There’s something special about the moment a boat begins its next chapter. Recently, our regular photographer and videographer, Shaun McKenna of Media Strategy, had the pleasure of delivering Mell, a beautifully kept Hanse 385, from Martha’s Cove to her new home in Newcastle, NSW. Joining him was Mell’s new owner, Scott Knights, Vice Commodore of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, and crew member Damien.
From the outset, it was clear Mell was ready for the journey ahead. One of the last of the 385 series, built in 2017 and presented in immaculate condition, she had been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded, including fresh standing rigging and a 38HP Volvo engine. A 600-nautical-mile coastal passage is no small undertaking, but she felt every bit capable.
They slipped out through Port Phillip Heads and turned North, leaving the bay behind and settling into the rhythm of life at sea. March can be an unpredictable time along this stretch of coastline, and this trip was no exception. Near Gabo Island, as the light began to fade, they picked up a stray lobster pot line around the rudder. For a moment, things got a little tricky, but with some careful manoeuvring, the crew were able to free it without anyone needing to go swimming, and Mell was soon back on course.
Apart from the great company onboard, Mell’s crew were also in great company in the water. Pods of dolphins travelled with them for much of the passage, weaving effortlessly through the bow waves and showing off their acrobatics. At night, the ocean came alive with phosphorescence, their wake glowing behind leaving a magical path under the twinkling stars. When the dolphins returned, they lit up beneath the surface, “like green, glowing rockets underwater,” darting and playing alongside the boat. It’s the kind of sailing experience that’s hard to describe and even harder to capture on camera, but one you never forget.
Mell’s wildlife encounters didn’t stop there. The team were lucky enough to see several whales along the way, including one who treated them to a spectacular series of breaches. And while off watch, Scott and Damien even spotted a pod of orcas, a rare and incredible sight.
A brief stop in Bermagui gave them a chance to refuel, stretch their legs and grab a hot breakfast before continuing up the coast. From there, it was the final push toward Pittwater, where rugged cliffs and sheltered waters signalled the end of one leg of the journey.
After nearly five days at sea, Mell arrived into Broken Bay in the early hours, with Scott and Damien continuing on to complete the final stretch home to Newcastle.
Spending that time aboard Mell really reinforced for her new owner why the Hanse 385 is so highly regarded. She strikes a balance that’s hard to beat, combining performance with genuine comfort. Features like electric winches make handling easy, even short-handed, while the warmth of the interior offers a welcome retreat after a long watch on deck.
For Scott, this delivery marked more than just a passage up the coast. It was the beginning of many new adventures aboard a very special boat.
