A Whale of a time

Adventures in an 83-year-old Whaler. The plan was to launch the old girl for her first sail in 30 years after restoration by Bill and a team at the Western Boat Club. It was built in NZ in 1943 out of Kauri pine and was identical to the whaler George Bass, used to explore the east coast of Australia and circumnavigate Tasmania around 1800. Every naval vessel and warship carried whalers, and sailors used them for hunting and harpooning whales. As navy boats, the whalers were used to land troops on Gallipoli. The restoration was meticulous, and Bill was incredibly proud of the vessel.
It sailed beautifully, but the weather deteriorated as a storm approached, and the sea became choppy with white caps. The team decided to lower the mainsail as the storm hit. Unfortunately, sailing with just the jib and mizzen, we could not hold direction and started blowing to Tasmania! Fortunately, a friend saw the situation and towed us back to the jetty. So, apart from a bit of friction between Bill and Alan, all was well, and everyone dried out. I felt so sorry for Bill as he was terribly proud of their work and wanted a memorable return to the sea for the boat. However, I am sure it will become a fabulous community asset for the Western Boat Club in Geelong as the rigging is fine-tuned. I am sure it will still be sailing for another 80 years!!Läs mer