Lady Musgrave Island with friends

Raby Bay to Pancake Creek
15 - 27 September, 2015
We set off on Tuesday at 1130 in a light northerly and motored until 1400 when the breeze got to 10 knots and we could kill the motor and start sailing. Our first tack took us in towards Scarborough and we decided to stop at Bribie for the night. Perfect anchorage in this wind as we dropped anchor about 1700.

Next morning we motored around Skirmish Pt in a light NW. By 1100 we had enough breeze to sail, although it was on the nose so we didn't get to the Mooloolah River until 1400.

Thursday we set off before 0600 for a slow motor/motorsail to the Wide Bay Bar for an afternoon low tide crossing. We arrived at Garry's Anchorage after dark and used Beach House's AIS as a guide for anchoring. Our plan was to accompany Lois and Kel for their first trip north to Lady Musgrave in their Catalina 355. The wind had gone to the S/SE during the night and with gusts up to 30 knots expected, we decided to spend Friday at Garry's.

On Saturday, the wind was still up so we headed off under jib only for a leisurely sail up the straits. We pulled up the main with a double reef off South White Cliffs and enjoyed the sail to Coongul Point. This is a beautiful spot that was popular in our trailer sailer days when we used to anchor in the creek.

At 0600 Sunday, we set the spinnaker for another fast sail to the Burnett River. We averaged over 8 knots (with a maximum of 15.3) and had the anchor down at 1200.

Beach House

Monday was another spinnaker run to Pancake Creek where we dropped anchor in the inner anchorage at 1530. Beach House was not far behind having enjoyed the conditions up the coast. We had elected not to head out to Musgrave with a couple of other boats as a southerly change was expected.

We enjoyed 4 nights at Pancake Creek waiting for good weather for Lady Musgrave. Lots of fishing for Warren and a walk up to the lighthouse with Lois and Kel.

Friday was semi finals for the football so we headed up to Gladstone marina to ensure we had good reception. The Broncos had a big win against the Roosters and we were all happy until we had to beat into a strong easterly back to Pancake Creek. We snapped our jib halyard when changing down to the self tacker but, as it had broken at the winch, we could tie the ends together and continue sailing.

Lady Musgrave Island to Raby Bay
27 September to 7 October, 2015
On Sunday we used the last of the southerly to head across to Musgrave. A great 2 sail tight reach and we were at the entrance to the lagoon earlier than planned. We entered against a 4-5 knot ebb tide and were anchored by 1200. We had 2 perfect days here with great snorkelling and time with new friends on Escape and Twoflower.

With another big southerly expected on the weekend, we left Lady Musgrave on Wednesday and enjoyed a spinnaker run in light northerlies back to the Burnett River. Warren caught a nice Spanish mackerel (our only one for the trip).

Thursday we went across to Wathumba Creek where we spent 2 nights being entertained by the antics of the whales close to shore here.

We sailed to Coongul Creek on Saturday to make sure of our TV reception for the NRL Grand Final. We had a double reef and got some good photos and video of Beach House well reefed and enjoying the flat water along the shore. If the Broncos are going to lose then a loss to the Cowboys is easiest to bear. On Sunday, we explored up the creek by kayak.

On Monday, we motored down the straits to Pelican Bay ready for an early morning crossing of the bar. We gave the shallow patch between waypoints 1 and 2 a wide berth and enjoyed a slow sail to Mooloolaba tacking into a light south easterly. What could have been a frustrating day was made memorable by the number of whale sightings, all seemingly enjoying the last of the warm waters before heading further south.

Our trip back to Raby Bay on Wednesday saw our closest encounter yet to a whale with one surfacing unexpectedly about 5 m in front of Phase2.

Luckily we were motoring very slowly at the time as we had seen the whales playing about 100 m away. In our 3 weeks away we had encountered 27 groups of whales while sailing.

Home again

Apologies for taking a while to do the final update of the blog for our trip to Tasmania. Lots to do including uploading a couple of short videos of our trip which I hope you enjoy.

Bass Strait

Clayton's Corner Serenade

Camden Haven to Raby Bay

Tuesday, 6 May to Saturday, 9 May 2015
On Tuesday we rode our bike out to the entrance again to check the swell. It had dropped and looked like we would be right to leave on Wednesday as we had hoped.

On Tuesday afternoon we climbed the hill behind Laurieton. It was hard work and certainly got the hearts pumping.

We left Camden Haven in company with 4 other yachts on Wednesday at 0740 at half tide with the current just starting to come in the river. The swell was about 1.5m with no breaking waves. We had a 15 knot southerly so set the spinnaker and gybed downwind to stay as close to shore as possible to avoid the current.

Beautiful Camden Haven

At 1440, we dropped the spinnaker and started a motor in the light SE that went around to the E. We put in the double reef before dark and continued to motor sail until just after midnight when the breeze went back to a 15 knot southerly. Thursday morning after breakfast we raised the spinnaker and carried it most of the day. We dodged a big log off Ballina after the recent flooding and wondered how many we passed unseen during the night.

We once again motorsailed with a double reef during the evening and crossed the Gold Coast Seaway at 2330 dropping anchor at Currigee shortly after. We had been sailing for over 40 hours and had 257nm on the log.

We slept in on Friday then continued north with the incoming tide past Jumpinpin and Slipping Sands and anchored off Canaipa at 1300. We enjoyed a walk ashore on Russell Island after 3 days on the boat.

On Saturday, we had the final leg to Raby Bay. We waved to Mum, tooted the horn and tied up at our berth after 129 days away and travelling 3675nm.

We had a great time, made new friends, saw spectacular scenery and faced and overcame some challenges. We loved it - if only it wasn't so cold down there.....

East Coast Lows

Thursday, 23 April to Monday 4 May, 2015
The rain finally stopped on Thursday and we went ashore at Hole in the Wall for a walk and to see what the sea conditions were like outside.

The Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall is part of Booderee National Park with campgrounds further west and walking trails.

Swell less than predicted

The good conditions encouraged us to up anchor on Friday morning and resume our way home after a week at Jervis Bay. We were lucky to spend our time here as the East Coast Low (ECL) had caused a lot of damage from Port Hacking to Port Stephens. 

Exiting past Point Perpendicular

The wind started in the NW so we used the jib then genoa in the light breezes. The breeze had died by 1000 so we started motoring, then motorsailing. By 1500 we could stop the engine and enjoy the peace of a 2 sail reach in a westerly. By 1830 we were back motoring until we picked up a mooring at Jibbon Beach off Port Hacking at 2230 after 85nm (more than the actual miles due to the East Coast Current). 

Jibbon Beach

On Saturday, we sailed, motored and finally motorsailed to Yeomans Bay inside Broken Bay. With 40 knots forecast again for Sunday, this was the perfect place to pick up a mooring and sit out the wind and rain. 

Yeomans Bay

On Monday we went around to the Royal Motor Yacht Club to have dinner with the David, Jenny, Graham and Annie from Kailani. David and Jenny also took us shopping and I managed to get all the washing done. It was a busy day but the weather was looking good to go north on Tuesday and Wednesday and we didn't want to miss the opportunity. At 0650 on Tuesday, we left RMYC and enjoyed a good sail to Shoal Bay in Port Stephens, arriving just on dark. 

Dodging rain north of Port Stephens

On Wednesday we set off for Camden Haven (80nm away) in a W that went SW and eventually S. The log shows we used the jib and genoa, set the spinnaker 3 times and motorsailed 3 times in a frustrating day of variable winds. At 1450 we could see a squall ahead and got the spinnaker down just before being hit with driving rain and 25+ knot winds that got the heart pumping!

Calm after the storm

We eventually crossed the Camden Haven Bar in slight seas at 1915 and anchored up the river opposite the RSL club. Camden Haven's bar is better than most as it gets some protection from Perpendicular Point - not to be confused with Point Perpendicular! Another ECL was forming and this was to be our refuge for the next week. The ECL caused heavy rain and flooding in SE Queensland before continuing south and flooding parts of northern NSW. ECLs form in cold waters but are similar to cyclones in many ways. 

Luckily this one started to weaken before it got as far south as Camden Haven. We have enjoyed our time here including walks to Dunbogan and North Haven. Yesterday the Port Macquarie Ironman event was on with the bike leg passing through this area. We were in awe of the 1500 triathletes taking on a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and then a full marathon to finish! 

We went for a walk to inspect the bar yesterday but it looks like a few more days are needed for it to settle enough to cross - maybe Wednesday.

Lakes Entrance to Jervis Bay

Saturday 11 April to Wednesday 22 April, 2015
We left Lakes Entrance at first light for the 135nm to Eden. After all the rain in the last week, water was rushing out the entrance at 3 knots into a small swell. This meant we had a small easily handled break, much better than others had experienced the day before. We motored until 1020 then set the spinnaker.

Motor on again at 1500 until 1800 when we stopped it for some peace and quiet during dinner. With a double reef and self tacking jib it was slow going, but we weren't in a hurry so persisted. At 0350 we were abeam of Gabo Island in 20-25 knots, seas were slight and we were making good progress. At 1000 on Sunday we had the anchor down in East Boyd Bay.

San Souci joined us on Monday

We kayaked to Boydtown on Monday as the weather was sunny with light breezes and we dug out the shorts again! Construction of Boydtown, by the industrious Benjamin Boyd began in 1843 with the hotel. Boyd disappeared in the Solomon Islands in 1851, by which time the town was a virtual ghost town and most of the residents had moved to Eden. The hotel was restored in 1957. It certainly looked like a peaceful spot to stay.

Seahorse Inn

We had 2 nights in East Boyd Bay, before a northerly arrived that had all the boats doing the "Eden Shuffle" across to Snug Cove for 2 nights.

Snug Cove

A SW change came through early Thursday morning and so we headed north in company with 4 other yachts. A couple were doing the short leg to Bermagui but San Souci and Phase2 were aiming for Jervis Bay 135nm away.

Pre-dawn start

We had good breeze all day, carrying the spinnaker for about 5 hours and then goosewinging our sails as the wind built. We put in the double reef at dusk and settled in for another night at sea.This turned out to be one of our more uncomfortable sails of the trip. We had a slight to moderate swell but it was confused and we both did not feel well as dark fell. We were happy to pick up a mooring at Hole in the Wall in the southern end of Jervis Bay at 0350 on Friday.

San Souci 

When the northerly came in late Friday, we headed to Hare Bay in the north of Jervis Bay. We had 2 nights here and a good walk around the town of Callala. When the southerly came in on Sunday as predicted we headed back south to the Hole in the Wall. An east coast low had formed and it was clear we were not going anywhere for quite a while. It is now Wednesday, and we haven't left the boat for 4 days! Constant rain and the wind has been 25-30 knots most of the time with gusts up to 40+, but we are lucky we are not further north. We are anchored in 10m of water (as required) as all the moorings are taken. We set the anchor alarm every night but we are well dug in by now I suspect.

No cabin fever......yet

The weather is meant to improve from today but it looks like it will be Saturday before the seas abate and we can continue our journey home.

Gippsland Lakes

Tuesday 31 March to Friday 10 April, 2015
We spent 3 nights on the jetty at Lakes Entrance. We had planned to leave after 48 hours as required, however with 30-40 knot westerlies and quite a few spare berths we stayed until the wind dropped.

Lakes Entrance Jetty

Our first day we washed, shopped and caught up on our sleep. On Wednesday we were invited to dinner with Julie and Hugh from San Souci by Julie's sister and brother in law. We enjoyed a beautiful roast lamb dinner at their home in Lakes Entrance.

Next night we enjoyed another great meal at the Boathouse resturant to celebrate my birthday. During the days we enjoyed many walks along the lake and across the bridge to the surfside.

Steamer Landing

Armed with the Gippsland Ports Boating Guide, on Friday we motored 14nm up to Paynesville in a light SW wind to pick up our son Ben who had come up from Melbourne to spend Easter with us. Friday night we anchored behind Wallaby Island near Steamer Landing.

Ninety Mile Beach

A trip ashore in the dinghy and we were quickly across to Ninety Mile Beach. Lots of boats without dinghies, many on the free public jetties and pontoons that are found everywhere, and some nosed into the steep shore and using a ladder to get ashore!

On Saturday, after a leisurely start to the day we sailed to Boxes Creek where we anchored off the entrance after going in and deciding it was a bit tight for comfort.

On Sunday we motored 8nm back to Lakes Entrance where Ben had organised a lift home while we spent the night on one of the floating pontoons. With strong SW winds expected, on Tuesday we motored and sailed 16nm back up the lakes to Duck Arm, one of the most protected spots in the Gippsland Lakes.

Keeping the grandkids entertained in Duck Arm during the holidays

We picked up one of the 9 public moorings here and settled down for a couple of days. Once again, Ben took the good weather with him and we had almost constant rain for 2 days.

Duck Arm

On Thursday, we motored 4nm back to Paynesville and a berth on the Raymond Island Jetty near the ferry that takes cars ($11) and people (free) between Paynesville and Raymond Island.

Raymond Island has a large koala population that can be seen from the roads and walking tracks on the island. The koalas were relocated here in 1953 when their habitat was under pressure in other areas. They thrived until eventually they started stripping all their food trees. Now there is a contraception and removal program in place to keep numbers at about 600.

On Friday we headed back to Lakes Entrance as there was a window to go to Eden on the weekend. The Gippsland Lakes were great, good depth in the places we went and with lots to see and do. The government has done a great job building and maintaining infrastructure that encourages a wide range of boats to enjoy the area. It was especially great to see the large number of trailer sailers here, making the most of the Easter break.

Return to the North Island

Hobart, Friday 20 March to Monday 23 March, 2015
We hired a car and visited the Maritime Museum, Mawsons Hut and the Female Factory. All were excellent. It was good to visit the Maritime Museum after completing our circumnavigation as we had been to many of the places featured.

Mawsons Hut is a replica of what they found when they went back to Mawsons Hut in the late 70s. It was just as it had been left in 1914 and this recreation shows the cramped conditions that 18 men endured during the winter of 1912.

Next was a tour of the Female Factory which highlighted the tough life of the women convicts sent to Van Diemens Land.  Most tragic was the 75% mortality rate for babies born at the prison.

Hobart to Lakes Entrance
23 March to 31 March 2015
On Monday we sailed back down the River Derwent in a light northerly that had gone to the SW and increased to 20 knots by the time we rounded the Iron Pot.

Half an hour later we were surfing down swells as the wind peaked at an unforecast 35 knots. We were happy to drop the anchor in a calm Lime Bay on the northern side of the Tasman Peninsular.

Hugh and I inspecting the workmanship (Photo courtesy of San Souci)

On Tuesday we motored around to the Coalmines, another penal settlement that was well worth the stop. Highlight for me of the hour and a half walk around the settlement was the underground cells.

Impressive stonework

From the Coalmines, we headed back through the Denison Canal in company with San Souci and across to Chinamans Bay on Maria Island.

On Wednesday we sailed to Bryans Beach on the Freycinet Peninsular. Another beautiful anchorage that was protected in the E breeze we had. On Thursday we decided to motor around to Wineglass Bay however we turned around when we encountered 2m NE swells that we thought would make the anchorage uncomfortable.

Bryans Beach

We headed back to Bryans Beach and walked across to Cooks Beach before moving across the passage to Crocketts Bay when the forecast S moved in.

Cooks Beach

Friday was moving day for most of the fleet with a SW that built to over 25 knots before easing back to 10-15 knots. We covered 69nm to anchor in Skeleton Bay for the night. On Saturday we had another early start in a forecast SW-W wind that had gone more to the NW by the time we got to Banks Strait. With an flood tide against the wind we had an uncomfortable crossing in steep 2-3 m waves.

We were happy to drop anchor in Lucy Bay on Badger Island at 1720 after 59 hard nm. We were now all watching the weather forecasts and trying to work out the best time to cross Bass Strait for the North Island (as Tasmanians like to call it!) Our original plan was to go to Deal Island but the forecast indicated that Monday and Tuesday were the days to go. On Sunday we therefore headed to Roydon Island on the NW side of Flinders ready to head into the strait on Monday morning.

Roydon Island

This was one of our most uncomfortable anchorages of the trip in the strong NW winds that were expected to abate overnight. We left with a double reefed main at 0740 in a 20kn Westerly that was forecast to die and move to the SW during the day.

Goodbye Tassie

Photo courtesy of David, Crispian

Photo courtesy of David, Crispian

In company with San Souci, Skellum and Crispian we had a great 2 sail reach until 1600 when we put the spinnaker up until dark. The seas were flat and conditions could not have been better.

Crispian enjoying the sail

The forecast was spot on and by dark the wind was only 6-8 knots from astern and we started a motor.

How good is this for Bass Strait!

We motored slowly throughout the night, timing our arrival at Lakes Entrance for dawn. We crossed at 0715 and motored around to tie up at the public jetty in the middle of town at Lakes Entrance after 132 nm.