I have sailed to Hobart in an ocean race four times now. This painting was inspired by our last night out we had entered the dark waters of Storm Bay at dawn - the treacherous cliffs were behind us and the shape of sail of fellow competitors were visible behind us. The Tasmanian morning skies are an incredibly clear ice blue, flooded with golden sunlight which reflected off the wavetops. Judicious use of texture to enhance the feeling of uncertain waters.