WITH three cheers and a few tears, Tasmanian yachtsman Tobias Fahey set off on his lone journey around the world yesterday.
The 25-year-old Tasmanian was aiming to be back within 180 days, having sailed around the world in an Australian record time for a non-stop, unassisted voyage.
His sister Sara, a Gold Coast resident, had another deadline for him -- her wedding day at Byron Bay on May 4.
"He has to be back in time," she said.
After a flurry of last-minute preparations, Fahey jumped aboard his yacht Sea Quest in the middle of the day and set off down the River Derwent, first motoring and then sailing, with two mates aboard and surrounded by a cluster of boats full of well-wishers.
As he approached the official starting line off the Iron Pot lighthouse about 2.30pm, his companions Yarran Crichton and Stu Pitt dived off the yacht and were picked up by another boat.
Their last impressions of Fahey were of a sailor very keen to get going.
He said he was aiming to reach New Zealand by Monday to escape the worst of a brewing storm.
About 10 minutes after passing the Iron Pot, supporters turned back for Hobart and saw Fahey disappear into Storm Bay and beyond.
His last audible words were: "I'm speechless."
Speaking on behalf of his tight-knit family yesterday, Sara Fahey said they were confident her brother had what it took to succeed.
"He knows the boat inside out and he's got the skills and knowledge to help him through," she said.
They would be able to keep in touch via satellite phone, emails and texts but it would still be very tough.
Earlier in the day, nearly 100 friends and supporters, including a group of schoolchildren, crowded the Sandy Bay marina to see him off.
Among them was Launceston sailor Ken Gourlay, present holder of the Australian record for a solo circumnavigation and one of Fahey's mentors.
"I wish him well," Gourlay said.
"I really do hope that he gets the record, otherwise it might go to the mainland."
It was an emotional farewell at times.
Fahey said he only got about two hours of sleep the night before with all the things he had to do, then he "had a good cry" in the morning at the enormity of what he was about to attempt.
"I am putting my life on the line -- there is the possibility of not seeing people again," he said.
He regained his usual cheerful composure soon enough and was a picture of determination yesterday afternoon.
For more information on Tobias Fahey, the Sea Quest and the voyage, visit his website, http://tobiasfahey.com.au/
Watch this website for video and blog updates from the voyage.
philip.heyward@news.com.au
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