Combining Western Australia’s many natural geographical and culinary gifts a truly exceptional event was created thanks to the generosity of Craig Howson, owner of True North, a magnificent adventure ship with a crew of 22.

On a beautiful summer’s day 44 members and guests gathered at lunchtime in the port of Fremantle on the vast Indian Ocean.

Fremantle was home to the first Americas Cup win, yachting’s premier prize, outside the US in 1983 and is home port of True North. Blue skies and an even bluer ocean awaited us with a fabulously attentive crew and exquisite seafood.

True North sails around Australia annually then returning to its home port which was our opportunity. Our three hour cruise down Western Australia’s magnificent coast was at a comfortable 14 knots, Bailliage flags flying proudly from the bow.

Bailli Thurston Saulsman greeted everyone. He introduced the two Craig’s: Craig Howson, owner of our spectacular 50 metre vessel and awarded the Order of Australia for services to the Tourism Industry; Craig Brent-White, owner and winemaker of Cape Naturaliste Vineyards who sponsored our event.

Cape Naturaliste wines have won many National and International Competitions.  The 2009 Cabernet Merlot was voted the best single vineyard wine in the world in 2011 at the London International Wine Competition.

Excellent canapes accompanied two Cape Naturaliste wines - a light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc 2018 and the renowned Torpedo Rocks Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 both of which enhanced the nautical atmosphere.

Meeting the Captain and touring the beautiful ship preceded lunch on the main deck. Our Bailli introduced the chefs, Martina and Gavin, who presented the superb lunch … with a raved about fish!

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Exmouth Pink Snapper
True North Niçoise salad, native flowers
fresh salad selection, bread and dips
Sauvignon-Semillon 2017
Torpedo Rocks Semillon 2015
Torpedo Rocks Shiraz 2014

Australian cheeses
 
 Chocolate mousse tartlets
Cape Naturaliste Cane Cut Semillon 2012

Margaret River histories are fascinating. Craig Brent-White enthralled us by recounting his wine journey and his vineyard’s development. Cape Naturaliste is yet another boutique vineyard in our region achieving world-wide recognition.

Over too quickly, we said farewell expressing our thanks. Enviously thinking of the adventures True North, her fantastic staff and crew have planned.
 
Vive la Chaîne!

Keith Swailes
Vice-Chargé de Presse