SCOTW Allison Shreeve failed to achieve her aim of windsurfing across the Bass Strait. Allison left expecting 20 knot winds from the NW, swinging 25-30kts for a few hours then moderating to 20kts SW in the afternoon with a 1-2m swell. In reality, she got 20-25 knots from the NW then 25-35 knots W/SW for six hours, with swells peaking over 4 metes at times.
After the first four hours, Allison was nearly half way across and on target to smash the current record, but the middle third of the crossing was very tough and, after a courageous nine hour slog, had resulted in severe cramping and the onset of hypothermia, she was helped on board Calypso II, her support boat. She said afterwards that the highlights were being escorted by about 50 dolphins showing off by surfing through the face of the waves and diving under her board; the company of a beautiful albatross out in the middle of nowhere and a couple of friendly seals making an appearance. “This whole experience is one I’ll never forget” she said. Pic Luca Villata and more here.
