Melbourne to Stanley - What the...

3:28 AM Wed 4 Nov 2009 GMT

'’Matangi’ appears out of the fog, as seen from aboard ’The Secretary’ in Northern Bass Strait, a few miles out from Port Phillip Heads. - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship' John Curnow

...Fog.

During the recent Melbourne to Stanley race, the season opener of the 2009/10 McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship, a deep fog set in over Bass Strait.

It is with many thanks to Brian Slater aboard 'The Secretary' that we have these seafaring pics to show you exactly what it looked like. Many crews told me how it seemed like you came out of one patch, only to go into the next and that they had never seen it so persistent. At least there were light breezes to keep you moving. So, I couldn't resist showing everyone, especially the shore crews, just what this all looks like.

Finally then, it's a big, 'thank you', to the shore crews and their seafaring Next Of Kin for passing their messages on. It has been great to get your SMSs and emails about the stories and the SMS real-time updates of your particular boat of interest. The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's Committee is delighted that you derive so much pleasure and comfort from them.

Going into the next batch of sea fog in Bass Strait - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship - John Curnow

Exiting yet another batch of sea fog in Bass Strait - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship - John Curnow

This is the view from the Back Beach at London Bridge near Portsea on Point Nepean, at the Heads of Port Phillip, Melbourne, Australia.. - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship - John Curnow

This is ’Magazan53’ coming into the finish at Stanley, with the fishing harbour just off to the left and the massive green shed is where all the seafood is housed (live) and processed (not so live)... - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship - John Curnow

I have never actually had the joy of seeing the Northern aspect of ’The Nut’ in sun like this, as I have arrived and departed in the dark. This is ORCV Commodore George Shaw aboard ’The Secretary’. - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship - John Curnow

Ocean sailing in the 40th parallel - stunning for sure, but most times it is cold... This is Robyn Brooke from ’The Secretary’. - McConaghy Melbourne Offshore Championship - John Curnow

by John Curnow