Home at Last

Friday, 11 November 2011 - Fraser Island to Mooloolaba

We were up early and joined the queue to cross the bar on the last of the incoming tide. Swell was small and there was little wind so the crossing was our most benign outward one yet. It is always good when that is over and you head down the coast to Mooloolaba.

After rounding Double Island Point we set the spinnaker in a light easterly. We carried it to Noosa before the breeze went more to the SE.

Warren landed our first Cobia which we released before we realised what it was. They are rated 4 star eating in our fish guide!

We entered the Mooloolah River about 1600 and anchored in the pond. We had booked into the Yacht Club Marina for the following 4 nights so Warren could celebrate his birthday here. We went to the movies, had several swims and had lunch with Nanette and Stuart from Truest Passion who live at Mooloolaba.

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 - Mooloolaba to Raby Bay

We left about 0630 for the final day of our 2011 cruise. We motor sailed until south of Caloundra when the breeze went to the east and we could set our trusty spinnaker. We carried it all the way home except for a short section down the Spitfire Channel. The breeze freshened after lunch to 15 - 20 knots to give us a final memorable spinnaker run.

We entered Raby Bay at 1430 to fog horn blasts from Warren and my Mum waving on the bank. It was a great way to finish our 3 and a half month trip.

We have been very busy since getting home but we will post the trip stats and highlights soon.

Fraser Island

Wednesday, 9 November 2011 - Lady Musgrave to Fraser Is

With a NE predicted, we decided to bypass Bundaberg and head straight for Fraser Island. It meant a long day but the weather is looking good for crossing the infamous Wide Bay Bar on Friday. We set a course for Moon Point as it gave us a better angle than Rooney Point. This worked well as we were able to set our spinnaker and keep our speed up even though the breeze was in the 8 - 10 knot range. 1640 the breeze dropped out and we motorsailed the final 20 miles. Engines off behind a very calm Moon Point at 2000 after a total of 87nm.

Thursday, 10 November 2011 - Moon Pt to Pelican Bay

We set off early to catch the tide down to Sheridan Flats which is the crossover point for tides in the Straits. If you time your trip well, you will have 2 knots of tide with you the whole journey. This was another reason we chose to stay an Moon Point last night as high tide is 0900.

Next to no wind so we motored most of the time except for half an hour with spinnaker only (first time we have tried this). We are now anchored at Pelican Bay and we have had a 15 - 20 knot NE for the last few hours (hope this doesn't increase the swell for tomorrow). About 10 boats anchored waiting to cross tomorrow morning.

Lady Musgrave Island

The predicted southerly change was a bit of a fizzer but we had a couple of nice days in Pancake Creek. Warren finally found the spot where he could catch some whiting which we enjoyed and I finished my jigsaw that I started at Lizard Island.

It is a mosaic puzzle composed of many small photos. It is amazing how they are constructed but they are quite hard. If you like jigsaws and a challenge then give one a go.






Sunday, 6 November 2011 - Pancake Ck to Lady Musgrave Is

A 0530 start as the wind is in the east which is of course where we want to go. We sailed for a couple of hours but with a moderate swell we decided to start an engine so we could point higher and get to the anchorage with the sun still overhead to see the bommies. We entered the lagoon just after 1400 and found a good spot to anchor over sand. We were immediately greeted by some turtles including 2 amorous ones.

We spent 3 nights here - snorkelling, walking around the island and sundowners with Neil and Debbie from the Seawind 1000XL Zolibato one evening. The water is an amazing colour and visibility was good given that the wind was 10 - 15 knots every day.

The island is an important nesting site for a range of birds who took little notice of us as we walked the tracks. The light through the trees was beautiful even if the smell was not in places.

We will definitely be back to visit here again.

Milestones

On the trip out to Great Keppel Island on Wednesday we passed 2000 nm for this trip so far.

On checking our logs for Next Phase, we also discovered we are just 34 nm short of having sailed a total of 10000 nm in the last 4 and a half years. It's a start but still a long way short of the 23,000 nm covered by Jessica Watson!

Northerly at last

Thursday, 3 November 2011 - GKI to Pancake Creek

After 2 nights at Keppel Bay Marina while the strong southerly change went through, we sailed out on Wednesday morning but the lack of wind sent us to Great Keppel for another night.

Thursday was moving day as we continued our journey south in company with 7 other cruisers. The 0600 start saw little wind and it was 1100 before the NW reached 10 knots and we could finally silence the motor. We raised the spinnaker and set off in close company with a Fusion 40 New Tricks who we had first met at Port Clinton.

We covered 40 nm in the next 5 hours as the breeze increased to the predicted 15 - 20 knots. Great conditions as can be seen with Aquavista at right. We were anchored by 1620 having covered 69 miles for the day. The entrance to Pancake Creek had large swells but we moved well into the creek and found a good spot, even at high water when the banks were covered.

Our plan was to head to Lady Musgrave Island today, Friday, however another southerly change is expected tomorrow so we have decided to let it pass before hopefully heading out on Sunday for a few nights. This is the last spot we are keen to visit on this trip as we have never had the right conditions on previous occasions through this area.

South to Yeppoon

Sunday, 23 October 2011 - Long to Goldsmith Island

58 nm on the log to cover about 35 nm to windward in 15 to 20 knot winds. Tide was also against us so this was not one of our nicer days sailing. This is a beautiful anchorage and it was a pity we only had time for 1 night but we needed to keep making progress south now that the winds have eased.

Monday, 24 October 2011 - Goldsmith to Scawfell Island

The breeze oscillated between E and SE so on the wind again and another 60 nm on the log today. Not quite as windy as yesterday so a more pleasant sail. Warren caught a 1.2m Spanish Mackerel which we released as it was too big. Lack of freezer space and a fear of ciguatera poisoning makes these fish safe from us.

Tuesday, 25 October 2011 - Scawfell to Curlew Island

We sailed and motor sailed the 57 nm to windward. The predicted afternoon sea breeze came in as we dropped anchor at 1630. We went ashore for our first walk in 4 days!

Wednesday, 26 October 2011 - Curlew to Middle Percy Island

No wind today, so we motored the 27 nm to Middle Percy which gave me time to make a flag to hang in the A frame. We anchored in West Bay with 15 other boats and went ashore to hang our flag next to last years for Next Phase.



Thursday, 27 October 2011 - Middle Percy to Port Clinton

Light winds from the E and NE had us motoring and motorsailing most of the day. We were surprised to see a whale and its calf off Island Head Creek. We thought they should be well south of here at this time of year.

Another 65nm so we had planned to spend several nights at Port Clinton so Warren could do some crabbing. No crabs but fresh mackerel for dinner again. I should mention at this point that I have become a primary producer.... of alfalfa sprouts. These help fill the gap when the lettuce runs out.

Saturday, 29 October 2011 - Port Clinton to Great Keppel Island

Motorsailing until the breeze filled in around lunchtime. We sailed with 3 other cats including a Seawind 1000 Avingot. We anchored at Resort Beach which still has the clearest water we have found at 1600 after 52 nm. Today, Sunday we had a swim, went for a walk and a kayak to make up for our lack of exercise over the last week.

Tomorrow we are going into the marina at Rosslyn Bay for 2 nights to prepare for the last leg of our trip home.

Wet, windy Whitsundays

Sunday, 16 October 2011 - Bowen to Airlie Beach

A 0900 start in a light NE breeze that went to the east through Gloucester Passage. A slow day where we alternated between sailing and motorsailing. We stopped at the public pontoon at Abel Point to top up the water before anchoring at 1700 near the Airlie Beach VMR ramp to watch the rugby.

Monday, 17 October 2011 - Airlie Beach to Cid Harbour

We sailed over to Cid Harbour to wait out the strong SE change that had come through during the evening. We spent 4 nights here under overcast skies and with showers and rain. We caught up with Billabong and Splash who we had met at Cairns and Lizard and are on their way back to Pittwater.

Only excitement was when a charter boat dropped anchor in front of us and promptly got in the dinghy and disappeared to climb Whitsunday Peak. Unfortunately they dragged towards us and Warren had to shunt them away in the dinghy while I brought up the anchor so we could reanchor in front of them. We called the charter company who sent out a Securite message. Another yachty offered to go on board and let out more chain. The people returned a couple of hours later to find their yacht about 100 m from where they had left it.

Everyone is waiting for the SE winds to ease and hopefully go to the E or NE. This included a couple from Canada we met who have circumnavigated and are now visiting their children in Australia and New Zealand.

Friday we headed back to Airlie to reprovision in anticipation of the winds easing on the weekend.

Saturday, 22 October, 2011 - Airlie Beach to Happy Bay

We visited the Airlie markets before recommencing our voyage south. The wind was still around the 15-20 knot mark from the SE and we decided to stop at Happy Bay rather than continue to bash south. Looks like it will be Monday or Tuesday before the breeze becomes more favourable.

Bowen

Friday, 14 October 2011 - Magnetic Is to Bowen

Our longest day since our overnighter on the first day of this trip - 104 nm. We left Young Bay at 0600 in a light Northerly. We motorsailed around the top of Magnetic and set the spinnaker once clear. It was down an hour later as the breeze weakened. By 1100 it was up again as we headed towards Cape Bowling Green. Several monos were heading here for the evening but we had decided to press on as the breeze had settled in and we were making good miles south.

Warren caught a 90cm Spanish Mackeral just north of Cape Upstart as we passed another couple of boats also heading for Bowen. We dropped the kite as the sun set and 2 sail reached past Abbott Point Jetty.

We motor sailed from 2000 and had the anchor down in the calm of Bowen at 2300.

We spent Saturday at Bowen, no crabs but a walk up town found a Supa IGA to top up the stores. Bowen is famous for the murals painted on many of the buildings and for being the location of the movie Australia. It was a great anchorage in the strong northerly, there is a public pontoon in the harbour to tie the dinghy and get water and we would recommend a visit if you get the chance.

Fantome Island

Tuesday, 11 October 2011 - Hinchinbrook Marine Cove

We went into Dungeness on the high tide and tied up to the pontoon. Peer Pressure was also tied up and we caught up with Rad and Chris in the afternoon. We came in here to see my friend Marie and her husband Rob who live in Ingham. After sundowners on board, we were driven to their place for dinner. Unfortunately Marie and Rod's new house at Forrest Beach has not started yet. A late night with many good stories told over a wine or two.

Wednesday, 12 October 2011 - Dungeness to Fantome Island

We left around 0900 at high tide in a slight fog. The fog increased as we approached the Lucinda Jetty and visibility was down to about 50m. We watched the radar and followed another cat out. We couldn't see the leads so went off the chart bearings. Only about 4m as we approached the fairway buoy which was further north than marked on the chart. Motorsailed most of the way to Juno Bay on Fantome Island except for an hour and a half under spinnaker.

Thursday, 13 October 2011 - Fantome Island to Magnetic Island

We went ashore briefly to look at the ruins of the leprosarium on the island. We took a few photos for our friend Peter Ludlow who has written a book about Peel Island and the leprosarium there. In this he explains that the aborigines with leprosy were moved from Peel Island to Fantome Island in 1939.

We left Fantome Island at 0930 and anchored in Young Bay on the W corner of Magnetic Island at 1530. 32nm under spinnaker in light northerlies with some motorsailing when the wind died for an hour at lunchtime. Warren has caught a nice Spotted Grunter for dinner.

We continue South

Thursday, 6 October 2011 - Cairns to Fitzroy Island

After morning tea with Pam and John from Allikat who were staying in Cairns, our departure from Half Moon Bay marina was delayed after we saw a bird walking on the water in front of our marina berth. Warren got in the dinghy and found there was only 0.4m in front! We eventually got away about 1500 and arrived at Fitzroy Island around sunset. Truest Passion had saved us a spot in a much less rolly anchorage then we had experienced last time we were here.

Truest Passion headed off early but we decided to spend Friday here and went for an early walk to the summit and the old lighthouse. Most of the walk was on the road that was built in the 50s to service the lighthouse. The track to the 268m summit included 500 steps (counting took my mind off how unfit I felt).

We also snorkeled off the beach and realized we have been spoiled with the sights on the outer reef. Lots of fish and nice coral but visibility was poor.



Saturday, 8 October 2011 - Fitzroy Is to Mourilyan Harbour

An early start in light winds before a short spinnaker run to Russell Island (19 nm south of Fitzroy). We picked up a mooring and went ashore for a look around. We were contemplating staying the night however a building northerly convinced us to continue on to Mourilyan Harbour.

The wind had risen to 25 kn by the time we entered the harbour and with a fierce tide running, anchoring was a challenge. Good holding though and we awoke to a light fog.





Sunday, 9 October 2011 - Mourilyan Hbr to Hinchinbrook Is

Motorsailing all morning in light breezes gave Warren an opportunity to watch Bathurst on TV. Note the person on watch also didn't miss out.

We also discovered that today the range of the AIS was much greater than usual. The shot at right shows large ships we were picking up 400nm away in the Coral Sea as well as a yacht we knew nearly 200nm away. Not bad given the range yacht to yacht is usually limited to about 20nm.

Here is a tip if you have a Raymarine AIS. If you have tagged a yacht as a buddy, you can set it to display their name on screen automatically. Lets you know who is out and about. That's how we identified Blue Heeler 200 nm away.

Around lunchtime a 15 - 20 kn NE breeze came in and we set the spinnaker. We anchored in Gayundah Creek in time to watch the second half of the Wallabies win over South Africa.

On Monday we motored down to Bluff Creek to try and get a few crabs. So far all we have caught are a LOT of March flies. Phase2 is all closed up with screens in the 32 degree heat as I write this. See, it's not all perfect out here.

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Cairns and Skyrail

Monday, 3 October to Wednesday, 5 October 2011

As well as the usual chores you might expect after over 3 weeks away from civilization, we made time while we were in Cairns for a trip up to Kuranda on the Skyrail. It was great although Warren is not a fan of heights and had a firm grip on the cable car door at all times.

The trip takes about 45 minutes in total with stops at Red Peak and Barron Falls. There is a short rainforest walk with a ranger at Red Peak station.

Once at Kuranda there are plenty of touristy shops including a number selling aboriginal arts and crafts including this one in a pirate ship. Not sure of the connection but it was worth a picture.

The Great Barrier Reef

Thursday, 29 September 2011 - Lizard Is to Ribbon Reef No 5

We left Lizard at 0600 in a 20 knot SE wind that eased to 10 to 15 knots by lunchtime. 8 boats left today including Truest Passion (Seawind 1160) and Allikat (Lightwave 45) who we were travelling with to Ribbon 5.

The shift to the north east that we were hoping for did not eventuate so it was hard going to cover the 53 nm to Ribbon 5. Good news was we caught 2 Spanish Mackeral while Truest Passion with 8 fish invited Allikat and us for dinner that evening.

By 1400 we were motoring in a light easterly and racing to get the anchor down before dark. Definitely not recommended although we followed the others who had forward facing sonar to assist. 71nm covered in the day.

Friday, 30 September 2011 - Ribbon Reef No 5

I think we both had a mental image of the Great Barrier Reef as being a large continuous barrier with only a few openings. We were surprised to see this morning that the reef between Phase2 and the Coral Sea was quite narrow. There are hundreds of reefs in a maze that overlap and interconnect to form the GBR. It is strange to be swimming in 4m of water knowing that about 100m away it is 1600m deep.

We had spent a calm night in the perfect conditions and discovered that the ketch Tic Tac which was beside us at Bluewater Marina was anchored nearby. Karl dropped by with some coral trout that he had speared and offered to show us the best snorkeling spots. We snorkeled most of the morning in the clearest water we had encountered so far.

Another beautiful night with dinner together on Allikat.

Saturday, 1 October 2011 - Ribbon No 5 to St Crispin Reef

0700 start so we could see the bommies and a nice 7-10 kn westerly as a bonus. We put our spinnaker up while Allikat started with screecher and Truest Passion with their code zero. Both eventually put up spinnakers as the breeze went to the NW before dying about 1030. We had some nice photos by then and we motor sailed to St Crispins where we anchored about 1500 after having covered 44 nm.

Dinner on board Phase2 where we all enjoyed Karl's coral trout.













Sunday, 2 October 2011 - St Crispins to Cairns

With a forecast of 15-20 SE, we headed out through the opening north of St Crispins to the Coral Sea to come into our planned anchorage of Michaelmas Reef through the Trinity Opening - the largest opening near Cairns. Unfortunately the breeze was soon up to 25 knots and gusting higher and the seas were quite rough. By lunchtime with no drop in the wind strength, we all decided to head for Yorkeys Knob marina. We were tied up at 1700 after 66nm.

Lizard Island

Tuesday, 13 September to Wednesday, 28 September 2011

We have heard so much about Lizard from various friends that there was a risk that it might not live up to our expectations. I am happy to say this was not the case. "Blizzard" Island lived up to its name for most of the two weeks we were there. I don't think the wind dropped below 25 knots in the first week. It didn't stop us enjoying what the island has to offer and we quickly got used to the wind.

We saved our first snorkel until the white caps had disappeared from the anchorage. The clam garden had huge clams, a range of different hard and soft corals and a wide variety of fish. We later snorkeled along the rocks, at Turtle Bay and on a very small bommie that must be the equivalent of Hong Kong in the coral reef world. The number of fish on a bommie that measured about 4 meters across was amazing!

There is a well behind the beach where you can pump good quality water that we used for washing and cleaning the boat. We also showered here after our swims to get rid of the salt. This meant our 690l of water lasted very well.

We walked to the Research Station and had a very informative tour and also walked to the Blue Lagoon on the southern side of the island. We watched the reef sharks stalking fish in close and admired the handiwork of some creative folk who had created a wind chime using bamboo.

One highlight was the climb to the top of Cook's Look where Capt James found a passage through the reef after repairing the Endeavour after previously running aground.

Hard work to climb the 359m to the summit but what a view!

The real highlight of the trip was the many interesting yachties we met at the 5pm sundowners on the beach each day. There was an average of 20 boats each night, but when the first weather window came after a week anchored, 10 boats left for Cairns. We elected to stay until the next window which was to be 10 days later. You need to have plenty of time available to wait for the right weather if you are going South.

1042 hPa High in the West!

Friday, 9 September 2011 - Cairns to Low Isles

We got away about 1130 in a very light NE breeze. We motorsailed the 30 nm to the Low Isles and anchored well in as a strong SE change was expected during the night. The anchorage was good although there was some swell at high tide when the reef was covered.

With a strong wind warning forecast, we spent Saturday here and watched the tourists come in for a snorkel and sunbake before heading off back to Port Douglas. We went for a walk around the island, (about 20 minutes!), watched the bat fish and had a lazy day.

Sunday, 11 September 2011 - Low Isles to Cape Bedford

The wind was still up although the strong wind warning was cancelled, so we headed off early when the wind was predicted to be lighter. The weather men had it right again and we set the spinnaker in about 15 knots of breeze. By 1100 the breeze was gusting up over 20 knots so we dropped the kite after recording 16.3 knots at one stage. By 1400 we had put in the second reef as we had a steady 20 knots with gusts up to 27.

We decided to bypass Hope Island and continue on to Cape Bedford - a distance of 80 miles. The anchorage at Hope Islands is more exposed than Bedford which proved to be very comfortable as we had gone in as close as possible. A strong wind warning was forecast for Monday and with the big high, it did not look like improving over the next few days.

Monday, 12 September 2011 - Cape Bedford to Lizard Island

25 - 30 knots was forecast so we headed off with a triple reef and our jib for the 38 nm to Lizard Island. We had decided to proceed as the seas are much less than would normally be expected further south due to the proximity of the reef.

It was an uneventful sail, dodging cargo ships off Cape Flattery and averaging 8.4 knots for the trip. I took some video in the cabin as it was eerily quiet here as we beam reached along at 10, 11 knots.

We arrived at Lizard at 1100 and anchored in close to the beach with 20 other boats.

North to Cairns

Monday, 5 September 2011 - Horseshoe Bay to Dunk Island

Forecast today is for the wind to drop to 20 - 25 knots so we headed out at 0630 in about 15 knots to see what conditions were like. We had decided if conditions were good we would go to Dunk Island, if not we would bail out at Orpheus Island. By 1100 the wind had not increased so we raised the spinnaker when we were in the lee of Havanna Island. We carried it until dark in a steady 15 knots with occasional higher gusts.

We were anchored at Dunk Island by 1920 after 90 nm. The resort was badly damaged by Cyclone Yasi and is apparently for sale.

Our excitement for the day was seeing what we think was Migaloo, the white whale, off Hinchinbrook. While not too close we saw numerous tail slaps and breeches and could not see any dark colour on the whale. The whale came a long way out of the water to slap its tail - very spectacular. No photos unfortunately.

Tuesday, 6 September 2011 - Dunk Island to Fitzroy Island

New territory today as we set the spinnaker again in perfect 10 - 15 knot SE conditions. By 1100 the breeze was up to 15 - 20 knots and we were making good time in the slight seas. By lunch the wind was a steady 20 knots with gusts up to 26 recorded. At 1330, we decided it was time to pull down the kite after we recorded our fastest speed in Phase2 to date of 14.3 knots. While not as exciting, we still averaged 8 knots for the 63 nm to Fitzroy Island and were anchored by 1500.

Our early arrival gave us time to go ashore and explore some of the island. There is a nice resort here and it is popular with day trippers as well. While here the Mayan Queen IV anchored nearby. The 300 foot megayacht is owned by the second richest man in Mexico. It looks amazing but we get the same view from Phase2.

Wednesday, 7 September 2011 - Fitzroy Island to Cairns

A short 20 nm trip today to Bluewater marina at Trinity Beach. We stopped and refuelled at Half Moon Bay marina coming in as there is no fuel at Bluewater. While here we saw Attitude, Alan and Michelle's new catamaran which is joining the Louisiades Rally next week.

Bluewater marina is fairly new, amenities are basic however there is a courtesy car (3 hours for $5) which makes here pretty attractive. The marina is up the creek a bit and we had only 1.1m (our draft) at low tide as we entered. Lots of crocs apparently!

We planned originally to be here 3 nights but after meeting the group from Half Moon Bay that are going to Lizard, we have decided to leave today, Friday as the weather is forecast to deteriorate tomorrow. Hopefully we will be away before lunch. About 25 nm to Low Isles.

We plan to be at Lizard for a couple of weeks at least and as we are not sure if we will get internet coverage there the blog may be silent for a while.

North to Magnetic Island

Tuesday, 30 August 2011 - Bona Bay to Upstart Bay

An easterly breeze between 5 and 15 knots had us sailing under spinnaker for most of the day. This is always fun and more so when Warren is catching fish! 1 mackeral and 2 large Queenfish (1 released) by 0830 so we pulled in the lures as we have enough fillets for weeks.

Cloud sitting over Cape Upstart was thick and we sighted a whale between us and the Cape as we passed. 54 nm in the day.









Wednesday, 31 August 2011 - Upstart Bay to Horseshoe Bay

Off at 0630 again in a 10 - 15 kn SE so spinnaker up again. We are certainly getting our money's worth from this sail. As the morning progressed, the wind veered to the east and freshened to over 20 knots and we decided it was time to pull the kite down. We are getting a bit of practice at this manoeuvre and have found that you need to run very square to make sure the kite collapses before easing the sheet once the breeze is up.

Our max log speed of the day of 12.8 knots came with poled out jib in the big seas as we rounded Cape Cleveland. Warren wants to tighten the steering cables as there is a bit more slack than he would like.

We anchored in Horseshoe Bay at 1700 after covering over 75 nm and averaging 7.5kn for the day.

Thursday, 1 September to Sunday, 4 September 2011 - Magnetic Island

Strong winds have extended our stay here but there are lots of places to go and new friends to make.

We caught the bus to Nelly Bay to look around and see the fleet for Magnetic Island race week. Some large yachts with expensive sails mixing it with trailerable yachts including several Ross 780s (our last TS).

Lots of interesting sights including a rock wallaby that seems to live on the rock wall of the marina.