Goodbye Big Red

Rosslyn Bay to Brampton Island 
Wednesday, 6 August to Thursday, 14 August 2014
We eventually got away at first light from Rosslyn Bay on Wednesday in a SSE wind that averaged 20 knots in the morning and got up to 29 knots in the afternoon. Our first reef was in by 1000 and was quickly followed by the second. Seas were messy but not too uncomfortable although I did wait for lunch until after we anchored in Island Head Creek at 1345. We had covered 55 nm in just over 7 hours.

We anchored in the outer anchorage behind a sand bar that offered some protection at low tide. With the winds back up again, we stayed here for 4 nights. We had whiting for dinner 2 nights thanks to Warren's fishing skills (and a couple I caught!) and I got into my books and practised my splicing.

More practise needed

Sunday was moving day, with the wind down to 15-20 knots we left the anchorage with 10 other yachts and 3 power boats. Some were heading for Mackay, some Middle Percy, while we made for Curlew Island. We had the spinnaker up for most of the day and arrived at Curlew just before 1700. Unfortunately, while dropping the spinnaker, the halyard snap shackle released and the head of the sail fell into the water. By the time we had retrieved the sail it had been destroyed. Unlike the Louisiades, it is not a repair job this time!

Monday we motorsailed most of the way to Brampton Island where we are still anchored today, Thursday. There have been a stream of boats coming and going including the Seawind 1160 Hadja who we enjoyed catching up with. The anchorage has been quite good in the conditions and we are off for a walk around the island shortly. Tomorrow we will probably do the last leg into the Whitsundays.

Just us on the beach at Brampton Is

We have been keeping track of whale sightings - 6 so far this trip.

Don't worry - a new one is on the way!

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