Berrimilla

[tdw]

I am remiss in not putting this up long before now but here we go.

Alex Whitworth (63) and his mate Peter Crozier (60) were carried to Hobart from Sydney aboard Alex's boat Berrimilla in the 1998 Syd-Hob. Yes, THAT Syd-Hob. The really ugly one.

Not happy with that Berri then did it again in 2004 and on arrival in Hobart dumped all but two of her crew and set sail for England via Cape Horn, did the 2005 Fastnet (came in 11th on handicap) then sailed back to Sydney via Cape of Good Hope , grabbed a few extra crew, did the 05 Hobart and a dawdle back home to Sydney.

Since then, other than completing another two Sydney-Hobarts, life has been quiet for the old girl.

Obviously bored with the quiet life Berri has now set sail once more.

Departing Sydney on April 10 this year she has now taken her two crewmembers to Dutch Harbour in the Aleutians where she is catching her breath before setting sail for England again........via the North West Passage.

33'. Built in 1977. Nothing special. Production cruiser racer designed by Peter Joubert. She usually finishes the Hobart in second or third last place although on handicap she does a bit better.

Check it out.

Berrimilla.com (main page)

index (the current voyage)

[Stillraining]

All I can say is....One tough boat and one tough pair of old salts...

[Ilenart]

I read that on the return from this year's Sydney to Hobart Berrimilla was rolled whilst running and lost their mast. Details below.

Sail World - Powerboat-World: Sail and sailing, cruising, boating news

[Rockter]

The North West Passage?

Iceberg ahead?

[Hartley18]

Thanks, TD - inspiring reading!

They are very well known and respected sailors down here. Best of luck to them both for many adventures ahead.

Nice boat too..

[chris_gee]

I read the last series and have just caught up on the present one. An engrossing read even if the antithesis of sundowners off palm lined tropical beaches.

[billyruffn]

Don't know if many Sailnetters have been following this epic voyage through the Northwest Passage, but it appears as if this gallent crew has just about made it safely to the UK.

Have a look at their website: Berrimilla Down-Under-Mars

It's a really gripping story of intrepid sailors.

All I can say is -- "Hip hip, hurray"

[tdw]

Originally Posted by billyruffn

Don't know if many Sailnetters have been following this epic voyage through the Northwest Passage, but it appears as if this gallent crew has just about made it safely to the UK.

Have a look at their website: Berrimilla Down-Under-Mars

It's a really gripping story of intrepid sailors.

All I can say is -- "Hip hip, hurray"

You have to admire what Alex and Berri have achieved. No shite, no sponsorship (or bugger all anyway) and has done things that are truely amazing. In a world full of plastic people he is the real thing. Good on him and good on Berri.

[billyruffn]

Mr. Wombat,

Looks like you and I are the only ones who appreciate a real sailing story. What these guys (and gal) have done is really something to celebrate.

Good on 'em!

[LittleMissMagic]

I've been following along too. Just haven't chimed in. It really is an epic story. It seems like this might be a more mainstream story considering the number of people in the past that have tried and failed to make the NW passage.

Good on 'em!