Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Pete Goss sails kayak around Tasmania

by Stuart Elford/Sail-World Cruising on 18 Feb 2013
Pete Goss SW


The sailing/paddling pair battled the big swell of the Southern Ocean, were capsized by breakers as they came ashore and camped out in some remote and wild places. But the adventure also took in some amazing sights, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, brought them close to rays, dolphins, albatross, wombats and kookaburra, and saw them sleeping under the stars.

Pete Goss MBE, 51, said that the trip has exceeded all expectations: 'If I had to choose my favourite section it would be the west coast for it is wild, remote and one is always aware of the southern ocean. If I had to choose the most beautiful it would be the Freycinet Peninsula and for warmth, generosity and kindness I would have to embrace the whole Island for we have been made so welcome by all that we have come across. Tasmania is a very special place.'

Andy, 52, said this has been the culmination of a long term dream: 'From a kayaker’s perspective Tasmania offers every variety of paddling possible from the challenging seas and swells of the southern ocean to idyllic, almost topical waters. It's been brilliant.'

Pete had designed an innovative sailing rig for the kayaks to give them wind assistance when conditions allowed. Pete said: 'If technology from other disciplines and innovation can improve a design and make life easier, I say ‘why not’?'

The project was supported by the GORE-TEX® brand which provided the very latest in high-tech breathable and protective clothing, including bespoke drysuits. Andy Warrender was the business leader who guided GORE Fabrics to being a global leader in comfortable protective clothing. Pete and Andy have spent more time in their suits than their tents and wouldn't be without them for safety and comfort.

Pete always likes to open his adventures up to the public and thousands of people followed their progress on the live satellite tracker at petegoss.com and posted messages of support to keep the guys going.

But when asked what the hardest part of the trip was, Pete said: 'The toughest times were … well, there weren't any; this was a great adventure and of course one had to work hard, but the truth is it was a joy from beginning to end. We are fitter, thinner and happier.'

As one adventure draws to a close people immediately start asking what’s next for Pete: more kayaking, another sailing adventure or something completely different. As always, Pete says there are some ideas in the pipeline, but for now, it is time to relax with the family and a cuppa.
Zhik 2024 DecemberSea Sure 2025B&G Zeus SR AUS

Related Articles

Blind Sailor's solo Round the Island Challenge
Dani A. Pich is aiming to navigate his Patí Català catamaran around the Isle of Wight next week A truly remarkable challenge is underway on the Solent, with blind sailor Dani A. Pich aiming to sail solo around the Isle of Wight in a catamaran dinghy that has no rudder, no centreboard, no boom and is steered by the use of balance and body weight.
Posted today at 9:06 am
RORC Channel Race 2025 Preview
The high-stakes opener of the 2025 Admiral's Cup The 2025 RORC Channel Race is the high-stakes opener of the 2025 Admiral's Cup—and the pressure is on. With double points on the table and no discard allowed, this race could make or break a team's Admiral's Cup campaign.
Posted today at 8:42 am
2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth starts today
131 boats from 18 countries prepare ahead of the main event The 2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth has become a magnet for the international foiling community. With 131 boats entered from 18 countries, this event is more than just a tune-up—it's a snapshot of the class's spirit.
Posted today at 5:33 am
SailGP: Stands go up in Portsmouth
The grandstand is in place and prominent on the Portsmouth shoreline, in readiness for the weekend The grandstand is in place and prominent on the Portsmouth shoreline, in readiness for this weekend's SailGP event, which marks the start of the European circuit for the League's Season 5.
Posted today at 12:22 am
America's Cup: Azzurra Challenge
Azzurra's 1983 debut turned Italian sailing into a national interest. Italy has one of the most passionate and enduring histories in the America's Cup. Azzurra's 1983 debut turned Italian sailing into a national interest.
Posted on 15 Jul
The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program
A look at The Ocean Cleanup and its the 30 Cities Program The cliche goes that one should avoid meeting one's heroes, as there's always a chance that the flesh-and-blood person might not live up to expectations. While I've never met Boyan Slat, I'd gladly take this risk.
Posted on 15 Jul
Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta day 3
Mother Nature teases the competitors Mother Nature teased the competitors today and made them wait a bit, but she did not disappoint; the sun came out and a big westerly built to 18-20 knots!
Posted on 15 Jul
A century of human endeavour
The Fastnet Race is regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds For 100 years, the Rolex Fastnet Race has been regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds. It is a place where ambitions and dreams meet harsh reality, where skill, endurance and fortitude are severely tested.
Posted on 15 Jul
Martine Grael in Racing on the Edge
First female driver to win a Fleet Race captured in behind-the-scenes documentary Major milestone moment for SailGP captured in behind-the-scenes documentary series, which reaches 10 million total viewers since launching in 2021.
Posted on 15 Jul
Get ready to celebrate world's best sailing photos
16th edition of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award Professional photographers from around the globe are invited to submit their best yacht racing images captured between October 14, 2024, and October 12, 2025.
Posted on 15 Jul