Now we’re off!

South Pacific 11 am 33 degrees 08 minutes south 153 degrees 17 minutes east.

Apologies to all who have been eagerly awaiting news of Chimere’s progress. Part of this text was prepared prior to departure. Departure however saw 3 of the crew succumbing to the rolling swell. Needles to say any further attempts at the computer were very nearly met with the sort of output the keyboard might not have survived.

Tuesday was filled with more preparations, more securing on deck, and a bit of looking and dreaming about various other boats in Rushcutters bay.

In the evening Chimere was the venue for a get together for the various Sydney based crew members for mission 2 and 3, as well as friends and supporters of the whole project. Nibblies, drinks and pizzas were consumed under a starry sky.

Wednesday involved refueling, requiring well over a 1000 litres of diesel. By popular request our skipper Bob then took us for a scenic cruise under the harbour bridge and by the opera house. Today’s weather was absolutely perfect for the multitude of photo opportunities this presented.

Wednesday afternoon we set sail. Bob arrived with his new hair cut and we were off.
As mentioned previously, out off the harbour and Nick, Andrew and myself were beset by the dreaded sea sickness, despite Roberts earlier assurance that chimere was fitted with the latest anti sea sickness technology. We are getting better,  but so happy to have Bob and Martin to keep an eye on things.

Progress at this stage has been slow, with the East Austrailan current running at about 3 knots against us, we have spent much time motor sailing and barely reaching 1 knot at times. Pleased to say this has now passed and we seem to be progressing well under sail at around 5 knots.

Looking forward to a co-operative breeze for a few days, and also for my insides to return to their normal state.

Bill Vrijens

6 thoughts on “Now we’re off!”

  1. Well done guys!! Think of it as a bonus weight-loss program at no extra charge … “Chimere, The Biggest Loser”.
    I suppose I shouldn’t ask how the fishing has been going?
    Keep up the good work
    Rob Latimer

  2. Hi Bill, Well (or was that Swell) that sure sounded like a choppy start. Wishing you all a great trip and smooth sailing ahead with favourable winds.Enjoy those beautiful night skies.Full Steem Ahead to you all from Helen & Guy Campbell & family

  3. These ventures become adventures, it seems! For bold adventurers like the teams who are called to a special ministry!! We who are on solid ground acknowledge the amazing work you have done and return to do – our thoughts and our prayers are our contribution for you all.
    Be blessed in the processes!! Lorraine and Ian

  4. Well I hear that the tooth Dr.Tony is on board and busy extracting teeth on the remote islands-keep up the great work ye pirate.Helen and crew

  5. Glad to hear you are all finding your sea legs. Good luck from the Burkes

  6. Hi Helen, Guy, Alex, Josie and Matt, thankyou for your encouragement and support. We’re off to Futuna Is. tomorrow, worth having a look on Google. It’s an amazing place.

    love from all aboard

    Rob L

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.