A dozen Flying Fifteens should be en-route from the UK to Fremantle. The 2023 Worlds may still be over 3 months away, but with a predicted 60 days at sea, plus some contingency, we packed the boats into containers on 18 and 19 November.
To minimise road haulage miles in the UK, the containers were packed in Harlow only 45 minutes from the departure port (London Gateway). Arriving at 0800 to meet the first container meant an early start from Chew Valley! Others managed to travel the evening before.
Thanks to Johnny Cooper for providing the loading site, a forklift, and extra manpower on the day.
Fingers crossed now for a smooth journey and safe unloading at the Fremantle end, and we'll be all set to go sailing in March. As well as the 12 boats shipping from the UK (including Campbell Alexander's South African boat currently based at Chew Valley) there are some other UKFFA members who already have boats in Australia. The GBR team should be something like 14 boats out of a predicted fleet of 70.
Oh, and if you're interested, you can track the boats on their way by visiting www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9729116
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