In the summer of 2015 I was fortunate to be selected as one of a handful of service skippers for the newly acquired 72’ yachts and in turn for Leg 6, Hobart to Auckland. Flying out to Hobart on New Years eve we had 4 days of yacht preparation and training before setting off on the 12 day crossing to New Zealand. The first day at sea were into a gale where the yachts demonstrated what they were capable of, but the wind was not to last and the last half of the crossing was a combination of engine and motor sailing. After clearing immigration in New Zealand we were free to explore the many groups of islands on the west coast before our final port in Auckland. Whilst the crew had a few days sightseeing I had the yacht to myself to sort a few little problems so the yacht was ready for the next crew. The Ulysses Trust were instrumental in making this expedition affordable and have so far supported a number of reservists on the many legs of this exped. I am now looking forward to the yachts returning to the UK so we can plan some exciting unit sails on these great yachts.
Maj Terry Hackett, RAO London UOTC
