Roam Guest Blog
After completing our first international sailing adventure from Tasmania, New Caledonia and on to Fiji for the season, we would love to reflect on some of the great times and special moments we shared with our families and friends who were able to join us.
So I thought what better way to get another perspective on our amazing experiences than to ask our special guests who made our trip even more memorable. I have put together a little questionnaire with a few points to get the words flowing. We would love to hear and share your experience, thanks so much for joining us - Liss, Mick, Andy and Holly xxx
Introduce Yourself, Who are you and how do you know the Roam crew?
Hi Larrisa,
I have been looking at your questions and here are a few of my thoughts:
We are John and Lois Hoult, Michael and Andrew's parents.. We spent six years helping Michael achieve his long term dream of building Roam. It was always Michael's project, but we were fully involved since Michael asked if he could use our back paddock to build his boat. To have Andrew involved as permanent crew has been great, and as both boys have had the company of Larissa and Holly as partners, it could not have worked out better.
John and Lois have been part of the Roam project from the birth of the concept right along the journey. Without their support and input the Roam adventure would not be possible! Forever Grateful xx
John and Lois flew into Melaleuca Port Davey to join us in exploring this incredibly special and remote place.
Where and when did you sail with Team Roam, and how long were you on board?
Once Roam was launched, we were involved in the early shake down trips, plus the trip to Sydney to fit the sails, which included a marvelous week on the Gipsland Lakes in Victoria. Our first real time on board Roam as a fully rigged yacht, was to fly in to Bathurst Harbour in Tasmania's SW for a few days exploring that magnificent wilderness. Later in the year we flew to New Caledonia for two weeks tropical sailing.
What was it like ( the location where you visited roam )?
Each place visited was amazing, and yet so different. The wild ruggedness of Tasmania's South West, its sense of unsploilt isolation, is like no where I have ever been.
The view from Mount Misery Port Davey.
The jetty to Claytons house in Port Davey. The tannin stained waters on a calm day create a mirror reflection of the picturesque surrounds.
Inside joke ... In this picture we capture Michael actually paying attention to the Tasmanian Cruising Guide that John often referred to ... "the guide says".
A fully loaded, cosy dingy ride up the Davey river with captain Lois driving.
The Gipsland Lakes was a real surprise, I had no idea such a vast waterway was hidden inside Lakes Entrance.
The sunsets in the Gippsland Lakes were always bound to impress.
New Caledonia is a sailing and surfing paradise. It has the world's biggest lagoon to sail in, and lots of reef passes for surf. Warm water, great snorkeling and fishing, beautiful anchorages, a tropical paradise.
Roam anchored close to the shore in a turtle filled bay at Ile de pins New Caledonia
Sun downers on balmy nights
Getting the Parents together in paradise. Lois, John, Andy, Holly, Sara, and Bruce.
Ile de pins New Caledonia.
What were your past sailing experiences prior ?
Past sailing experience.-Lots, mainly dinghy sailing since high school. Owned a smaller cat for a few years which I think gave Michael the bug. Lots of sailing in the Whitsundays. Once Roam was launched, we got the itch for our own boat, so found a nice 40 ft Jeanneau in Port Lincoln SA, and sailed it back to Tas.( with Andrew's help)
If you had prior experience how did it compare to sailing on roam ? e.g monohull/ Catamaran, crew, performance.
Nothing prepared me for the speed and power of Roam when she gets going. She is way more powerful than anything I have sailed, and the crew need to be on their game to sail her safely. (fortunately they have developed into a very competent team.)
Tell us about some of the highlights of your trip ?
Highlights for me are tropical sailing, it's just great to spend the day wearing nothing but board shorts while zipping along in the warm trade winds, then ending up in a beautiful tropical lagoon each evening.
Sara and Lois enjoying a dip
The Parents zipping off in the Dingy to explore
John showing us how to water slide.
How would you describe living on board as part of the crew ? what activities did you get up to, games, nights out, cooking, crew band jams, cabin fever, lifestyle ?
Love shipboard life on Roam. late night swims, games, singalongs with the Roam ensemble, fresh fish dinners, snorkeling, turning the SUP into a water slide. To spend such a long time in close proximity might not be everyone's cup of tea, but everyone chips in and things just seem to flow.
Anything else to add ? including your favourite photos or stories from your Roam Adventure?
We didn't make it to Fiji for one reason or another, but after seeing the footage of the Lau Islands, we will make more of an effort to get involved next year. It's great to see Roam working out just as Michael planned, being used not just to chase surf, but to explore isolated tropical islands and get involved with village life. For the two Hoult brothers to share this experience along with Larissa and Holly, will be something you all will never forget.
Lois sporting a look that Andy has given her... #boatlife.
Carpe Diem guys!!!
Love Dad and Mum