illywhacker a sailing life, 1977 – today
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Welcome to the Sailing Adventures of Peter & Lyndall from their Yacht Illywhacker Click here for map

The sailing adventures of Peter & Lyndall Aston

Lyndall and I began our cruising dream in 1977. After eight years of building we launched illywhacker in 1996 and sailed her from Australia to Japan, Kamchatka and Alaska, then home again across the Pacific. This website is a record of those adventures — the diary we sent by ham radio, the longer stories, and a few of the places we loved along the way.

Read the Diary Voyage Map Boat for Sale

Lifestyle for Sale

I just love being on illywhacker. I've reached a point in my life where she needs to find a new owner — someone who will appreciate the unique qualities and lifestyle she offers.

See the boat →

On this day

Just a moment…

A few favourite landfalls

Click a picture to read the story.

illywhacker under snow in Cordova Cordova, Alaska Cherry blossom at Hirado Castle Hirado, Japan Coral at Fitzroy Island Fitzroy Island illywhacker at Reid Glacier Reid Glacier illywhacker bow wave Under way

Have a look around

The Diary

Sent by ham radio from mid-ocean, and later from the canals of Europe.

Voyage Map

The places we stopped — from Australia around to home again.

Cruising Stories

Longer yarns from Japan, Russia, Alaska, the reef and Tasmania.

About

How we started, the boat, Dulcinea, and that peculiar name.

Latest from the diary

More from the diary →