Mother Nature. Of course she’d take charge of my best laid plan for these OCH posts. As boaters, I know you’ll understand. Instead of heading north, we’re going to head south where none of us want to go… where all Hell broke loose down under!
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David Mitchell says:
A friend of mine and myself had the good fortune a couple of years ago to be down at Cygnet with his motor boat just wandering around the bay looking at boats, when we saw Varg, and decided to have a closer look at her. The owner and his wife plus a crew were readying the boat to take her out to race as part of the Cygnet Regatta. We both sail (both cruising and some mid week twilights, my friend had previously done a couple of Sydney to Hobarts some years ago. Anyway, next thing we knew we too were on Varg and became a part of the crew that day for the races. It was such a wonderful experience and Kraig shared with us this story of nearly loosing his boat, and later showed us the photographic essay which he produced on the story of Varg (the original one) plus his recreation. Such a treasured story and a marvellous boat built here in Tassie.
Derek Cockle says:
What a story, great photos & great outcome – well done all !
Recently heard from a friend (Howard Wilcockson) who emigrated from Perth W.A. to Cygnet last year & has crewed on Varg & thoroughly enjoyed the experience – fortunately not in such strong winds !
Derek J Cockle, Perth, WA
Sean Hogben says:
I’ve seen this boat, sailed the Channel, got caught in 60+ squalls that hit in three minutes (in the Huon mouth and off Castle Forbes Bay), and know that wicked Bruny lee shore. But all I could think of was the thousands of hours that Wilson’s put into Varg and her ending up a wreck. I was covering my eyes as I read! Good save.
Tassie has some of the most dynamic weather in the world. That’s why the boats are so good.
Joy Phillips says:
What a storm. We were tied up in the protection of the marina where it blew 60, gusting up to 65-70 knots. Truly amazing Varg was able to be rescued. Well done Garth & crews onboard both boats!
I had the amazing pleasure of sailing on Varg after Christmas down to Huon Island and back. Stunning yacht and still pinching myself that I got to helm her while we surfed down to the island before beating back to Cygnet harbour.
Kaci Cronkhite says:
That’s so cool, Joy. I wondered who else was watching that day. You feel so alone and understandably, everyone else is dealing with the winds too. Touch wood we don’t see that this year. TOUCH WOOD! See you in a few days!
Charles Barclay says:
The sense of dodging doom nicely toasted with a dram of White Heather.
Well done, and well said.
Kaci Cronkhite says:
Will pass along the kudos to the good Captain who selected the dram;)
David Tew says:
Champions all!
Kaci Cronkhite says:
I agree David. A lotta guts and grit and gratitude. This story could have gone so badly, but it didn’t.
Ben Mendlowitz says:
Thanks for sharing this Kacie, quite a story and great photos too!
Kaci Cronkhite says:
Thank you Benjamin! Shot with my iphone and snapped with a sense of survival. It was wild.
Hank Kennedy says:
WOW ! A well written piece about a great rescue with a wonderful conclusion !
Kaci Cronkhite says:
And all true. Thanks Hank!