For those who don’t know, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) is kind of a big deal around here. Boats from all over Australia are holding their breath, hoping they made the cut for this experience. In 2023, the festival will hold its 17th event.
All the excitement provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the 2021 Parade of Sail.
As the whole world is aware, 2020 saw a global pandemic of COVID-19, destroying many plans and isolating entire countries. The festival was scheduled to be held in February 2021, but unfortunately, the virus had other plans, and the tough decision to cancel was made. However an idea sparked to continue with one of the festival traditions: the Parade of Sail. Usually held on a Friday when boats arrive, it was moved to the Sunday of the long weekend. This was a great way for boat folk to enjoy the spirits in a safe (and very socially distanced) way!
So, on February 6th, 2021, we hopped onboard our boat (Ubique of Hobart) and left Kettering towards the city. The journey took about 4 hours with winds reaching 30 km/hr, and we were met at Sandy Bay with a beautiful sunset.
The next morning, we left the marina and joined all the other ships on the Derwent River. We saw many friends along the way like Tere, Aziza, and many others. We sailed alongside many tall ships like the SV Rhona H and the Lady Nelson. The turning point of the parade was a big military ship, with all the Navy sailors standing to attention as we sailed past below.
We ended the parade by heading into Constitution Dock, where Ubique was featured in the ‘Boat Folk’ film series for the AWBF. This series consisted of mini-interviews presented in a documentary-like style of different boats attending the festival. Although Dave was talking about all those wonderful nitty-gritty details you guys love, I personally think our dog Indy was the star of the show!
She is always stealing the camera’s attention at any festival we attend!
You can find the video below or on the Australian Wooden Boat Festival website here: https://australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/boat-folk-ubique-of-hobart/.
I'm really looking forward to the festival this weekend, and I'll report back how it goes.
Maybe we'll even see you there?
xx
Isla
1st mate - Ubique of Hobart
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