Please select your home edition
Edition
Exposure Marine
Product Feature
New - Barton Marine Stainless Steel Quick Cleat 60040
New - Barton Marine Stainless Steel Quick Cleat 60040

Tasmania is 5044 miles away

by Tony Mowbray on 27 Feb 2001
Update 26th February 2001 (11.00pm AEDST, 3.00pm local time)
43°27' S, 30°47' E

Air temperature - 14 degrees
Water temperature - 12.5 degrees
5,044 miles to Tasmania


I’ve just transferred to a new chart that has on it exotic sounding places like - The Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Mozambique,
Swaziland BUT the most interesting feature from my point of view is the slice of Western Australia that is featured on the right hand edge!!!!
YES!!!

Today we have a deep seated swell straight from the west with a fresh NNW breeze around 25 knots. The swell reminds me of when Morrie
and I went round Oz, and as we crossed the Great Australian Bight, we encountered a swell that was 200 metres apart and about 40 feet and
higher. Today I reckon they are 125 metres apart and about 35 feet. They are great for sliding down with the breeze I have. There is no
breaking at the crest or anything dangerous about them, but they take a bit of getting used to. Majestic would be a good word to describe them.

In a previous update I spoke about 'magnetic variation” that affects the steering compass. The amount of variation differs as one moves
around the globe. Soon I will be in an area that has 45 degrees west variation, meaning that for “Sal” to head due east (90 degrees) we have to
steer 90+45=135 degrees.

A couple of afternoons ago, coming off the backend of another bagful of breeze, I was in the hatchway facing aft but looking down into the
cockpit when I got the fright of my life. There was a huge whale that surfaced not more than 25 metres directly astern, heading at right angles to
my track. There was only one 'blow' from this beautiful creature and he/she was not to be seen again. What a pity.

We're now getting down to the business of this marathon. Easter looks good.

Take care,

Tony Mowbray
Solo Globe Challenger

Related Articles

Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais Day 1
Sled sparkle in Cascais' Atlantic surf to lead After seemingly being starved of boisterous top end conditions for some years now Okura's Sled crew have been relishing a return to big breezes and big waves.
Posted today at 9:09 pm
Europe Masters Championships at Hayling Day 1
The Brits showed the fleet their experience in Hayling Bay It was with some relief that the rain came overnight and the morning of the 2nd July was showery, grey but importantly much cooler, a big change to the last few days.
Posted today at 8:52 pm
2025 IKA Youth Europeans in Gizzeria day 1
Rising stars shine at Youth Kitefoil Euros kickoff Some of the world's best young kite foilers started racing today in southern Italy aiming to become Youth European champions.
Posted today at 6:14 pm
UK Snipes set for record attendance at Stone
Already there are 27 Snipes entered which includes 5 women and 4 junior helms There will be a record number (for many years) of Snipes participating in the Stone Sailing Club open meeting on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July which will be run in conjunction with the Shearwater Class open.
Posted today at 5:50 pm
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week Day 4
Random gusts from every direction, including vertical Past the halfway stage and the weather served up another wind direction for the fourth day of Helly Hansen Salcombe Merlin Week.
Posted today at 3:39 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race: Offshore classics set to race
IRC Zero has a rich seam of ocean-going history running through it IRC Zero has a rich seam of ocean-going history running through it. While French round the world race legend Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (aka VDH) isn't competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race, two of his former steeds will be on the IRC Zero start line.
Posted today at 3:22 pm
Four days to start the 5th AEGEAN 600
The fleet has a wide range of sizes and types represented Nearly all 60 teams are assembled here at the Olympic Marine venue getting ready for the start of the 5th edition of the AEGEAN 600, organized by the Hellenic Offshore Race Club (HORC) with co-organizers being Olympic Marine and Region of Attica.
Posted today at 3:21 pm
Great Yarmouth & Gorleston Beach Regatta
A good test for competitors over a range of sailing conditions This year's GYGSC Beach Regatta was held over the weekend of the 28th and 29th June. It was a weekend of contrasting weather, very warm and windy on Saturday, cooler and a calmer on Sunday (but still warm).
Posted today at 2:49 pm
The Magenta Project unveils new brand identity
As part of its milestone tenth anniversary As part of its milestone tenth anniversary, The Magenta Project is excited to launch a refreshed brand identity and the first phase of its new website, reinforcing its commitment to equity and inclusion for women in sailing.
Posted today at 2:47 pm
Lord Birkett ready for 230 on the start line
he action unfolds on Ullswater Lake this weekend... The Lord Birkett, next leg of the Sailjuice Challenge, has hit its entry limit of 230 boats. The action unfolds on Ullswater Lake this weekend...
Posted today at 2:37 pm