The Voyages of Magpie Ambon and Back

About the Book

Ambon in Indonesia is the finishing point for the annual Darwin to Ambon International Yacht Race. Magpie was nominated for two consecutive years to participate in the handicap cruising class. The second time Magpie raced to Ambon, it was decided that the return journey would not be back to Darwin but rather down the east coast of Australia to Adelaide, South Australia. This was an adventure that took seven months to complete and included hitting reefs, visiting many of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, close encounters with wildlife, and many other exciting events. During a stopover at Black Head, the bottom of New South Wales, we heard the mayday call for the yacht Gypsy Moth V, aground on the rocks at Gabo Island. Crossing the notorious Bass Strait turned out to be a not as fearsome as expected as the seas were calm, and we were able to see quite clearly the many offshore oil rigs.

Explanations of observed phenomena is explained in detail to give the reader as much information as possible.

About the Author

Henry Couper, commonly known as Harry, always harboured an interest in building and sailing a boats. He has the basic knowledge of yacht design, can weld, and is handy as a carpenter, all the skills necessary.

On his transfer with employment to Darwin in the Northern Territory Australia, he immediately joined the Darwin Sailing Club. Hours were spent being involved in sailing activities on other skippers boats, until finally a contract was finalised with a local boat builder to build the hull for a thirty-four-foot steel temptress design yacht. Once the hull was completed, Harry commenced the fit-out, which took three years to complete. Then the fun and adventures began with plenty of practice sails in around Darwin, until finally he nominated for the Darwin to Ambon International Yacht Race.

He attended navigation classes and had no trouble in understanding the procedures due to his knowledge of surveying.