Queenslanders, Robin Chamberlin and Terry Travers sailed the 38 foot catamaran
"Excess" from Hobart in Tasmania to Commonwealth Bay in the
Antarctic. They left the shelter of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel near Hobart on
8th January 1999 and expecting to take about 12 to 14 days to reach the
Antarctic. Sailing to within 3.8 nautical miles of the anchorage at
Commonwealth Bay on 21 January 1999, they did not anchor and go ashore because
of gales and difficult conditions.
Being driven out to sea by the gale they decided to commence their return
voyage to Hobart. Obviously disappointed, they exercised prudence and
seamanship rather attempt to push against the gale, anchor and go ashore in
the small "boat harbour".
Robin and Terry had planned to spend two days only in the vicinity of Mawson's
hut at Commonwealth Bay before commencing their return voyage to Hobart. They
later amended the two days to one day but even this was not to be. On their
return trip to Hobart through the Southern Ocean they had to combat gales,
ice, big seas and calms all combining to slow their progress.
On Sunday afternoon, 7th of February, Excess sailed into Hobart, 31 days after
commencing their adventure. Only minor damage was sustained which included a
lost rudder damaged by collision with ice, some minor ice damage to the hulls
and a broken wind generator mast.
They have set a record in having sailed a catamaran the farthest south. Maybe
you would like to send Robin and Terry a message
of congratulations for achieving so much in conditions of extreme cold
and gale force winds.
Latest Update - Excess arrived at Hobart, Sunday 7th
February 1999 at 1200 hrs EST (1300 hrs ESST) completing their epic voyage.
After this adventure, for something more "relaxing" they will
compete in the Australian Three Peaks Race at
Easter.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team to keep you up-to-date with
the radio sked details as the adventure unfolded. Thank you for being part of
the adventure too!
Click here to view previous detailed maps of the northern section and the southern
section of the south bound voyage from Hobart to the Antarctic, then press 'BACK'.
Note: Not all sked positions are shown where the locations are too close for graphical
representation. Where this happens the latest position is always shown.
