Sailing weekends

LBT sailing weekend April 2009

Sail training photos can be seen here

The sailing weekend on 24 - 26 April 2009 had to be amended due to an approaching low pressure system which was threatening cold and wind, especially for the Sunday.

15 people turned up for the adventure on the Friday night at the LBT shed in Franklin and had a great meal of chicken, snags and salads prepared by members of the committee; Doug Barton, Lea Morgan and Ninka Koc. The sticky date pudding was in the words of one consumer, “simply orgasmic”.

The destination and duration of the trip were changed to avoid inexperienced sailors being out in exposed conditions in relatively open water on the Sunday and it was decided to circumnavigate south Egg Island and exploring the little known lagoon system in the southern part of the island.

The adventure began at about 9 am with saiors in three Grebes, Huon Harmony, Huon Explorer and the Black Swan. In addition Pieter Lundstedt’s schooner Knockabout and the little used William Atkins designed leeboard gaffer Gretchen also set out as well as the Hartley TS 16 Mobius owned by Bernard Chenery.

While the little boats were easily able to navigate the channel through south Egg Island, the larger boats had difficulties and some trimming of overhead branches, dead limbs and leaning young saplings was necessary to allow the boats with taller rigs to get through.

This all took some time and by the time the larger boats were through the Grebes had been in and out of the lagoon. They had rafted up together in the lagoon and had lunch.

The bigger boats by this time encountered a southerly breeze for the run down to the bottom of the island, and proved good tacking practice negotiating the narrow channel. The Gretchen performed well and the new crew soon mastered the leeboard system. Knockabout, which was the last boat out of the canal and did not take long to catch Mobius and Gretchen.

The fickle Huon valley winds were once again evident and this added to the learning for new sailors. The larger boats entered the lagoon system long after the Grebes had left, and the incoming tide helped navigation though the Gretchen became stuck a few times but was able to extricate herself, once with a tow from Mobius. This little system is an absolute wilderness and while there were not as many water birds as expected, it was a delight being in this very peaceful and beautiful place and surrounded by the hills of the Huon valley. By 3 pm we had quite a lot of rain and the temperature plummeted. Knockabout with her very shallow draft had found a way through  to a channel which led to the western channel of the Huon but when Mobius became stuck at the entrance to this channel it was decided to return to the eastern channel and head south before rounding the bottom of the southern island then heading back up to Franklin. Knockabout, without any motor, was caught up to and passed just before the wreck of the Belle Brandon.

A great expedition carried out in little boats. No great distances covered, but a most enjoyable and interesting time in a very special and unique part of the world.

Returning to the LBT shed was a warm and convivial event and another sit down meal of superb curries once again prepared by the volunteer committee members just added to a fantastic day.

Sunday, which was predicted to be very windy and cold turned out to be a beautiful and sunny day. The bad weather eventually came through on Sunday evening with very destructive winds, the forecast wind map showed 70 knots in Storm Bay, Frederick Henry Bay and parts of the Channel, and I saw one moored boat on the rocks in Helms Bay the following morning. This disparity between what is forecast and what actually happens is still very much a problem and while frustrating for us weekend sailors, highlights the need to be vigilant and flexible in our plans.

The participating sailors took Grebes and the Knockabout up the river but were slowed by an almost total lack of wind. Despite this the Knockabout was almost capsized by a gust which came from nowhere, while sheets were cleated off. Quick reaction from the crew (moveable ballast) prevented total immersion but the boat had to head for shore for a thorough baling out before continuing on her way.

Overall it  was a successful weekend though the route was changed due to adverse weather predictions which turned out to be inaccurate. A couple of minor and enjoyable expeditions were undertaken and the food and camaraderie were up to the usual standard, well the food was simply fantastic.

There are plans of another member sailing weekend in winter, and details will be advertised at a later date. Consideration will be given to an expedition further afield, perhaps the Channel, Frederick Henry Bay, Maria Island, ........ if members want to go. The wind may be more constant and reliable than in the upper reaches of the Huon estuary.