Day 15 Spuds and Spelt 31 March 14

Up early again as crew filming on land and boats to cruise to Devonport.
On the road by 9am .All loaded and off to Sheffield.
Solquest left first as she had to battle an incoming tide to clear the heads.Ron the bosun was on hand to take the required photo for his collection.Masterpiece followed at a leisurely pace.
Down past Shag rock,named by Flinders he was very perceptive as most of his names have stuck,Green island, Port Dalrymple,West Arm etc. Ron told us about Shag Reef, he is constantly called upon to pull people off it.It is testament to those who "play it by ear".It is marked and the green channel pile is very obvious but dreamers still go point to point at high tide and there is no water there.High and dry is usually the result when the tide goes out. Ron says no need me rushing out you are there for the duration.

Ben and I caught up to Garth and Rod just past York Cove and as I had not been into the small basin at the pilot station at Low Head we decided to have a look. No wonder Jerry and Graham Dineen head for there during the RYCT circumnavigation. It is a pretty spot well protected and well kept. Also Neen having a shack there would also help,he and Jan were up there when we came in.

Back out into the channel and inside Hebe Reef and headed for the Mersey.We decided to have a look at the Port Sorell entrance on the way,as we were off the pile marking.       rock and Jerry's Guide is quite detailed ,the tide three quarters and coming in we went in for a look,another beautiful anchorage to have in my head for the future when time permitted.
Unfortunately no track on my plotter as my old computer gave up the ghost yesterday ,now piloting on my Dragonfly or my IPad.Quite adequate though.Have a track on both of them ,very handy for reassurance if coming into unfamiliar places I the dark.

Back out and passed quite a few small boats fishing,they all seem to have their favorite spots.
In past the Spirit Of Tasmania 11 and tied up at the Mersey Yacht Club pontoon,Solquest about an hour behind.
We are to raft up here probably the first time in this trip,could be interesting.

Saw some action on shore which turned out to be the Nipples on Ripples dragon boat crew preparing for a training run.The trailer ramp was just behind where we were moored so had a grandstand view.Their boat looked brand new but the way they went about it was obviously well practiced and disciplined .It was a long way from the club shed to the water as the tide was low,down three meters here.They had the boat on a trailer with a winch up at the top.Two ladies worked the winch and the rest guided the trailer in.Once the boat was afloat they returned the trailer out of the way.The boat being so long they could step in from the front on dry land and step over the seats until they came to theirs.The sweep was also their coach it seemed.quite a large man.Off they went with commands not unlike the ones in the Roman galley movies.They have a good body of water up under the bridge to paddle on.Could not help but wonder about their stories ,some elderly and some quite young women but obviously enjoying themselves today.They were away for about an hour and a half.

The mob returned early,not even dark! Ben had prepared part of the dinner so we were not caught out.Garth and Rod had elected to wander up the road to a Bistro for dinner,good but a bit noisy they said.
Garth wanted to see the last episode of Rake so settled down with the Farmers to watch.
Josh and Gary decided to stir them up so after dinner they got out the drone and put some batteries in it.I will hold it and you work the controls said Josh.Don't let go said Gary or it will be smashed,ok said Josh let's go.
They crept over to Solquest and Josh held it down the hatch as Gary worked the controls.
Off it went,the four props make a loud buzzing noise and the red,white and green led lights are quite bright and flash.Coupled with the story getting to a quiet and sad part the effect was electrifying I believe.The only thing missing was the camera,should have thought about that! No record.
After much mirth it was about time for bed and they drifted of one by one.
A quiet night as weather goes but noisy as Devonport is a busy working port.

At the Mersey Yacht Club.
A model of Screw Loose in the club. Probably the smallest yacht to win the Sydney to Hobart.

The Nipples on Ripples crew return from their row.