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02/22/2023
At Pantaenius | Pantaenius Crew
Dani's Voyage to Hobart
What is it like feeding a crew of 18 sailors: Our office darling Danielle and her first ever Sydney to Hobart.
Danielle (Dani) has been a part of the Pantaenius Australia team for 8 years now, an epic milestone. Most of our clients have spoken to her at some point in time as she handles all the major amendments to policies, whether it be the cruising area coverages, changes to the value, and so forth. In 2022, the crew from Kioloa II contacted Dani and asked her if she would be interested in being their kitchen queen during the 2022 Sydney to Hobart Race. Dani excitedly took on the role and shares with us how the time on the water and within the galley was!
What was your sailing experience like prior to the race?
Whilst I have done multiple cruises and have spent much time on the water over the years, this race was my first multiday race. I did assist with a delivery of Kioloa II from Hawaii to Samoa following the Transpacific Yacht Race some years ago so did feel comfortable on board overnight but nothing compares to the thrill and excitement of a world class race like the Sydney to Hobart.
How did you prepare for the race? Were all meals made on board or did prepare them in advance?
Most of the food was made in advance given the large crew size. In the weeks leading up to the race I was cooking like a maniac and freezing meals so that they can easily be reheated and handed out on board. Almost everything was made in advance including the crowd favorite sausage rolls and lasagna. The foods that I made on board were bircher muesli and porridge for breakfast, along with lunch rolls with chicken, ham and salad. On one of the days I also made fish wraps using oven roasted fish, salad and tartare. I was lucky that the only dietary requirement was a sesame seed allergy which was very easy to work around.
How long did it take Kioloa II to finish the race? Did anything go wrong during the voyage?
We finished the race in 3 days, 3 hours and 15 minutes and it was mostly smooth sailing. There was one patch of wilder seas, on the Tasmanian east coast of Frycinet, however the crew on board were amazing and handled the boat like absolute superstars. It was so amazing to watch them sail, I was in awe seeing how controlled they appeared during all sea conditions.
Highlight of the trip?
It is hard to explain all of the emotions of such an experience. Racing downwind for 2 days was thrilling and definitely a highlight but to be part of such an incredible team is hard to beat. I truly loved the whole experience but would I do it all again? That would depend on the boat and the crew, this is what makes it so special!
