So - Here we go; Cast off Bosun!

Fri. 27 Nov. 1998
I had been thinking about this for a long time - and now, after a few years in the mountains, more or less on my own, the time had come; I would take that cruise I had been thinking about for so long! My Sloop, 7 meter long "Freyja" was all ready for me down at the mooring in Sirius Cove, Mosman.
Just below where I used to live before I moved up here.
When I worked with 'Cyndan Chemical Co.' - who were in Brookvale then.

She is not very fast due to her 2 stubby, parallel bilge keels. But made of fibreglass she is very sturdy.
The only thing I had to watch out for was a few heavy seas coming in over the stern. The keels weren't made of cork so she wouldn't stay afloat if she was filled with water - So, "keep her up against it" and all would be well.
Freyja has a 7 hp. Johnson outboard motor but that would be for manouvering only. (It wouldn't take me far with the amount of fuel I'd be carrying anyhow) - No, I would depend on wind mainly and a bit on currents.

One thing I am sure of and that is that my friend Ross Clark, who lives in Mosman and is an Horticulturist with Botanical Gardens - and used to have a 'Sailer' himself in Queensland, is a good sailor.
He has looked after Freyja for the 6 years I've been up here. (And probably a darned side better than I would have done myself).

But would she be ready for the Pacific Ocean? - Well, that would be up to me I guess.

Late in November Ross 'phoned me to tell me that he and Shirley would go away for a while. He asked if I had set the date for the journey I had so often mentioned. As I had hinted at about Christmas time he thought he'd better call to tell me about his vacation. (He's very considerate that way) - I replied that I would get back to him as soon as I had my set plan.

Sunday Dec.13th I telephoned Ross in Sydney and said I wanted to go for a 'trip' - (But not the extent of my plans at this stage). We agreed on a date suitable to us both. - Saturday 9th of Jan. 1999.
I later 'phoned Ross on the 16th, and 18th of December when I revealed my plan, and we discussed what had to be done to Freyja etc. (He was rather 'overwhelmed' and did not have much faith in the soundness of my project).
I mentioned the maintenance work required and he agreed to check it out.

On the morning of Saturday the 9th. of Jan. I would meet him at Sirius Cove as he had kindly offered to to come with me to Pittwater where he would catch a bus back home.

My most important task would be the Navigation, - and all I had at present was a Swedish 'Silva' oil Orienteering compass.
They are very good - I have used them since I was a boy-scout. :)
- But of scant use if I lose track of where I am!
But I had ordered the necessary Mercator maps, which should arrive soon.

I have checked with friends on the Internet about cost and availability of a 2 way radio scanner; but as I could not generate electricity I ended up buying a small battery driven Satelite Scanner which would show me where I was.
The 3 Mercator maps would show me relative location with the help of the Scanner and also the average conditions of the sea and wind in January.
At the same time I wrote to "Club Marine", my insurers, to advise them and ask for comment. I had previously phoned them for the initial information.

At this stage I'd planned to make my way to a small place named "Russell" on the North tip of New Zealand first. (But later begun to prefer the 'Cook Strait')

For the first few days I would give 'Freyja' a good trial up and down along the coast. I would then return to Sydney to top up my supplies - and by Wednesday the 13th. of Jan. - 13, a good date, haha.. - I should be on course to New Zealand!
There I had thought of picking up my daughter Katrina, who was just completing her PhD. in psychology in Christchurch, and sail her back home. But would she have the time to come up to Russell for the lengthier? sail back home?

Then, having proved my point I would ask "CYNDAN" to Sponsor me!

Then I could carry a Mainsail with:

doubed right across it! They would be World reknown!

I thought I'd ask my boat insurers CLUB MARINE LIMITED, who have looked after me so well for so many years if they would like to put their Logo on my Spinaker Sail.

Fri. 18th. Dec. Well, everything was under way but it looks like I'd be running out of time. Logo'es would have to be made and sails have to be ready; looks like I'll be going with 'clean sails' at the time of writing this.
After all it was in the middle of the busiest time of the year! They didn't even have time to look at the proposal - I would have to 'tighten my belt' - and be alone with sea = and at the mercy of the winds.
- I would 'blend in with the Greater Entity', I thought, through its reflection in myself.
My life and destiny lies in the Strength of this Reflection

So regardless, from here on I'd go with the 'Westerly Drift' - or 'Easterly Wind and Currents, as I prefer to call them, over towards 'Guayaquile' in Ecuador - then Panama.

But so much for ""PLANS!".

As I'd had to tell Ross of my 'real intentions' he had immediately informed me that "the Sails were too old - were 'going' in the seams" etc. - "It'll never pass for Insurance" he said.

Okay - so I would have to have new sails made -
($another fortune$!)

But Facts are Facts!

I began telephoning Sailmakers.
But by then Christmas and the holiday's were on!

Then I realised that I could have trouble getting by without a Shortwave receiver for the weather forecasts. (I had been watching the "Sydney - Hobart Race" on TV).
Dozens of broken boats, injured sailors and even deaths!

It would have to be a Shortwave unit I could power from batteries - maybe from the 12 volt car battery I would get for the Navigation lights?

I had ment to make my own Sea anchor, but after watching this Mayhem - I thought I'd better play it safe and buy one.
I had no intention of trying to brave the sea if it got too heavy - I was not in a 'Race'!!
I'd reef my sails and toss in my Sea anchor before it came to that stage! - (Then turn in for a shuteye?)
I would lose some headway, but (unless it became sheer Hell) I would at least be afloat.
--oo0oo--
I had thought of the Magellan Strait or Cape Horn; but by the time I'd get there it would be winter
(which Year I'm not too sure of,- hahaha, but I would be safer heading towards warmer climes).
I am bringing my fishing lines and a HUGE tin with dry bisquits, so I wont be hungry; and Coffee of course!

Dec.30th.
STOP PRESS!! I just received my first (tentative) quote on new Sails
$1000 EACH!!! - (plus Sea Anchor & Shortwave Receiver!!)?????
This calls for a Magician!!

Dec.30th - pm.
Since all the accidents in the Sydney - Hobart Race; - stricter regulations will be imposed on 'Bluewater' Sailing.
Besides - I just received a letter from my Insurance Co.
Quoted Segment: ".....our Geographical limits under this policy are Australian waters (to 200NM off coast).............. In review of the file and the voyage proposed, umfortunately we cannot extend this policy......." End quote.

But, - we shall see.........I haven't given up yet!

I'll use the 'old' sails - and make my own Sea Anchor.
(The Insurance Co. can tell Katrina. #x@X@+&?!)

Anyhow, the appointment on January 9th. will be kept!!


Would anyone on the East Coast (Aust.)- not too far from Navigable waters - and who would not mind me reporting (FTP) back to this page; Please Email me on the Hotmail address below. Thank You

Tentative forecast: (But the 13th departure would be delayed).

Today, Thursday the 7th of January 1999, as I leave my mountaintop house I have taken with me two pairs of binoculars and my mother's Norwegian old Bible (with all her handwritten comments and appraisals) so I can scan the sky and my heart for any sign of God.
Silly really when all around me He would be manifest in the shape of the sea and strength of the wind.

I would also, on the bulkhead, paste 'representations' by way of photos, from the stock of my family - from my Great-Great Grandfather down.

The other books in the back of my station waggon, for moments of calm on the great Pacific had amongst them some of my favourite Philosophers, a dictionary of philosophy, a dictionary of 'Modern Thought', and Fred Alan Wolf's great "Taking the Quantum Leap" (The new physics for non-scientists).
- (and maybe take Goethe's "Dr. Faustus" as well?)

-

This page will be added to from wherever
I can find a means of communication.

Please see above re "East Coast Dwellers"

If it ends here -------
I'm more than likely communicating with a Higher Power.
(NO! - Don't take me too seriously!!!:)

Please address email to:mroen@hotmail.com
No longer valid

Please use: mroen@iprimus.com.au

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Incoming Mail

New Year's greeting from Christine.>

*kissssssssssssssss*, Slán agus beannacht... safe trip my love.
If you choose to challenge yourself this way, I can not stop you.
I will pray for your safe return.
May this new year bring you peace,and love and joy.
Love,
Christine

And may you find Everlasting Happiness!!
With Love from Mikael

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Best Wishes from Denise!

Dear Mikael,
Best of luck on your journey. Hope the new sails are just right for you.
We are off north to the bush and looking forward to our much needed holiday.
Adventures for all 1999.
Cheers, Ness

Thank you Ness - and you will return with happy memories!!
With Love from Mikael

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Greetings from RØN in Norway

Kjære Magne!
Vi vil få ønske deg et riktig godt nytt år!
Takk for alle hyggelige telefonsamtaler i 1998!
Vi har det bra alle fire.
Jeg skal skrive mer senere.Oddvar,Eivind og Erik hilser så mye.
Hjertelig hilse Kari.

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From Roar Moe in Oslo, Norway.

Hei Magne
Den båten må bli ganske baktung.
Tatt i betrakning av at du skal ha med deg en rull med 5000 km Internett-kabel.
Jeg må jo ha daglig oppdatering av hva som skjer.... :-))

Mvh
Roar

Min TAKK til Slekt og venner i Gode Gamle NORGE!!
Varmeste Hilsner fra Magne

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11 Jan. 1999.

Hope your journey is going well. I'm curious, how do you manage to send
ICQ messages from your boat?
Be well, and safe journey
We'll talk again soon
Love Always,
Christine.

Yes - thank you Honey! (Run aground :)
You can read the answer to your question under "Results" above.
Love, Mikael

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Page Created and Maintained by Magne O. Rön. Last Updated August the 27th, 2000