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After a frantic port call, the Aurora Australis set sail on the first voyage of the 2009/10 Australian Antarctic program summer season. Although titled the "Trials Voyage" there is a lot to achieve in the two weeks ahead, most importantly the refuelling of Macquarie Island and trialling of the marine science gear for Voyage 2.
After a review of the weather forecast it was decided that the best plan of attack was to take advantage of some predicted favourable conditions and head straight for Macquarie Island and undertake the trials on the way home.
With everything squared away the ship left the berth at 1800 and proceeded down the Derwent amongst a flotilla of yachts competing in the weekly twilight races.
After leaving the Derwent the Southern Ocean greeted us with some pretty favourable seas, which have persisted overnight and well into today. This made for a good first night at seas, which was greatly appreciated by all aboard, especially those experiencing the pleasures of ocean passage for the first time.
Planning is in full swing for our arrival at Macquarie Island with the usually round of meetings taking place.
A big thank you from the Voyage Management Team to the crew of the Aurora and the AAD Shipping and Supply Services Sections for putting in a big effort to get us away despite a hectic pre-departure program of works.
Regards
Rob and Aaron.
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.