SailingAlone · video

What this video covers

Dunkeln sails a 20-ton steel boat from Tonga to Tasmania, covering two oceans in 11 months.10:50 To avoid a cyclone north of New Caledonia and a southern storm, he routes his passage to use the island as a shield, accepting a 100-mile detour to maintain favorable sea states.0:10 He limits speed to 7.5 knots to prevent excessive stress on the rig and hull.1:03 Upon reaching Bundaberg, Australia, he clears customs and prepares for the final 1,000-mile leg to Launceston.5:36 This coastal transit involves navigating shallow waters behind Fraser Island and timing departures across dangerous bars where wind opposes current.5:49 He seeks shelter at Coffs Harbour for three days to wait out a storm system.7:29 The final approach to Tasmania involves crossing the Tasman Sea, where water temperatures drop to 18 degrees Celsius and conditions shift rapidly between fog, rain, and sun.9:13 He completes the journey by sailing up the Tamar River.10:28

More from SailingAlone

6,000 km alone across the Indian Ocean – 28 days of blue water. From Christmas Island to La Réunion.Sep 20266000 km Alone Across the Indian Ocean – 28 Days of Ocean Sailing. Christmas Island to La Reunion.Sep 2026Birds, Crabs & Oil Pressure Crisis. Sailing 1500 Miles from Australia to Christmas IslandAug 2026Birds, Crabs & Oil Pump in Distress. 3000 Kilometers from Australia to Christmas IslandAug 2026

From SailingAlone — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.