Local surf clubs Broulee/Moruya, Narooma were 3 members of 12 who created history and were the first successful crew to row across Bass Strait. Completed in 8 days doing 6 rowing days and 2 days stuck on Deal Island because of bad winds.
Local members Rob Pollock [Polly] Broulee/Moruya, Brendan Constable Narooma. Rod Patmore Narooma
Dr Joe Issacs, Phil Vial, Beau and Wes Dredge all from Wanda, Andy Lawson Wanda/Elouera[brain child of the trip], Braden Fleming Nth Cronulla, Travis Latter Currumbin former Nth Cronulla.
Kai Latter came along to produce a documentary about the historic journey.
Brendan and Rob were co sweeps and the eight rowers swapped in and out along the 360klm trip Island hoping from Port Albert in Victoria to Hogan Island then Deal Island [2 days bad winds], then Killiecrankie Flinders Island then Trousers Point Flinders Island, then Clarke Island and final leg across notorious Banks Strait to Little Mussel roe beach to Tasmania.
Ninety percent of the time winds were either across the crew or into a head wind.
Leg 5 the crew spent 9hrs 25 min battling a 22knot southerly, it was a tremendous effort with so much wind during the entire journey. Currents we the biggest issue and on our first leg my crew were stopped and pushed towards a surf break and rocks off Hogan Island, this really caused some hard rowing after a 70 klm row, our support vessel could not help us as they were battling the strong Flood tidal current as well.
Many of the Island have large numbers of Tiger snakes and the jumping Jack, venomous ants that can jump a meter high, were also one to be aware off, especially at Killiecrankie.
Our support vessel skipper Wynne Hobson was a legendary Old Sea Dog of Bass Strait 74 years young and ran a tight ship. Carol his partner ably assisted him and drove the Catamaran while he attended to tenders and navigation the old fashion way, he had a great feel for what Barometer Moons and wind effects on tides. Our deck hand was Bec Nielson who was an IRB driver from Woodside SLSC in Vic and had great skill and worked hard on the boat each day.
The crew chose the Charity, Humour Foundation “Clown Doctors” to raise much needed funds to an organisation that receives no Government funding. So far, the crew has raised over $125,000 their aim was $100,000.
Currently all donations will be doubled by Jack Patison’s, the loan ski paddler “Shark baits” employer, a coal company,This will end this week so still time to help this charity
DONATE HERE OR AT https://bass-strait.raisely.com/bass-straitmilesforsmiles
The group would like to thank the many hundreds our local Eurobodalla people who have donated and sent messages of support with the donations. One anonymous Moruya lady has donated $10,000 [$8000.00 to Clown Doctors and $2000 to the rowers account] amazing support.
Special mention must go the Cheryl Constable, Ayron Patmore who cooked and froze all the meals for the crew. Boys just needed to defrost and reheat them it was amazing food!!
Broulee and Narooma surf clubs assisted with borrowed equipment. Moruya Rotary defib [not used 😊] Moruya Signs Tony Sands did all the sign writing for free, Bentspoke Brewery donated 15 cartoons of beer, Moruya Woolworths gave $500 worth of food, MESCO donated Fuel.
Sponsorship we received locally from Project Lighting, Constable earthmoving , Karla and Paul White, Rapley and son Meats Narooma, Narooma Mobile Auto electrics boat batteries, Mark Hay Upholstery Moruya, Pollys Newsagency Moruya Batteries/Torches ,Fiona Kotvojs, Australian Flags .
12 men who undertook this adventure showed great Australian spirit and resolve having each others back, having fun, taking the mickey and PLENTY of grit and hard work. This was truly inspirational.
The Musselrowers moto was
IF NOT NOW WHEN ??
Get stuck into life and thanks to all who supported our historic mission.
