Jervis Bay, New South Wales to Devonport, Tasmania

Mersey River, Devonport

We left Jervis Bay on Monday 6^th January after informing Marine Rescue of our plans. We were to contact Tas Marine on arrival. Later, we were given a transit number to use when we called Tas Marine. The seas were confused at the entrance to Jervis Bay. We tried sailing but the wind and sea were all over the place; the air smelled of smoke; thunder started to roar nearby. I felt seasick. 

 

Cruise ship Queen Elizabeth

We motorsailed. By the afternoon, the sea had calmed slightly. The wind freshened and I felt better. We sailed until the small hours, when light winds returned. Drizzly showers began and we began to rock and roll. I took Stugeron for the next two days.

Derwent River near Hobart

To avoid thick smoke and contrary winds, we went 10 miles offshore and found the northerly winds that we were expecting. From time to time, usually to avoid ships, we had to go back into the smoky, southerly wind with bumpy seas. It was as if a line had been drawn on the sea. Inshore, it was cold, murky and uncomfortable, because of the headwind. Offshore, it was sunny and much calmer with a northerly tail wind.

Lindisfarne Airbnb

We had better conditions in the Bass Strait, even in the Roaring 40’s, with SE, then E winds all the way to Devonport. Cunard cruise ship Queen Elizabeth altered her course to avoid us. Jeremy called Tas Marine and gave them our transit number when we were 10 miles from Devonport. At 2030 on 9^th January, we tied up to the visitors’ pontoon outside the Mersey Yacht Club. Friendly members took our lines and welcomed us. The club was to be our base for the next 9 days. We had two nights on the pontoon and a week on a mooring.

Tasman Arch

Peter and Debbie on their home built catamaran, Selah, were very helpful the next day with lots of information about Tasmania. Mike, the berthing manager, gave us a visitors’ key, so we could use the lovely, hot showers and the quirky laundry. Rod, the moorings man, directed us to a mooring on the river. We felt we could leave SD for a few days and tour Tasmania by car. 

 

View from Eaglehawk Neck

We toured for 3 days and drove 1,385 kilometers or 861 miles, taking in the western highlands, Strahan, Hobart and Charlotte Cove on the Huon River, where we caught up with ex-Yawarra II owner, Jan, last seen in Malaysia in 2011. Unfortunately, Jan’s husband, Nick, had car problems so we were not able to see him. 

 

Car park wallaby

We spent a night in a lovely Airbnb in Lindisfarne, near Hobart, with hosts, David and Merrie and another night in an equally lovely Airbnb in Connellys Marsh, with hosts, Roger and Skye. We learned that Skye was a chef and she cooked a delicious evening meal for us and a cooked breakfast the following morning.

Port Arthur through the trees

Tomorrow, 18^th January, we leave for Melbourne, 227nm away across the Bass Strait, before the next gale is due to come through.

View over Norfolk Bay from Connelly's Marsh Airbnb