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The AIVIQ, cast lines and maneuvered out of Hobart at 1:27pm on Saturday the 18th of March signaling the commencement of Voyage 7 of the 22/23 Antarctic Season.
Delayed by one day to repair a fault with the ships crane, the objective of V7 is station personnel changeover, critical cargo resupply and refueling.
The ship has 37 AAD, Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife and Bureau of Meteorology personnel onboard, 27 of whom will transfer to Macquarie Island as the 76th ANARE and 10 'round-trippers' who facilitate the resupply. In addition to Matt and myself, we have watercraft operators, refuelers and a doctor.
Our departure was almost picture perfect with calm conditions down the Derwent and out into Storm Bay. Soon after entering the Southern Ocean, the 3m swell began to test the fortitude of some stomachs and breakfast this morning was a significantly quieter affair than the previous two we'd had tied up alongside Macquarie Wharf.
By afternoon however, many seemed to have found their sea legs and were moving around, spending time on the outer decks an keeping an eye out for sea birds and cetaceans.
Other than some minor seasickness, all onboard are well and in good spirits.
REGARDS: Simon and Matt
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.