ENTERPRIZE

Author

Brock, David K., Lieut. (E), RAN (Rtd)

Subjects

Ship histories and stories, History - pre-Federation

Tags

Enterprize

RAN Ships

None noted.

Publication

June 1998 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)

The wind abated during the night, and at about 0800 we were off again, motor sailing into a light southerly. By 1700 we were off Gabo Island, entering Bass Strait. The wind was west and although there was a big swell, it wasn’t very rough. During the night, however, the wind strengthened and became more southwest.

Friday dawned with conditions quite rough and very wet on deck. Down below our quarters looked a bit of a shambles, as anything loose or not wedged in place was thrown around as our little ship rolled and plunged. However, by midnight we could see the Cape Barren light and the Bass Strait crossing was almost over. At the end of the middle watch we were off the Eddystone Point light marking the NE corner of Tasmania.

We had been making good time since our retirement, and by sailing a more direct course, we were actually ahead of the bulk of the fleet, who were all well out to the east. It was decided we could afford to take a little time out by calling into Wineglass Bay. This is a delightful spot on the east coast of Tasmania. The weather was fine, and we had a very pleasant afternoon. The cook turned on a real gourmet meal of roast chicken with all the trimmings, which we had on the upper deck – quite different to the meals taken in the previous couple of days when it was a struggle to even keep a plate on the table. We had a swim over the side, and a bit of fun sailing the ship’s tender Billie and then set off again.

We continued motor sailing during the night and by morning could see Tasman Island. We sailed between the island and Cape Pillar, at the base of which we could see groups of fur seals. There was very little wind as we crossed Storm Bay, but when we rounded the Iron Pot, which marks the entrance to the Derwent River at about 1400 the sea breeze came in, and we set all sail once again. These were the conditions which suited Enterprize, and we had a delightful sail up the river. As we progressed we seemed to gather spectator boats. As we approached the finishing line at Castray Esplanade we could see crowds of people lining the foreshore. The reason for all this was that it was Sunday, February 1, and although three yachts which were in the race had finished, we were actually the first tall ship which the people of Hobart saw, and most would not have known that we had retired and were technically no longer in the race. When we crossed the line we got the siren and people cheered and car horns blared, just as if we had won something! Then when we finally made it to our berth on the new King’s Pier marina, there were more people. What a reception! Hobart looked magnificent and we all thought it was a wonderful way to finish off a great trip.

During the following day, most of the fleet came into Hobart, but being a working day, they didn’t attract quite the crowd that we did. The tall ships lining the wharves completely transformed the city, and day and night there were always people down at the docks.

A very good program of entertainment was put on for the visiting crews. The most memorable one as far as I was concerned was the “Long Table Dinner” for all the crews. This was held at Salamanca Place which is an area comprised entirely of convict-built sandstone buildings, now all in the business of craft shops or restaurants.

The “Long Table” was a series of tables arranged end-to-end, and stretching the full length of Salamanca Place, sufficient to accommodate the 1,000-plus crew members. The Salamanca restaurants, which are normally in competition with one another had agreed to do this thing on a co-operative basis, and each serviced the section of the long table opposite to their establishment. It was, fortunately a beautiful, mild evening, and everyone rated it as a highlight of their stay in Hobart.

Thank you Enterprize, you were great.

A luncheon speech by David K. Brock, Lieut. (E), RAN (Retd) HMAS Hobart