Jon Sanders nearly home
by Jon Sanders 21 Jan 2021 23:41 UTC
31 January 2021
I'm nearly home. This little COVID-19 administration issue delayed me in Albany last week, but I did enjoy a pie.
I am currently anchored in Quindalup getting ready to finish my voyage next week, arriving at FSC on Sunday 31 January. I look forward to seeing you all and I hope many of you will be on the water or at FSC when I arrive.
I am so grateful to everyone who has made this voyage possible. So many amazing people and wonderful fund-raising efforts. The new motor is performing well. Thanks for all your messages.
I've been hopping along the East Coast after arriving in Bundaberg. Some nasty weather along the NSW coast was followed by a strong front in Bass Strait that got me moving at 10kts - the hull speed is only 8kts! Then very favourable winds across the Bight to Albany.
I will have sailed about 24,850nm when I tie up at FSC. The estimated eight month voyage has taken 14 months. That was not my fault - it was COVID-19. Such a different voyage to what we though when I left Fremantle in 2019
I took 100 litres of sea water at 11.00 local time every day at sea. I have taken 204 samples. When I reach FSC I will hand over to Curtin Uni the last samples from Bundaberg to Fremantle. That should be about 208 samples in total.
I've has the last two Christmases and my 81st birthday at sea.11 times around the world. You would think I would get tired of it but I still enjoy it.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at FSC soon.
Best regards
Jon