Cruise of the Cambrio - May 2002

The Gippsland Lakes. 1885. Flip flop, splash sputter, the sounds of the paddle steamers of old. Ladies in their glory, gamblers out to earn silver shillings, and the skipper always on the watch in case someone like Ned Kelly would turn up. This was enough inspiration for two old salts to try their hand along the same route.

But the year was 2002. And to capture a similar ambience these two fine sailors chose a little Couta boat. The Cambrio Swan 16. These little boats had some big brothers. They were the Couta boats that led the recovery of the Victorian economy at the turn of the century, with massive hauls of course ‘couta’ and shark (flake) for the hungry masses of boom time Melbournians.

Buster Hooper and his mate Bruce Rodwell had conquered Olympic racing, Worlds and sailed nearly every drop of water in Victoria, Australia and a heap of International waters as well. These two mates loved a challenge.

Their chosen route. Historic Gippsland town of Sale was the kick off point and the plan was to traverse the Thomson and Latrobe Rivers, to the Avon and Perry Rivers, and cross Lake Wellington. To tackle McLennan’s Strait, cross the swirling Lake Victoria and finish at Victoria’s very special island - Raymond Island.

Knowing preparation was the key; they packed nearly everything except the kitchen sink.

The lads couldn’t put it off any longer. Off and away. Thomson River Sale saw the journey begin. Firing up the putt putt and with mast lowered, the Cambrio slipped easily under the new bridge and then the old swing bridge. Bridge for bridge the old swinger won hands down.

The mast was soon up and a whippy little East Gippsland breeze set the scene for the 22km sail to Lake Wellington, even though there were patches of dense fog here and there. Still the boys kicked back and took in the sights. Spotted some exciting electronic Carp fishing along the way.

As they made their exit from Latrobe River the morning fog cleared to brilliant sunshine. The sprightly westerly meant cruising at around 8-10 knots allowing a pleasant broadreach across Lake Wellington past Marley Point then onto the Avon River entrance . Around 9k’s and doing it with absolutely no fuss. The little Couta just loved reaching.

The winds went for a walk so the sails were dropped and the motor carried the crew and their trusty craft up the Avon River. The River’s width, 100m for most and clean, sparkling with banks ringed with wild bush growth, right down to the banks. As they took an easy turn around the Springberg Road picnic and fishing spot they were joined on land and in the air by huge wheeling pelicans.

The journeymen left the Perry and Avon rivers around lunch, then hoisted the sails and reached across Lake Wellington, around 15km heading to the McLennans Strait entrance. The wind said goodbye so the motor was called to duty. As Buster and Bruce entered the Straits at 3.40pm they took note. They were halfway there. 37 k’s from Sale, 37k’s to Raymond Island.

Around 2k’s short of Hollands Landing they boys set up camp for the night.

Their tent was the boat cover. Bruce cooked one of his rare favourite and extremely exotic dishes – baked beans on toast. Never tasted so good. Their deep sleep was rudely interrupted at dawn. Boom boom went the duck shooters.

Breakfast was another all time classic. Bacon and eggs and two cups of hot billy tea. A morning motor to Lake Victoria, then hoist sails and then a smooth run to Loch Sport marina. Top up the tank a brief chinwag with the locals – Raymond Island here they come.

The damned decent southwesterly breeze made for great sailing, running all the way to Point Turner. Buster and Bruce mucked around the glorious little river coves, Duck and Picnic Arms. Very special, with weathered little jetties and rising farmlands towering over the wattle fringed river banks. The word paradise kept springing to mind.

Before the boys could blink they were at their destination – Raymond Island.

Around 100k’s of bliss, mateship and natural wonder. Thanks Cambrio, you little couta beauty. Thanks Gippsland.

When our mighty support team of Robyn and Sharon finally joined us they couldn’t stop the boys talking – they were already in full preparation for the next trip. Nowa Nowa to Lake Tyers Beach, soon followed by Gypsy Point to Mallacoota. As they say time flies…….

Cambrio Team - Buster Hooper & Bruce Rodwell

Swan 16 - Little Couta Boat

Traditional Picnic Boat / Family Day Sailor

Jolly Roger Sailing Centre are proud to announce the release of the Swan 16. Built right here at Jolly Roger, these little Couta boats are based on the original design in 1947 of Jack Golightly and the well known Peter Locke - Boat Builders of Queenscliff, Victoria.