Len's Voyage Over
After surviving a violent storm 90nm northwest of Cape Leeuwin, WA I have decided to end my solo around Australia voyage after sailing 5,340nm (almost 9,000km).
After careful consideration, my 9m folding catamaran that was purpose designed to be a mini coastal cruiser was no match for the many Southern Ocean storms that lay ahead. I know my family and friends are very relieved of my decision.
Zeavard will now be put up for sale at the Port Bouvard Marina, 100km south of Perth, WA. This sale will help fund my new project being the S-22 high performance folding catamaran which I will make available as a kit version with complete boat on trailer at a later date.
I would like to thank the many people that followed my journey, those that made contributions to the Cancer Council of QLD (donations are still being accepted) and to all the sponsors listed on the website.
All equipment worked well, in particular the combination of master sail maker Colin Quinn’s jib and the REEFURL roller reefing system, as well as the asymmetrical spinnaker. Colin’s jib was constantly furled to various reef sizes on REEFURL’s system and it worked superbly.
The help given to me by Gary and Neila Harding while at Broome was outstanding and also Shane Walker who drove from Broome to Port Hedland (a 6hr drive) to pick me up due to bus service cancellations. Shane also spent a day servicing my outboard motor, helped re-launch Zeavard and was also at the marina making arrangements for me to tie up at the private Mandurah Yacht Club marina after the storm. Many thanks Shane!
The outstanding service from Great Circle Marine Life Rafts was greatly appreciated. All the electronic equipment from Raymarine and installed by John Sterling worked beautifully. The only problem I had was when I damaged (bent) the auto pilot shaft, but a replacement shaft was promptly sent to Broome from the Sunshine Coast, QLD. The dodger was brilliant and the International anti-fouling still in excellent condition. Convatec’s sponsored foul weather clothing was put to good use, especially during the last week of sailing.
A big thank you to Julie Hartwig for her many media updates to keep the community informed on this journey from start to finish, a very professional job, well done. Also would like to thank Brad Turvey for his time given to this web site in showing Zeavards journey around Australia. Brad gave his time and expertise free of charge in presenting this web site in a modern and very readable format.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What would I take with me if I was to again sail on a long voyage? A laptop computer showing the low and high pressure systems around Australia.
How many sailboats did you encounter? None.
How many ships did you encounter? Too Many!
How many whales did you encounter? None.
How many mermaids did you encounter? None.
Videos of Len's Voyage
New High Performance Catamaran Planned
S-22 Super High Performance Trailerable Catamaran
On the completion of the circumnavigation of Australia, Len will be hard at work on his next project, the S-22 trailerable catamaran.
This high performance 22ft folding catamaran will supercede the previous 5m and 7m catamaran. The catamaran will be available in either kit form or as a complete boat on a trailer.
