Dec 05, 2005 – 0745hrs UTC

0745hrs 05 Dec 2005 UTC 44’44”S 126’04”E Ref 622

We applied to Customs in Hobart for a special exemption from port of entry requirements to enable us to resupply with food, diesel and goodies in Adventure Bay on South Bruny Island just around the corner from SE CapeThe southernmost point of the main island of Tasmania in case we are very short of time. We have just heard that Customs have refused the application. Should not be a problem, but if we do cop a long park from the ExaminerShe who asks awkward questions of the crew and tests them with difficult tasks. between here and there, we will either have to go on serious conservation rations (solar power only, almost no diesel almost no water, probably not enough solar to run the watermaker for more than half an hour a day so perhaps a litre )to try to go direct to Sydney (or Eden if in time or desperate) in one hit to get there in time or give up the idea of making the start line. Could be done, but not looking forward to the need to do it. Giving up is unthinkable at this stage and we’ll go for it if necessary.

We are still hooningAs far as I can gather, if Berri were a horse, she’d have the bit between her teeth to be hooning along in the right direction and we should make the numbers again today. I think we have nothing further to worry about from the last low – the next one is a long way back – freckle just a’twitching – the tension is getting to us a bit as we close in – it can so easily go wrong even from here and we would rather it didn’t. Customs’ refusal not making things easier.

Roger @ CYCCruising Yacht Club of Australia – we are hoping to get to the Heads some time on Dec 20 or 21 – obviously a bit early to predict and will depend very much on what happens at SE CapeThe southernmost point of the main island of Tasmania. If we slip in Hobart, should not need diver in Sydney and also hoping to get radio check in Hobart. I think I have original IRC cert with me as HilaryAlex’s partner and Katherine’s mother brought it to the UK before the FastnetFastnet Race: 608 mile biennial race from Cowes, UK, Isle of Wight, to the Fastnet Rock off Southern Ireland, finishing in Plymouth. Berrimilla took part in 2005 and 2009.. Liferaft Cert I do have and is ok and worded as per instructions. I understand the crew are doing their paperwork so keep the fingers crossed we don’t get parked before we can load some diesel. Do you want the RORCRoyal Ocean Racing Club, located in London trophies for pre S2HSydney-Hobart Race: often described as the most gruelling ocean race in the world, this annual race starts on 26th December from Sydney Harbour and ends in Hobart. The course is 628 nautical miles. stuff? Will arrange if you do, as long as Steve brings the big one back with him.

IzzAlex's sister – send me the shawl numbers – ta. Only 400 emails? Perhaps I’ve been counting a different set. G& T day today and it’s almost upon us. Wooohoo! Looking forward to reading the glosso.