VOYAGE NUMBER: 1115 > DEPARTING: 16 NOVEMBER 2015 > ARRIVING: 23 NOVEMBER 2015 > TOTAL DISTANCE STEAMED: 470.8 NM INAUGURAL TASMANIA EXPEDITION CAPTAIN S VOYAGE LOG CORAL EXPEDITIONS I Flag > Australia Master > Nathan Clark Mate > Phil Andrews Purser > Jessica Jones Hobart Recherche Bay Discovery Port Davey Adventure Bay Freycinet National Park Maria Island Port Arthur Historic Site
DAY 1 16.11.15 LOCATION: HOBART QUARANTINE BAY (BRUNY ISLAND) Wind SE 15 knts with a stiff afternoon sea breeze Seas Nil Swell 0.2m Weather 6/8 cloud cover Barometer 1017 1430 Guests begin boarding 1500 Function on the Sundeck 1600 Depart Hobart 1800 On anchor at Quarantine Bay 1830 Captain s welcome drinks on the Sundeck Proud to take the ship out on our inaugural cruise of Tasmania. The day capped months of preparation and the arrival of the Premier of Tasmania and Lord Mayor of Hobart for a pre departure tour of the ship was a fitting start. Following passenger embarkation and a flag off function with Tasmanian sparkling wine and canapes on the aft deck, we departed Macquarie Wharf number 2. We set a SE course from the wharf down the Derwent river. After clearing the outer Hobart limits, we moved to a course allowing views of the beautiful coast line on the starboard side of the channel. Continuing further down the river and clearing Piersons Point to our starboard, we entered the D entrecasteaux Channel and into Quarantine Bay for our overnight anchorage. With rolling hills down to the water s edge, some beautiful houses, and a handful of yachts in close to the foreshore it was a very pretty destination for Captain s welcome drinks on the top deck. Fresh shucked Tasmanian oysters, cheese and drinks were very well received although it is a first to have guests wearing storm jackets and woollen hats to a Coral Expeditions function! There is a great air of excitement and camaraderie amongst our guests. Most are return guests who have sailed with us many times before.
DAY 2 17.11.15 LOCATION: WOODBRIDGE RECHERCHE BAY Wind NNE 5 / W 5 15 knts Seas 0.2m Swell 1.5m Weather 6/8 cloud cover, balmy day Barometer 1007 1008 0735 Anchor up Quarantine Bay 0810 On anchor Woodbridge 0900 Guests depart for Grandvewe Cheese and Discovery Centre 1210 Anchor up Woodbridge 1550 On anchor at Recherche Bay 1730 Anchor up, overnight to Port Davey 0050 On anchor Port Davey Bramble Cove The short hop over to Woodbridge gave another beautiful anchorage with a small number of vessels near the jetty adding to the overall feel of a sleepy town. The bus took the passengers for the Grandvewe Cheese tour very positive reviews with purchases made along the way. The Marine Discovery centre was wonderful, hosting touch tanks, sharks, rays and conger eels to name but a few of the exhibits. Lifting the anchor and heading down to Recherche Bay we passed numerous fish farms holding Atlantic salmon and had the occasional seal swim in the bow wave. Arriving in Recherche Bay, we were offered a wide and open anchorage devoid of hazards, however, caution was needed to the north with rock outcrops just below the surface. Transferring to the shore for a guided beach walk with the Park s Ranger, guests viewed the eight meter, bronze whale statue and worked up an appetite for dinner. Excitement was palpable in the late afternoon as we departed Recherche Bay heading out into the Southern Ocean en route to Port Davey. With light winds and a gentle swell, we couldn t have asked for a more pleasant journey around South West Cape.
DAY 3 18.11.15 LOCATION: PORT DAVEY BRAMBLE COVE Wind W 10 knts Seas 0.2m Swell Nil Weather 6/8 cloud cover, showers Barometer 1007 0900 Explorer departs for Bramble Cove walk 1100 Explorer departs for Breaksea Island scenic cruise 1430 Explorer departs for a cruise of the western reaches of the Bathurst Channel 1540 CE I departs for the Bathurst Channel, The Narrows and Bathurst Harbour Morning walk at Bramble Cove escorted by the Park s Ranger received good reviews. In the afternoon, lifting the anchor and heading through to the Bathurst Channel and The Narrows, we encouraged the passengers to get a good position to view the channel, which everyone did. As we glided down to the The Narrows, guests could just about reach out and touch the sides. Going in between Farrell and Joan Point, passengers were able to see the crossing point which has two row boats for walkers to cross the water way. Unfortunately for the lone gentleman waiting to cross, both row boats were on one side not the one he was on! Clearing the The Narrows and into Bathurst Harbour we arrived at our pristine anchorage. I believe we are the first cruise ship to enter Bathurst Harbour, which would make me the first ship s Captain too! In celebration, the General Manager put up pre dinner drinks for all on the top deck.
DAY 4 19.11.15 LOCATION: BATHURST HARBOUR Wind W 15 25 knts Seas 0.3m Swell 2 2.5m Weather 8/8 cloud cover, rain cold! Barometer 1007 1009 0830 Explorer departs for a cruise down Melaleuca Inlet 1300 Explorer departs for Claytons Corner 1600 Depart Bathurst Harbour for Adventure Bay A cool start to the day today with the westerly winds funnelling through the hills and straight through us. Morning hike to Claytons Corner received good reviews. [Note for next voyage: an extension of excursion time will allow those wishing to walk further to the peak to do so.] Transiting the channel in reverse late evening, passengers stayed inside as outside was chilly. However, conditions were calm as we got the ship running with the swell. Winds settled at a westerly 20knts and swell W/SW 2 2.5m providing a comfortable cruise through the night, arriving at Adventure Bay a little after 0300. Passengers continuing to enjoy each day very much.
DAY 5 20.11.15 LOCATION: ADVENTURE BAY Wind SW 5 10 knts Seas 0.3 0.5m Swell 1 1.5m Weather 5/8 cloud cover, showers Barometer 1005 1008 0300 On anchor Adventure Bay 0900 Explorer departs for a beach and hill walk 1330 Explorer departs for the Bligh Museum and Bruny Island Berry Farm 1700 Depart for Promise Bay Morning walk to the Bligh Museum with local marine memorabilia received good reports. The French explorer Freycinet, then Cook and later Bligh had previously sailed into this area in the late 1800 s. Cruising around Tasman Island offered spectacular cliff faces and scenery. The arrival of a whale and a calf during dinner interrupted normal dinner service. The photographers are keeping very busy with photos and the drone.
DAY 6 21.11.15 LOCATION: WINEGLASS BAY MARIA ISLAND Wind W 15 20 knts Seas 0.3m Swell 1.5m Weather 5/8 cloud cover Barometer 1006 1012 0630 Explorer departs for Wineglass Bay walkers drop off 0650 CE I lift anchor and depart for Wineglass Bay 0950 Explorer departs for scenic cruise at Wineglass Bay 1030 CE I departs for Maria Island 1500 Presentation in the forward lounge 1615 On anchor Fossil Bay Maria Island The anchorage overnight was exposed to the westerly winds across the Bay in the morning, giving a swell of around 1.5m. The Explorer had a bit of hard work making its way towards Coles Bay and the drop off point for the first group of walkers. Departing Wineglass Bay, I brought the ship in close to the sheer rock faces heading down to Maria Island. Approximately half way to Maria Island is an island called Ile des Phoques (Seal Island) were I was able to bring the ship to within half a boat length off the rocks for a fantastic view of a colony of seals basking on the rock ledges. Time for another photo and drone session. Walking around the island was very pretty and with historic buildings, a good number of wombats, kangaroos and bird life, our expedition team were kept busy. Captain s table at dinner was very enjoyable with a number of guests who I have sailed with in the past, with lots of good comments about the cruise and constructive advice for the following season.
DAY 7 22.11.15 LOCATION: PORT ARTHUR Wind W / SW 20 25 knts Seas 1m Swell 3 4m Weather 5/8 cloud cover Barometer 1010-1011 0700 Depart anchorage 1345 On anchor Port Arthur 2100 Depart for Ralphs Bay After a very comfortable night on anchor we departed Maria Island and began making our way to Port Arthur. Hugging the coast line, we were are able to give a wonderful view of the cliffs as we cruised on towards Tasman Island. Guest Lecturer Mike continued his wonderful commentary on the history and geology of the region, pointing out places with names like Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay where guards and dogs were stationed as a final deterrent for convicts trying to escape Port Arthur. Coming round the corner sailing between Tasman Island and the mainland with around two hundred meters clearance each side, vertical cliff walls and waves crashing on the rocks it was very dramatic and an amazing sight. We continued on past Pirates Bay with the Tasman Arch prominent and then past the awesome cliffs of Waterfall Bay into the peaceful waters off the Isle of the Dead. Transferring over to Port Arthur, we were greeted by Lee from Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority and Colin our guide (who clearly loves what he does). The property a World Heritage Site is a remarkable testament to the history of the area and its significance to modern Australia. Finishing with Captain s farewell drinks on the veranda of a live exhibit with sweeping views across the grounds was a very special last excursion for the cruise. Just before leaving, Lee who was looking after us throughout the day, presented me with a brick! It just happens to have an engraved plaque celebrating our inaugural cruise and visit to Port Arthur and the brick happens to be an original convict made brick from the 1800 s. Again a very special moment culminating what has been a remarkable week.
DAY 8 23.11.15 LOCATION: RALPHS BAY - HOBART Wind SSE turning NE 20 25 knts Seas 0.3m Swell Nil Weather 5/8 cloud cover Barometer 1004 0630 Depart Ralphs Bay for Hobart 0750 All secure Macquarie wharf #2 0805 Guests disembark Leaving Port Arthur after dinner, we headed out to make our way to Hobart. By the grace of the weather gods, the winds swung around to the SE, and we were able to run with the seas into the Derwent River and onto Ralphs Bay with only a brief period in the swell. Setting the anchor at 0200 at Ralphs Bay gave us a very good anchorage until moving into Hobart later in the morning. All Tasport staff and our shore agents were there promptly to greet us on arrival. Turn around preparations now underway for 2nd voyage. INCIDENTS TO REPORT / NO