Michael Blackburn’s Bass Strait crossing picture perfect!

by Sail-World on 11 Mar 2005 Courtesy of West Ashton, we now bring you images of triple Olympian, Michael Blackburn, crossing Bass Strait, one of the most unforgiving stretches of water in the world, on his 4.2 metre Laser.

Blackburn sailed the 115 nautical miles from Stanley in Northern Tasmania to Tidal Beach in Norman Bay, near Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria in 13.5 hours.

Winds of 15-20 knots were just right for his Laser, as can be evidenced from the images.

‘I hoisted sail at 3:30am. The first few hours before dawn were pretty hairy. I was planing downwind doing 8-9 knots, with no moon and no stars. A couple of times I put the bow in the water and came to a sudden stop.'

Help for Blackburn came in the shape of Estate Master - Hill PDA, The Sailing Scene (supplying the Laser), Ronstan, Queensport Wetsuits, The Wooden Boat Shop, Arthur Brett Sails and Roger ‘Clouds’ Badham.

http://www.sailfitter.com