Tassie sailor wants solo record

Young Tasmanian yachtsman, Tobias Fahey, expects to leave Hobart today (November 21) in his attempt to sail solo, nonstop around the world and break the fastest time for a circumnavigation by an Australian sailor.

On Friday evening Fahey took his yacht, Sea Quest, with one crew member aboard, out to test its boat speed against some of Tasmania’s fastest ocean racing yacht following the start of the Maria Island Race from Hobart.

His yacht is a Radford-designed 50 footer which is designed specifically for short-handed ocean racing.

To break the Australian record, 25-year-old Fahey must complete his circumnavigation in less than 180 days. Fellow Tasmanian, Ken Gourlay, set the record five years ago.

Fahey has delayed his departure a few days because of a rush of last-minute preparations and the need to get some rest at home before setting sail. However, he must leave soon to complete the toughest part of the voyage in the summer months.

Fahey’s hopes have been boosted by a late rush of sponsors for the voyage. “I want to focus on Tasmanian companies,” he said recently.

One is Lake Distillery, which is putting a 20-litre barrel of its highly regarded whisky on board – but not for Fahey to drink.

“It will be the first barrel of whisky to sail non-stop around the world,” says Fahey who plans to auction the barrel to help pay the cost of what he hopes will be a record-breaking sail around the world.

For more information or to follow Tobias' progress on a tracker go to: www.tobiasfahey.com.au.

Main photo: Peter Campbell.

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