Media Release No 5 Bass Strait Gales Delay Challenge

Eco-Marine Challenge

The crew of Foreign Affair, the Chamberlin 47 power catamaran contesting the Eco-Marine Challenge, left Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast at 5.21 am this morning for the final 500 nautical miles to Hobart. They had been sheltering from strong winds generated by an intense low pressure system and attendant cold fronts.

At present they are punching into a 2 metre sea with 2.5 metre swells and a 20 knot south westerly wind. Conditions are relatively unpleasant with a sudden motion and they can only manage 11 knots, but the situation is expected to improve significantly as they push further south.

The cold front that generated the weather is moving into the Tasman Sea and a high pressure system is becoming established over Bass Strait, which should create the favourable conditions needed to lift their average speed.

The next waypoint is Tasman Island with an expected arrival in Hobart late Tuesday evening.

Signed Terry Travers.

See www.icecat.com.au or phone Robin 0427 667 055 or Terry 0408 188 683