Scotch College

Around the world in 80 days

Ralph Morris ('52) and his wife Yvonne have successfully completed their circumnavigation in their yacht 'Pipe Dream'. They sailed into Mornington Harbour on November 15 last year, to a welcome from family and friends, having cruised 32,000 miles and visited 35 countries.

Their journey had taken them from Melbourne in April 1995, to the Mediterranean - and then from Istanbul in the east to Gibraltar, via the Greek islands, Sicily, Malta, Sardinia, Corsica, Italy, Elba, the Balearics and Spain.

By October 1997 they had passed through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic, visited the beautiful island of Madeira, before heading south to the Canary Islands, the jumping-off point for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (153 yachts in 1997).

The Twenty-one day Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean was uneventful for 'Pipe Dream' apart from a torn mainsail. However, amongst their friends was one yacht, which lost its mast, boom and sails in strong winds and heavy seas. This couple successfully covered the last 800 miles under 'jury rig', and arrived in Antigua late on Christmas Eve, to a noisy and joyous welcome.

Three months in the Caribbean proved an enlightenment for Ralph and Yvonne - for behind the colourful pictures in the tourist brochures lives the bulk of the local island communities in near-Third World conditions. Not surprisingly security, including for yachts and even crews, was an everpresent consideration.

However, none of that detracted from the thrill of Trinidad in the last week of February 1998. Here, Ralph and Yvonne were delighted to meet up with Dick Hatherley ('53) and Jan, from 'Pacific Flyer'. Together they experienced both Carnivale and a West Indies v England Test match. Calypso singing, dancing through the streets, steel bands and unbelievable masquerade costumes, made an exciting climax and finale to their cruise through the Caribbean.

High seas and strong winds marked the start of their run to Panama. En route they gave both Venezuela and Colombia a wide berth because of security risks. Panama also had a bad reputation, but could not be avoided unless they had a desire to go round the Horn! Entry into the Pacific and the start of the homeward run was achieved without incident at the beginning of April 1998.

Their visit to the Galapagos Islands was highlighted by the presence of the much documented and filmed wild life, including the blue-footed boobies (birds!), pelicans, frigate birds with their enormous crimson pouches, seals, penguins, giant tortoises and marine and land iguanas. Sadly the El Nino weather was depriving the sea creatures of much of their normal food sources and some were starving.

Another 3,000 mile passage was required before the next landfall. Just as a reminder that ocean passages need to be taken seriously, one yacht, ten days ahead of 'Pipe Dream', disappeared. Five months later it was discovered, floating 800 miles from its last known position, minus crew and had been looted (either before or after the loss of the crew!)

'Pipe Dream' and 'Pacific Flyer' travelled loosely in company all the way across the South Pacific, enjoying the coral atolls and tropical islands of the Marquesas, Tuamotos, French Polynesia (very expensive), Niue, Tonga, Fiji and New Caledonia. It was a relaxing time but the ever-approaching scent of gum trees kept the bows of the two yachts pointed westward.

Finally the coastline of Coffs Harbour appeared on the horizon, the anchors were let go outside the marina and dreams had been accomplished.