NOWHERE TO RUN

to run, nowhere to hide, they say!

South Australia has 346 islands to explore and with COVID still causing uncertainty, Pacific Hawk owners Peter and Fiona Hawker decided to do just that! Mid-March saw a high system upon a high system on the horizon as Christine and I drove into Port Lincoln to join Pacific Hawk for a month with the anticipation of exploring the Investigator group of islands. Peter and Fiona purchased the 60ft catamaran in 2017, renaming her Pacific Hawk. Built in Fremantle and originally registered in the US under the name of Hukuna Matata she has a colourful past. We boarded one of South Australia’s largest catamarans with intrigue. The Hawkers have completed extensive works, especially to the electronics. Stepping on board we were impressed with her size and complexities. Initially sailing about the Port Lincoln area to Reevesby Island, we became familiar with the boat’s configurations and learnt the many systems on board. A night at the lovely anchorage at Memory Cove (Mossie Cove) we were ready for an early start to motor sail around the point into Coffin Bay. The Coffin Bay entrance is shallow especially around the first channel marker so tide considerations are a must. With a draft of 1.2m we got our Coffin Bay oyster fix and enough fuel to keep the twin 170hps operating for a while. Perfect weather conditions welcomed us as we headed out into the Great Australian Bight. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. It was evident your seamanship skills should remain alerted and the barometer could be your best friend. We always had a plan B, and often a plan C. Arriving at Flinders Island it was not long before we were pulling in decent sized King George whiting and enormous squid. There are a number of good anchorages and with an abundance of thick seagrass we were pleased that we had a must-have Stockless Marsh anchor and 100m of heavy chain. We enjoyed a few nice walks on the large island that has government funding for environmental restoration since its sealing and sheep farming days. The island is now offered for ecotourism and subject to diamond exploration. Cruising Guide for South Australia 2020 by Jack and Jude was an excellent reference guide and boosted our knowledge of the area. Would you sail a 20ft Wharrum catamaran 15,000nm including twice to Indonesia? Whilst at Flinders Island, inspirational sailors Tim and Anna with their two young children from Elliston, sailed over to our anchorage on their 20ft Wharrum catamaran. They were living onboard during their two week family holiday, sleeping in a tent on deck. Pre children days Tim and Anna lived for 10 years on this boat and have embarked on many journeys. This is a remarkable effort and something hard to contemplate as we were on a luxury 60 ft boat. Pearson Island - If there is an island to put on your bucket list this is it. Protected since the 1960s and declared a Wilderness Protection Area in 2011, it attracts the interest of scientific researchers due to its remoteness, low human impact and the absence of introduced pests. The Pearson Island rockwallaby is a sub-species of the black-footed rock-wallaby

which became isolated on Pearson Island by sea level rise 10,500 years ago. A northern and eastern anchorage provide good holding in the right conditions with beach access at the eastern Anchorage Bay to explore the island. This allowed us to be part of the wildlife and witness an island in its natural condition. A walk up to the top of one of the granite peaks will reward your efforts; don’t forget the camera! It was a privilege to visit this island, swimming with the sea lions, admiring the granite formations, and observing its abundant wildlife. The remainder of our trip took us to Neptune Islands, Avoid Bay, Thistle Island, KI (Snellings Beach and Emu Bay), Troubridge, and Stansbury, then back to Adelaide just before the unfavourable weather arrived. A boat this size has its pros and cons. Peter and Fiona were delighted to host a number of dinners, happy hours and movie nights with many other South Australian boats during our time. This included CYCSA boats - Aquila, Bellatrix, Even Keels, Sintara, Talay, Vellamo, and Wind Weaver. Peter and Fiona Hawker have worked hard to achieve what Pacific Hawk is today. A special thank you for the invite and the memorable time together. South Australia turned it on - good times with good people!

Darren Harvey