Maria Island/Chinaman Bay to Hobart (51nm/9.5hrs)

Chinaman Bay was a lovely anchorage, good holding ground and sheltered from most winds and we had internet cover. We could have stayed here longer, however as our focus was set on getting to Hobart we only stayed anchored here 3 nights. Flat head were plentiful here and we enjoyed many meals while here, along with Mackerel which Gerd pickled. Due to some strong winds while anchored here we didn't want to venture to far or for too long on land so we didn't get much walking tracks done unfortunately.

Our next passage from Chinaman's Bay was through the Marion Narrows and Denison canal. This required a bit of planning as we needed to coincide with the incoming and high tide at certain points due to this passage having some very shallow areas. Our timing to Marion Narrows (shallow waters) was spot on, arriving 2 hrs before high tide. So motoring through this area we had the incoming tide with us. Much a 'peace of mind' when in shallow waters. As if one was to run aground one could assure the rising water would set one adrift again, hopefully, as opposed to an outgoing tide. Having navigated Marion Narrows with precision we then approached Denison Canal.

This canal is cut through the isthmus of the Forestier Peninsula in southern Tasmania and is the only purpose-built canal in Australia. The canal was opened in 1901 and is 895 metres long, its width as about 34 metres at ground level reducing to 7 metres wide at low tide. Water depth ranges from 2.6 to 3.9 metres according to the tide. Formerly used by small vessels and east coast traders, the canal is now used by fishing and pleasure crafts to afford the longer, often rough voyage around Tasman Peninsula. There is a bridge that required opening to pass through, this required booking with the Bridge Master. Once through the bridge there was a big sigh of relief from the Captain and myself as another big challenge was conquered.

This passage was a bit nerve racking for the Captain, with many sleepless hours had as he worried about passing through this shallow, narrow passage. With precise planning and skillful navigating no dilemmas were had, well done Captain. A very interesting passage to pass through, that my photos don't due justice too.

From here it was onward bound for Hobart. The wind was stronger than predicted. We had 20knots, SE winds, swell 1-1.5m on the Beam. With only the Jib and mission we were doing SOG 7.8 knots, we were flying. Approaching the Iron Pot we reefed the jib giving us better control to round the Iron Pot, then we were on the home run, Hobart here we come. At 1900hrs we were on our swing mooring, champagne and beers were poured.

We would like to raise our glasses and toast to our courageous voyage, departing Darwin August 2015, covering 4204 nautical miles, arriving in Hobart January 13th 2019.

There were many challenging moments along the way, matched with many majestic moments that kept us venturing on in search of more. With neither of us from sailing back grounds, many, many, many, situations were a first time experience, mixed with taking on Mother Nature and her powers, in which we have the most utter respect for. At times one would feel so alone and isolated and secluded from the greater universe, the flip side to this was when things went wrong and one needed that extra help or someone to head bang out the problem with nobody was around, we were on our own, our destiny was in our hands. We very quickly become skillful at problem solving and mastered many new skills.

Our plan is now to explore Tasmania, if we can handle the cooler climate. We have a holiday planned in Feb for NZ to catch up with friends and family, in which we have to meet our new granddaughter, Bailey Anne Graham who entered into this world on Feb 8th. On returning to Hobart we will both look at having another working stint to top up the travel kitty.