Two Men in a Boat "Bass Straight Crossing"

[Adrian Dale]

Two men in a Boat “Bass Strait Crossing”

The “Plan” is to cross the Bass Strait in an open boat nonstop using only Seagull power.
Consideration for the boat is to build; possibly a copy of the Bermuda offshore racing vessels or, as I actually prefer, a traditional boat, perhaps a 16 to 20ft Dory.
Engine selection is not quite as problematic but again there is a considerable choice. I am currently contemplating using two 102’s either AC or TC. One running, one as Standby. I also have the WSCP that proved very reliable in the round Bruny Classic. I feel the Centuries will be underpowered for the job so have ruled them out as are the small FV’s LS’s and 40 plus’s. Engines will be unturned standard models.
The larger boat with the extra fuel load plus the extra person will require quite a bit of power to propel but potentially has a higher displacement speed of 5 to 6 knots.
The straight line distance is 155 Nm so allowing for leeway let’s say 180 giving a running time of between 30 to 36 hours.
The time frame is planned for early spring, (October/November 2015). This trip is highly weather dependant and must coinside with a settled slow moving high system. Remembering that highs in the Sothern hemisphere bring anti-clock wise winds this will mean, if the planning is correct, starting with light southerlies pushing us across.
We are currently investigating available boats and a possible escort vessel. i will update the post as further info is available, in the meantime all suggestions will be well received…. Well nearly all.. I have already been advised that I am a few bricks short of a full load. Keeps me healthy in my retirement!
Course and start finish points attached

AJ

[chris]

I think its a great idea, I have found a mirror 16 makes a good seaworthy boat for a seagull and you can carry a lot of gear on one. I have preferred to use a boat where the steerage is by a tiller and rudder and not the seagull, it makes it more comfortable as you can get away from the noise

[Adrian Dale]

An interesting comment Chris, I hadn't considered that option. I wonder about efficiency with rudder drag as it will be continuously applying breaking loads with each course correction, must do some testing. The racers all seem to use direct steerage and although this is not a race it will involve many of the same elements of efficiency and maximising boat speed.

AJ

[chris]

I think if the rudder blade is shaped properly there should be very little drag

[Charles uk]

That's a very brave route, why not Tomahawk to Welshpool? lots of places to hide & shelter behind, that would save you travelling in the dark in a boat that's very hard to see, & you will get better scenery, Flinders, Redondo, Bear Island & best of the lot Skull rock!

That will be a magic trip if the weather's right

Why would you think a 102 has more power than a Century, I think I'd be taking a Kingfisher on the grounds of fuel consumption & enough power to avoid the Asian long liners & container boats that feel might is right!

[croweater]

The “Plan” is to cross the Bass Strait in an open boat nonstop using only Seagull power

Like the idea of a Bass Strait crossing but why are you going from Stanley straight across wouldn't it be safer to do the Island hop
from the East Coast think that's the route used by most (small vessels) when they are going to the Wooden Boat Festival. Would
love to tag along to soon for me will be very envious
Tassie
Cape Barren Island
Flinders Island
Craggy Island
Deal Island
Hogan Island
Port Welshpool on the mainland
One of the Islands has the big Tiger Snakes worth a look
Boat: I wouldn't look at anything less than 20 feet/6 metres.

John

[Charles uk]

John what's the name of the island that looks like a volcano that's been sliced through the middle with an axe, it's got a lighthouse on the big half, you can moor in the middle on the beach next to the dead landing craft?

[croweater]

you can moor in the middle on the beach next to the dead landing craft
Doesn't ring a bell are you thinking of Lord Howe Island or Norfolk Island they are in the Tasman Sea.

Adrian has got me thinking

John

[Charles uk]

It was somewhere between Flinders & Port Phillip heads.

[croweater]

Charles: sorry mate Adrian or one of Tassie guys may know.

John

[Charles uk]

It was Deal island.

[Adrian Dale]

Deal Island is the correct answer Charles!!. It has the most hairy air strip, short with a bend in the middle and a thousand wallabies grazing that need chasing off by low flying before an attempt is made to land! Did some work on the lighthouse station there after AMSA passed the light to Parks. Beautiful island though.

Why straight across? well its that non stop thing again.. granted the cruise, rock hopping, would be a great trip taken over many days but I want to achieve something that few would consider. Imagine running a seagull for 36 hours non stop that's why there will be two of us on the boat, both like minded soles with about 120 years++ of sailing between us! Steaming at night has never been a issue for me, in fact I quite like the solitude of a clear night and the stars. We will have VHF so contact with vessels can be made if needed.

Re the engine, most likely choice will be Silver Centuries and the rudder option would fit in with Richard's (My sailing partner) thought's re a 20ft dorey. But its early days yet so much planning and fleshing out to do but now the commitment is made there will be no backing out.

AJ

[AusAnzani]

Have often thought about a Bass Strait crossing myself, but have never been game enough to do it.

I fish Port Phillip Bay regularly that time of year ie start of the snapper run. Very blowy more often than not (and that's inside) so choose your dates wisely.

Happy to be part of the welcoming committee. Please keep us posted.

[Collector Inspector]

Madness!

But then again............................

B

[croweater]

Well I've just added to the bucket list an Island hop run to the Tassie Wooden Boat Festival in either 2017/19/21.....I've got very big bucket.
Checking on the net its not such a crazy idea just have to pick the right time and boat we know the Seagulls are up for it.

Adrian will try and get to the finish pick the right hull and I think you will do it in less than 30 hours.

John