Tasmanian sailor ready to conquer world in record time

SAILOR Tobias Fahey has launched his bid to be the fastest Australian ever to sail single-handed around the world.

The 25-year-old Tasmanian builder, who plans to leave in October, will attempt to set an Australian record for the fastest solo, unassisted around-the-world voyage.

Tobias Fahey, with Lark Distillery owner Bill Lark,
has a valuable barrel of whisky to take with him.
 (Kim Eiszele, The Mercury)

At yesterday's official launch of the quest at the Lark Distillery in Hobart, he was presented with a valuable barrel of whisky to take with him.

Mr Fahey told The Mercury he hoped to fly the flag for Tasmania and "show we can achieve beyond expectations".


Distiller Bill Lark said the whisky would be "the most unique and exclusive in the world" when Mr Fahey returned to Hobart with it next year.

One end of the 20-litre barrel bore the inscription: "The first barrel of whisky in known history to circulate the world non-stop."

It contained enough Lark single malt whisky for 35 bottles and Mr Lark estimated its value at more than $10,000.

"Special whiskies are becoming highly collectable around the world," Mr Lark said.