy skies, but our spirits were lifted by a huge pod of frolicking dolphins and the occasional seal.

We are currently transiting Banks Strait where a masterful piece of navigation by the master has timed it perfectly with the flood tide and we are careering along at nearly 9kts.

Next update tomorrow when we will be well into the notorious Bass Strait !!!!!

Sunset Gun - Wed 16 Feb....photo courtesy Nick Hayward

The entry to Bass Strait started well with all working sails set and a canon salute to the setting sun.

Dinner was taken on deck as the crew and trainees enjoyed a barmy summers evening.

As dusk turned into night and everyone (except for the ‘on' watch) retired to their slumber, unfortunately so did the wind and the moon so all but the headsails were doused; the ship continuing on under motor into a murky, moonless night with extra lookouts posted on the bow for safety.

Daybreak brought with it an end to the murk as the sun broke through to show Bass Strait without a ripple of wave, just a slow undulating swell.

With no prospect of sailing the crew settled down to a game of darts using a skilfully constructed felt board. Hopefully the evening will bring with it the forecast Southerly change and some fine sailing conditions.

Tune in tomorrow for the next exciting episode of ‘Enterprize and the escape from Van Diemen's Land!'.

Wed 16th - 02 pm to Fri 18th - 10 am

All alone on a dead calm sea - well almost. Swells continued to buffet us as Enterprize made a beeline (read direct route) to Port Phillip Heads. The ship made a good average speed over ground of 7 kts under motor and (when winds allowed) sail. If you live in Melbourne and stick your head out the window just now (1023 18 Feb) you'll see why the direct ‘hi speed' run: the Bass Strait forecast gave 30 kt winds and 4 metre swells for today.

We transited the Heads at 0340 this morning via the East Channel, which was busier than Bourke Street with ships. After transiting the Sorrento Channel, Enterprize came to anchor off Safety Beach and the winds already at 43 kts. After a hearty breakfast of bacon ham, eggs and beans a few of our heartier trainees took a dip in Port Phillip.

We are now waiting for the aforementioned winds to abate sometime this afternoon when we hope to finally get under real sail. (Note: This is the fourth day out without sweet biscuits; the First Mate is getting fractious..)

18-02 pm to 19-02 am

Having anchored at Dromana Bay for the afternoon, the wind failed to abate or turn and stayed at 35-40kts from the East.

The decision was taken to stay overnight and the appropriate watch system and precautions were put in place - another shackle on deck, alt 1 and engine ready to go.

The morning brought with it a slight lull and thankfully a change in direction with the wind backing through North to eventually settle in the West.

We weighed anchor and set all working sails for a rollicking ride to Blairgowrie, a cooked breakfast, a fond farewell to the departing sail trainees and an end to the passage.