A Day Out On Kerrawyn

Late last month, AWBF’s Marketing/Communications Manager and Program Coordinator, Bella Laughton-Clark, spent one of the only sunny days of September out on historic local vessel Kerrawyn.

Feature image: Kerrawyn (AWBF collection)

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Anastasia Konstantinidis and Dave Golding (owner of Dave’s Shed from our earlier Maritime Trail) are the lucky owners of Kerrawyn, the historic Wilson’s built 70+ year old wooden boat. When Dave sent a message out about an afternoon onboard, we couldn’t say no!

Kerrawyn is a heavy vessel, weighing in at just over 30 tonne and it sure does feels heavy. With timbers like Celery Top Pine making up the hull, no wonder. The structurally sound vessel has had many career changes, including trading ketch, cray boat, scallop boat, shark boat, you name it, she’s probably done it. After spending several years around the West Coast of Tasmania in Strahan, it was time for the local family to sell her, which is when Dave and Anastasia noticed her. Both had a long history with boats and ships, so decided to buy her with the intention of converting her to use for charters.

Dave must have done some serious favours for the weather gods, as it was a stunning 22 degree day when we ventured out, with the perfect slightly stiff breeze as we travelled down to Port Cygnet for a 1pm departure. Once onboard, our bags were stowed and we were put to work, untying ropes and hoisting the sails. A brisk breeze filled the sails and we sailed at nearly 9 knots around Port Cygnet Bay. Pen Tayler from Forty South Magazine was also onboard and was soon whisked off in the dinghy by Anastasia to get some action shots, so models were also required. After an hour or so of ‘learning the ropes’ we dropped anchor in a quiet bay and the au d’oeuvres came out!

They offered us a no bells and whistles afternoon, with locally made artisan Gin and Raspberry Vodka (of which we ordered some bottles – go to Port Cygnet Distillery to get yourself some, you won’t regret it), accompanied by homegrown lemons roughly chopped on a Huon Pine board, Dave’s hand caught double smoked salmon on crackers and an array of locally made dips and cheeses. Real people, real food, real grog, a real authentic experience on a traditional, somewhat rustic, Tassie wooden boat. 

As the sun was going down, we thought we better head back to Port, so two crew jumped on the winch and wound up the anchor (glad it wasn’t me, it looked like hard work). We gently putted back into Port Cygnet, tied up and thanked our hosts, Anastasia, Dave and crew for a wonderful afternoon. The preparations for charter are nearing completion, so stay tuned, we will be sure to let you know when they have the go ahead! Because if that’s what they have to offer, we’re in! 

Want to know more? Visit their website here: https://sailkerrawyn.com/