A first for a new sailor by Christine Hunter
February 21, 2021
2020 Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race: a first for a new sailor
Rum was the drink of choice for me and my new friends as we crossed the finish line of the 2020 Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race. It was 6.15 am, sunrise, Sunday the 2nd of August and I didn’t drink rum – until then!
I was toasting the completion of my first ocean yacht race with the crew of Fruit Salid 3, the beautiful Beneteau First 40. My exhaustion-infused elation had me celebrating and reliving many ‘firsts’ with these five men, all unknown to me just 48 hours prior. The skipper and his crew were celebrating many firsts too, all of which would make great stories of salty tales as is expected after such an exhilarating challenge.
New to sailing at the age of 50, an ocean yacht race was a dream for me, which then became a goal. I was in a hurry to participate in such events and gain experience to learn and contribute productively to the next event, and the next! I was thrilled to be a part of this team, congratulating, exaggerating, laughing, and learning after our two days and two nights at sea together. But even more impressive were the skipper and his crew who welcomed me on board just 16 hours before the race began. The only female, the oldest crew member, and no ocean racing experience.
How did this eventuate?
I had lost my job, and recently completed my last treatment for breast cancer, so I had a bit of spare time up my sleeve. Advised of the side effects of radiotherapy, I had put the weekend aside to spend on the couch recuperating. My friends all advised me that I should indulge myself and do whatever makes me happy: reading, knitting, eating, Netflix. All good ideas. All things I love. But I happened to love sailing more!
The seed was planted at a routine Wednesday afternoon sailing, (WAGS) just two days before the event. My skipper from the magnificent Archambault 40, Broadsword, mentioned to me that a yacht needed a last-minute crew member for the Brisbane to Keppel Race on Friday. He knew of my goal to sail in an ocean yacht race and thought I might be interested.
Hesitating, I simply asked, ‘Would you take me if you were going?’ ‘Yes’ was his answer.
Buoyed by his confidence in me I considered it. I was willing. I wanted it, but maturity and common sense filled me with questions. So, I slept on it.
My adventurous spirit prevailed and on the Thursday morning I decided I’d rather be sailing than lying on a couch. I asked myself, ‘surely I won’t notice the side effects and symptoms if I’m at sea, sailing, doing what I love?’ I tracked down the yacht that needed crew – too late, position filled. I’d made up my mind and my determined plan was to sail tomorrow in my first ocean yacht race. The planets were aligned!
I sent a message to RQYS (Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron) with my inquiry; ‘I’d like to sail in the B2K, tomorrow, does anyone need crew?’ The race organiser understood and asked for my dossier, my resume. I didn’t have much to offer except something like; ‘I’ve been sailing for three years, crewing for two years, participated in the ‘SheSails’ regattas in Mooloolaba and Newcastle (I did not mention my placings!), I’m fit(ish), don’t get seasick, can pack a spinnaker in a hurry, and I am a registered nurse with medical skills.’ Not quite enough for an ocean race, so I also mentioned that I had trekked in remote places including The Kokoda Track and Everest Base Camp, that I am resourceful, stoic, capable and most importantly, positive. Fingers crossed!
This message went out to all the skippers participating. By 3 pm that same afternoon, Fruit Salid 3’s
owner and skipper, Mark Drobitko contacted me and said he could do with one more crew member (after all they would like longer sleep breaks!). We met briefly. Mark decided he liked my ‘can do attitude’ and said that I needed to be on board tomorrow morning at 7.15 am.
It was happening and I needed to get equipped. I borrowed wet weather gear and thermals, bought a Personal Locator Beacon, chocolate coated coffee beans, and new deck shoes (a slippery mistake!). Oh, and I told my adult sons that I would be incommunicado for several days at sea, then packed my bag.
I arrived at 7 am, met the crew and familiarised myself with Fruit Salid 3. The conditions gave us an invigorating first day. 25-30 knot south easterly winds had us surfing down welcome, silky waves, accompanied by dolphins and whales close enough to touch. Our spirits were high. The atmosphere was filled with our confidence, enthusiasm, and excitement. I was incredibly happy indeed to be in this surreal environment.
We blew the first kite at sunset and I learnt that it is exceedingly difficult to get a kite down the forward hatch and companionway simultaneously, with six people enthusiastically participating in this emergency. This may explain the extent of the damage to those of you who have experienced this!
My shift comes around quickly that first night. At 2 am I am hunched down in the cockpit, shivering, teeth chattering in the cold drizzling rain and I ask myself ‘why?’ as I had momentary thoughts of a hot bath, a soft bed, and a stable toilet. I remember that I am ‘stoic’ and must shift these distracting thoughts to keep my enthusiasm alive (I know I cannot disappoint them).
Then as if on cue, the stunning silhouette of a dolphin appeared as it leapt out in front of me, a black shape in the night gifting me with the present. Alerted, I look up and notice an ethereal white rainbow, a phenomenon projected onto the moonlit horizon. Its veil of delicate silk inviting my imagination to explore beyond it. I am certain the man in the moon ‘winked’ at me and I wondered if I was dreaming. But I was wide awake and silently grateful for the gentle, welcome rain. I could see the glow of a companion yacht in the distance. I think of them as a sailor does, with meaningful best wishes for smooth sailing. I felt privileged to be a guest in this exhilarating aquatic theatre, choreographed by nature. We trim the sails, eat Tim-Tams and I am warmed by the activity.
I wake, on my first morning to nausea. This is not meant to happen; I don’t get sea-sick! So once again I know I must direct my thoughts elsewhere. I look at the sunrise with awe and admire the surprising, intermittent performances of whales breaching, their slaps and blows in the distance, and join the verbal applause with my crew as we delight in such displays. Still nauseated, I hum ‘Edelweiss’ to myself (the only song I know all the words to), eat one salty chip, and feel better, for which I am grateful as the exceptional catering has me eating heartily with these men as the day progresses.
We blow the second kite that night. No more kite packing. After this ‘all hands-on deck’ event, we watch the numbers on the tachometer drop. Our skipper emerges and articulates the expletives that is expected by a seasoned sailor as he watches the dollar signs dissolve into the sea before him. He composes himself and remains positive and reassuring. I’m impressed. We sail on. The second night of my first ocean yacht race is energising and I know I’ve made the right choice. I think big. I make plans and continue to dream.
Docked at sunrise and with Fruit Salid 3
at rest, we eat burgers and absorb the enthusiastic welcome of those who greet us. The stories continue. We are loud and preserved with rum and salt. It feels good. We feel heroic. We congratulate ourselves as one, we are a team.
As the celebrations continue ashore, I return alone to my bunk and quietly reflect. I feel grateful for the inspiring sailors I have met over the past three years, female and male, young and not so young, for sharing their honest stories of endurance and resilience, all infused with humour, all unique, all impressive. Without these stories, I would not have had this experience. I recall bravely asking Stacey Jackson at her 2019 International Women’s day talk on her Volvo and Sydney to Hobart races, ‘How old is too old to sail these ocean races?’ her reply, as expected, was ‘you’re never too old’ and gave examples of mature women who continue to sail professionally and continue to inspire. Jeanne Socrates is a perfect example.
Resting from the rum, I contact my Broadsword
sailing mates via email, update them, and thank them for supporting me, equipping me, and enabling me with the opportunities to prepare for my first ocean race. They reply with hearty congratulations and I miss them. I climb Fan Rock at Double Head to celebrate. Fruit Salid 3
looks peaceful from this distance, and I admire her. I feel a connection to this magnificent, capable lady, and I continue to ponder on her name, ‘How could something so exquisite be christened with the name Fruit Salid 3?’ well that is just another story that only her owner can tell!
I was thrilled with this experience to say the least, but more notable was the opportunity gifted me by like-minded persons who ‘got it,’ a silent understanding, no explanation needed, a serendipitous gift. Thank you, Mark, Dan, Mick, Tom, and Evan.
So, what’s next on my liquid horizon? I’m not sure, but my bag is packed and I’m ready to set sail again… tomorrow!
Gathering on the Bay 10th Anniversary!
The Pacific Rally 2026 is officially underway, with a fleet of nearly 190 vessels registered so far, and preparing to depart from key staging points across New Zealand & Australia in early May, marking the start of the South Pacific cruising season. Organised by Island Cruising, the flexible Pacific Rally has grown to become one of the largest organised yacht rallies in the world, attracting a diverse fleet ranging from 30-foot sailing yachts to 75-foot yachts & powerboats. Unlike traditional rallies, the flexible format means people are free to choose their own departure date, route and destinations, while still being able to tap into all the Island Cruising support and resources along the way. Over the last six months, rally participants have enjoyed regular online training sessions to help them get prepared for the adventures ahead. Then during the last two weeks, they have gathered to enjoy a range of briefings and social events at the Boat Works on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Marsden Cove Marina, and Bay of Islands Marina in New Zealand. There are additional vessels joining the rally along the way, including yachts crossing west from French Polynesia. Popular cruising grounds for rally participants include Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, with many vessels planning onward passages to Asia or returning to New Zealand or Australia later in the season. “The Pacific Rally is about giving people the confidence to set sail,” says Viki Moore, Managing Director of Island Cruising. “We work hard to ensure participants are well-prepared, well-supported, and never feel like they are out there alone. That sense of connection makes a huge difference to both safety, fun and the overall experience.” Moore also works closely with the border officials across the Pacific to ensure everyone is prepared for the arrival formalities for each country along the way. Participants benefit from a comprehensive support framework, including pre-departure training, weather guidance, communications support, detailed guides on where to go, and access to a wide network of trusted marine partners. A strong community network — both online and on the water — is central to the rally, enhancing safety while creating a shared and social cruising experience. A key focus of the rally is responsible and respectful cruising. Through its partnership with Citizens of the Sea, some rally participants volunteer to collect Ocean eDNA samples on their passage and everyone is encouraged to engage with local communities in a culturally aware manner and contribute to environmental stewardship efforts throughout the Pacific. The success of the Pacific Rally is supported by an extensive network of marine industry partners across New Zealand and Australia & the South Pacific. These partners play a vital role in preparing vessels before they set sail and along the way, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, equipment, and confidence needed for the journey ahead. As the fleet prepares to head offshore, anticipation is building for another season of cruising, connection, and exploration across one of the world’s most iconic sailing regions. For more information, visit: www.islandcruising.nz Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/islandcruising.nz More information about Citizens of the Sea - https://www.citizensofthesea.org/ Photo: Viki and Cecile are joined by partners from Yachting World Port Vila and Vuda Marina for the briefings at the BoatWorks
On improvements, unintended projects, and a boat that keeps evolving By Fiona Bengtsson
In a unique joint research partnership, world record explorer Lisa Blair OAM, the Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC (ACM CRC), UNSW Sydney, and Steber International are announcing the launch of a solution-focused research project: Sustainable Composites for Next Gen Boat Hulls. This two-year, $1.9 million research partnership aims to investigate the viability of Basalt Fibre (derived from volcanic rock) and current bio-resins as a scalable solution to outperform fibreglass and provide a circular solution to the growing industry problem. Following the initial research, Lisa Blair will build her new expedition yacht from these sustainable materials before setting off for her next record. Lisa is announcing her new world record attempt: ‘The Arctic Impact Project’. Lisa will be sailing in July 2027 to become the first person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the Arctic Circle in one season. The 8,000 nm journey will see Lisa tackle freezing conditions, dodge icebergs and spend an estimated 3 months solo at sea. Cover photo: Research Kick Off Meeting. Left-Right Scientia Professor Gangadhara, Luke Preston, Lisa Blair OAM, Jessica Mevel Soenecs. Insert Photo Alan Steber MD Steber International who was unable to attend but is a valued partner. Below: Lisa Blair OAM.
Home is changing
WWSA's Shelley Wright shares ten of her favourite books by women solo sailors
Cruising in croc country
NEW SAILING RECORD COURSE SET IN NZ BY SAILOR LISA BLAIR
Orcas, giant swells, and stunning sunsets accompany Lisa Blair on the home run for new sailing record
Record-breaking solo sailor Lisa Blair will embark on a new World Record sailing attempt tomorrow, April 7 th at 8am (NZST) to establish an Auckland to Auckland, New Zealand, sailing record over more than 2,200 nm on a circumnavigation not yet recorded. Only last month she set a fastest time record for Sydney to Auckland as the first woman and solo monohull record of 8 days, 3hrs and 19 minutes, taking over 4 days off the existing record, to be ratified by World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC). Lisa will steer her yacht Climate Action Now from Westhaven Marina to a start off Rangitoto Island, supported by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), then head north out to Great Barrier Island beginning a journey rounding New Zealand’s northernmost point at Cape Reinga where two oceans collide as she crosses from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea. The public can view her live tracker on the website and social posts each day. The anticipated 18-day voyage will take her down the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island heading into a predicted storm force wind system around New Plymouth where the imposing Mount Taranaki impacts the weather system before she crosses Cook Strait and into headwinds all down the West Coast of the South Island. As she reaches the south Fiordland region she will have no shelter from the Southern Ocean storms and dangerous swells before pressing south to round Stewart Island and the Southwest Cape where the sea depth dramatically reduces from 5km to 50 metres on the shelf causing noted rogue waves. Turning northwards past Dunedin headwinds are again predicted and major commercial fishing grounds with long line nets will provide a hazard before heading into major commercial and recreational boating regions all the way up the coast. This will test her resilience with 20-minute micro sleeps the whole journey home to avoid dangerous traffic and hazards. The record, to be adjudicated RNZYS in collaboration (CYCA) and WSSRC, will require her course to enclose the whole of New Zealand including all rocks and islands lying 8nm offshore – a rhumb line distance of 2,200nm, although her journey will be much longer to sail. Lisa is an ardent promoter of climate action with her several world record journeys involving the collection microplastic samples for scientific analysis and her awareness raising of ocean pollution issues as well as advocacy for solutions and change for the health of the ocean. “I want to see a happy and healthy planet and people won’t protect what they can’t understand so I try to share my love of the ocean and this planet with my records. I think adventurers have a responsibility to become story tellers and communicators,” said Lisa, who was named 2022 Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Lisa’s sustainability journey first started in 2012 while sailing around the world in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. “We were more than 20 days from land sailing across the Southern Ocean from South Africa to New Zealand. I was at the helm looking out when we crested a wave and there, off our bow was a Styrofoam box floating past. We were thousands of miles from land in the most remote regions of the planet and I was seeing plastic. I couldn’t believe it.” In 2015 Lisa launched her Climate Action Now message and began collecting post it note messages from people in the public. Lisa’s yacht Climate Action Now is adorned with thousands of messages of environmental actions from members of the community. Lisa is the current world-record holder for sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica in 2022, breaking the record by 10 days to add to her 4 previous world records and now 2 new pending Sydney to Auckland records. In exciting news, Lisa has teamed up with film-makers Nathaniel C. T. Jackson and James Blannin-Ferguson to make a feature-length documentary tracking her ambitious and treacherous solo voyage around Antarctica. Screenings of the world premiere of Ice Maiden will be at the Doc Edge Festival which plays in Christchurch (19-30 June), Auckland (3-14 July), Wellington (3-14 July) and then nationwide via the virtual cinema (15-31 July). For more information visit docedge.nz Lisa's webpage is: www.lisablairsailstheworld.com
