Maintenance and Darwin leaders

9 December 2024

Maintenance and Darwin leaders

For the past few days, we have been moored in the heart of Hobart, the main city of Tasmania. Being located in the center of town means we get a lot of curious visitors who walk up to the ship. Everyone is in awe of the beauty of the ‘Oosterschelde’, and they are even more astonished when we tell them, “Yes, we sailed all the way from the other side of the world to get here. And yes, this stunning vessel really is 107 years old!”

However, our days aren’t just spent chatting with passing pedestrians. The crew is taking advantage of the good weather to climb into the rigging and attend to all the little details that can be improved or replaced. Of course, we are also using the dry weather to do some painting on deck and varnishing.

Before we set off for several weeks at sea, we are busy provisioning for a total of 13 weeks. A truckload of dried and canned provisions has already been stored under the saloon floor and in every little nook we could find. Another two or three cars full of soft drinks, and we should be set with long-lasting supplies. Just before departure, we will get the fresh food we need for the first two weeks until New Zealand, and then again for the longer stretch to the Falklands.

While the Oosterschelde crew is busy on deck and below, the Darwin Leaders and camera operators are working hard on their documentaries. This time, the projects focus on protecting the whales of the Southern Ocean, restoring the Derwent Estuary, and saving the tall trees of Tasmania. In just two days, we’ll be able to see the results of all their hard work during the presentations at the end of the project week.