Old School
Following the 2004 Rolex Sydney Hobart race, Alex Whitworth and Peter Crozier decided on a challenging form of delivery back to homeport Sydney for their 1970's Brolga 33 "Berrimilla". As they left the Derwent River, they turned right instead of left, and chose to navigate via Cape Horn, England, the Cape of Good Hope and the Southern Ocean instead of just doing the "easy" 630 mile return. Along the way they competed in the two handed division of the Fastnet race, and are now still in race mode trying to get to the start line for the 2005 Rolex Sydney to Hobart.

Their exploits are detailed in the Berrimilla Logs, at , and are an hilarious chronicle as Alex, Peter and Berri partake of "consultations" and try to beat the "examiner" as she dishes out conditions that threaten to thwart their timetable. At around midnight last night (local time), the intrepid duo completed the circumnavigation part of the journey, and is now battling 50 knot winds and 5 to 8 metre seas as they close on Hobart. Following customs clearance, a 2 hour haul out is scheduled for a bottom clean and a leak repair, and to take on diesel and other “liquid consumables for consultations” to enable them to make Sydney.

In preparation for a “pitstop”, Alex had asked Australian Customs if he could clear in without visiting Hobart – the request was denied, however the Australian media have picked up on the story and are making a mountain out of a molehill. Full story in the logs.

Attached photograph taken by Richard Bennett from his Cessna this morning off Tasmania.

12/13/05