A raft made entirely of discarded waste has departed from Hobart, with its owner aiming to sail to Sydney to raise awareness of marine pollution.
Samuel McLennan is the mastermind behind the vessel Heart – a two-year labor of love constructed from materials gathered from the shoreline and waterways around the Tasman Peninsula in southern Tasmania.
Authorities earlier this month. However, he has now been granted permission to sail a limited distance, with hopes of completing the full journey.
McLennan set out from Hobart’s Constitution Dock on Wednesday morning.
Samuel McLennan spent two years building his ‘rubbish raft’. Source: SBS News / Kerrin Thomas
Some 14 million tonnes of every year, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
“This vessel is a demonstration of what’s actually happening out there in the marine environment, this is only a small amount of the material that’s out there,” McLennan said.
“It’s been incredible to build something out of it.
“That rubbish comes from commercial practices, but also recreational practices.”
McLennan mentioned that his vessel incorporates pipes from fish farms, oyster bags, and fishing ropes and lines.
As he embarks on his journey north, McLennan intends to make stops in communities and utilize the vessel as “a structure for conversations”.
“The conversations that can arise can be about environmental sustainability, creating something from nothing with limited resources, as well as innovation and creativity.
“About what we can do about rubbish that’s in the environment – how do we remove the rubbish from the environment and what can we do with it?”
Samuel McLennan sailed out of Hobart’s Constitution Dock on Wednesday. Source: SBS News / Kerrin Thomas
McLennan shared that he has experienced homelessness and hopes that the boat can also inspire those facing hardships.
“One of the key messages is for people who are struggling in life, with limited resources and no money, you can still create something amazing,” he expressed.
“You can build a home; you can create something of value, and that’s what I’ve accomplished here.”
A second attempt at setting sail
Earlier this month, McLennan’s departure was delayed when Heart was de-registered by maritime authorities.
They deemed the planned ocean journey as “foolhardy” and required written confirmation from a qualified marine surveyor or naval architect that the raft could withstand ocean conditions.
Following the advice of marine surveyors, the raft has now been conditionally registered to sail in sheltered waters no more than two nautical miles (about 4km) from the coast of Tasmania.
He intends to sail to St Helens, located on the north-eastern tip of Tasmania, where he hopes his yacht can undergo reassessment and secure full registration for a Bass Strait crossing.
McLennan emphasized that he is not rushing to reach Sydney and will collaborate with his support team to avoid unfavorable weather conditions whenever possible.
“We’re monitoring the weather charts, determining safe locations, and seeking shelter in those areas,” McLennan stated.
Among his support team is Steven Palmer from Victoria.
“I’ll be nearby, offering support,” Palmer said.
“It’s quite a courageous endeavor… I have a sturdy steel boat, while he has a vessel made of plastic.
“I look forward to seeing that vessel pass under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, leaving people in awe.”
