Voyage, Williamstown toward Portland

Sunday 20 March Enterprize got underway from her home pier, Boyd Jetty Williamstown, at 1030 hrs. Motor-sailed with all fore-n-aft sails set down to Port Phillip heads. Passengers sent up the rigging with crew. Transited the Heads at ____ hrs via Western Channel at first of the ebb, then cut engine and sailed through the clear night under course and topsail.

Dinner of roast lamb stuffed with tomato and ricotta, with a side of crispy potatoes and vegies. 

Monday 21 March 1055 Wind is from the east at 10-15kts. Currently 15 miles off King Island.  There will be another 8 miles to sail to anchorage after that.  

The winds turned, so we motored the last hour into Phoques Bay, anchored and enjoyed a dinner of lasagne and salad.

Tuesday 22 March

Weighed anchor early, still under the cover of darkness. Course was un-gasketed and reefed.   Light rains turned to horizontal just after breakfast.  Currently sailing under the course, fore staysail and reefed main, on a course for Port Fairy.

The change hit, and all sails were doused.  Roly poly seas ensued but by now, our passengers well and truly had their sea legs and were old hands at traversing the decks.

Steering became quite the difficult task in two opposing swells and strong head winds on top of that.  The Handy Billy was rigged to assist.

We motored through the night, and in our bunks experienced both weightlessness and double gravity as our brave ship plunged fearlessly into the dark seas.  The bell tolled by itself, drawing two rings in a row on many the occasion, and on one swell even three rings.  A night to remember, and although it is a feeling we soon forget upon awakening, the memory shall linger in our bodies and our beds will pitch and roll for several nights post voyage.

All crew and passengers are well and feeling energetic - and well fed.

Wednesday 23 March

Ship went to anchor in Port Fairy Bay 8:30AM after being slowed down by wind and sea.

We scrubbed the ship from top to bottom, and gasketed all sails as neatly as they've ever been done!  The T'gallant was brought down and furled and passengers and crew readied themselves for some shore leave.

Passenger Colin braved the "refreshing" waters for a quick dip.

The 15th Century Spanish/Portuguese replica caravel "Notorious," single-handedly constructed by Port Fairy resident Graeme Wylie and launched in February of this year, was eagerly inspected by some of the crew.

After dinner the ship's master provided light entertainment on his mandolin and concertina. Our multi-talented cook then took up the guitar and regaled us with beautiful tunes, weaving chords between the strains of the master's concertina, harmonising together for some sea shanties, and finally singing a few good ol' favourites with everyone joining in for the chorus.  Then some bedtime songs were sung and, blissfully relaxed, we all retired.

Thursday 24 March

With a change in weather it was decided to up anchor and head to Portland, via Julia Percy Island.  Currently underway, in sloppy seas, with 25kt head wind, and only our staysail set, averaging 2 knots. ETA Portland sometime tonight.

The ship arrived at Trawler Wharf 9am, after a very wet transit. All passengers and crew, in good spirits, spent an hour or two reminiscing their voyage over mulled wine.