4-10 July 2008 Bundy to Brisbane

With a SE-S wind predicted we decided to sail east across Hervey Bay to Wathumba Creek on the northern end of Fraser island. We anchored outside the creek the first night as it has a very shallow entrance. After checking it out on Saturday morning in the inflatable, we decided to enter on the high tide. We anchored in a small hole inside with 3 other cats but as the tide dropped it became clear we were going to sit on the bottom.

Sunday we left on the high tide and reached south to Moon Point before motoring to Yankee Jack Creek for the night. We listened with increasing interest to each weather forecast as we got closer to the Wide Bay Bar. Monday we motored to Garry's Anchorage and with a forecast of NE-NW and a decreasing swell for Tuesday, we decided this was the best time to cross. But Tuesday saw a SE 10-15 knots when we crossed with 1.5 to 2.0 m seas. The "mad mile" was aptly named but the bar was not breaking and although there were a couple of bigger sets, we crossed without incident and anchored at Double Island Point.

Wednesday's sail south to Mooloolaba gave our first whale encounters, 2 some distance away (one breaching and one slapping it's flipper) but the last surfaced only 50m in front. We quickly tacked and it swam alongside for quite a while before continuing it's trip north. We hand steered and kept a much more vigilant lookout after this. We anchored in the Mooloolah River with "Davoren".

Our final day's sail started in a strong SW that died by lunchtime. We motor sailed for a couple of hours before arriving at Raby Bay to the cheers of the awaiting crowd (Mum and Dad). Warren sounded the fog horn to signal the end of our trip and we tied up in our marina berth. Now the cleanup, return to work and planning for the next trip!

1-3 July 2008 Yeppoon to Bundaberg

The weather has been very good the last 3 days with blue skies and light winds. This has lead to some motorsailing and motoring but is much better than the alternative of 20+ knot headwinds. We decided to pass through The Narrows - the shallow passage between Curtis Island and the mainland. The shallowest sections dry to about 2 m at low tide so it is important to work the tide.

As the higher tide is at night at the moment, we decided to travel this section on Tuesday night. We had met a Kiwi couple in Mackay who had done the night sail and they said they had no problems as the route is well marked. We motored from Yeppoon to Maria Inlet, anchored, had an early dinner and then started our trip down the Narrows at 1800 hrs. While a little stressful on a moonless night, we went through without incident and anchored in Graham Creek (left) about 2130 hrs.

An early start the next morning had us motorsailing through Gladstone harbour before the wind died and we then motored to Pancake Creek.

Today we sailed about halfway to Bundaberg before the wind died and we motorsailed to arrive at Bundaberg Port Marina at 1845 hrs. 72 nm in 12 hours! Tomorrow we start the final leg home through the Sandy Straits and the dreaded Wide Bay Bar. Suzanne, please check the Coolum Surf for me every morning! The wind is forecast to increase over the weekend so we plan to bide our time inside Fraser Island before we cross the bar. Life is tough sometimes!!

30 June 2008 – Port Clinton to Yeppoon

E then S 10- 15 knots
South to Yeppoon today and with a predicted ESE breeze to go NE in the afternoon, we were looking forward to a reach and maybe even the chance of getting the spinnaker up. No such luck as the easterly left at 0900 to be replaced by a southerly. More tacking – although with blue skies and slight seas, it was good sail. We are now tied up at the Keppel Bay Marina getting ready for the next 350 or so miles south. If all goes to plan, the next update should be at the end of the week from Bundaberg.

29 June 2008 – Hexham to Port Clinton

SE 15 – 20 knots, easing in the afternoon
Another 60 mile day to windward. Port Clinton is a huge harbour within the Shoalwater Bay Military Zone. The south arm of this area is the only anchorage open at the moment due to live firing exercises by the army. The picture was taken inside the harbour and shows 9 other yachts at the preferred anchorage. We had a very calm night and have put this on our list to revisit as there is a lot to explore.

27, 28 June 2008 Digby to Hexham Island

SSE 15-20 knots
The winds are forecast to increase tomorrow so we decided to skip the Percy Islands and make straight for Hexham Island today. Although this means another long day, we do not need to move tomorrow if the winds are as strong as predicted. 62 miles to windward – what more can I say. Hexham is a good anchorage although a bit rolly and subject to bullets (large gusts of wind) that had us moving around on the anchor. We spent our day off fishing, reading and exploring. Warren’s fish cleaning attracted a couple of large sharks that had him deciding that the top of the back stairs was a better cleaning area. We kept all the fish scraps and disposed of them the next day well out to sea. Definitely no snorkelling at Hexham.

26 June 2008 – Mackay to Digby Island

SSE 15–20 knots
The winds did ease a little, or so the weather bureau said, although as we bashed our way towards Digby Island it didn’t feel that way. The boat made good progress with a double reefed main although we took a lot of water over the topsides. Unfortunately 2 of our hatches are leaking and this has caused some issues for us to deal with when we get home. We arrived at Digby at 1600 hrs after covering 54 nautical miles to windward in about 9 hours. The anchorage was a bit rolly and stark. We were just happy to have stopped pounding!

25 June 2008 - Mackay

SE 20 – 25 knots
Lois and Kel left this morning to fly back to Darwin and we decided to spend another night in the marina to prepare for the trip home and let the winds ease (we hope). Tomorrow will be a big day as the nearest anchorage is Digby Island (about 45 miles to the SE). No more updates until we get to Rosslyn Bay (Yeppoon) in a week or so.

24 June 2008 Keswick to Mackay

SE 20 knots
After a rolly night at Keswick we motored past the large houses on the hill overlooking Egremont Passage. We are not sure what the attraction is but apparently there are plans to develop the island for 2000 people. Warren says they can have it – this was not his favourite anchorage. There was a BBQ at the marina tonight and we met quite a few interesting people – all heading north. They can’t understand why we would want to head south! Why are we again??

23 June 2008 Goldsmith to Keswick Island

SE 15–25 knots
We decided to move on as we need to get closer to Mackay so headed off with a forecast of 15-20 knots. It didn’t take long for us to realise that we needed a couple of reefs in the main. It was hard going into the south easterly with a large swell. We decided to stop at Brampton for lunch to see if the wind and seas would abate with the change of the tide. Good protection and a pity we had to move on. We decided to head for Keswick Island over Scawfell Island as it is closer to Mackay.

21, 22 June 2008 - Goldsmith Island

SE 20-30 knots
Our first visit to Goldsmith and it offers good protection from the strong winds in Roylen Bay. We spent 2 full days here reading, fishing (some bream and lots of lost gear to the sharks), exploring (more snakes) and relaxing. This is only the fourth time in 5 weeks that we have spent more than one night at an anchorage.

20 June 2008 - Thomas Is to Goldsmith Is

Light SE breezes

Thomas Island is described as one of the best anchorages in the Whitsundays and it did not disappoint. We spent the morning exploring the beaches and hiked up a dry creek bed to try to get to the other side of the island.

Beautiful wildflowers but only a glimpse of the southern side. As the wind is predicted to increase tomorrow we decided to head to Goldsmith Island this afternoon instead of tomorrow.

19 June 2008 – To Thomas Island

Light SE breezes
Left Whitehaven early to get through Solway Passage before the tide began to run too fast. Sailed to Lindeman Island while having breakfast and anchored at Gap Beach to climb Mt Oldfield for one of the best views of the Whitsundays. In a word – spectacular (and no snakes!). The picture at left is looking towards Shaw Island. After lunch, we had a gentle sail between Shaw and Lindeman then around to Thomas Island.

16 – 18 June 2008 – Snorkelling and more

We left Hamilton Monday morning and sailed through Solway Passage to anchor at Whitehaven Beach. We enjoyed great Gympie steaks on the BBQ and caught up with Lois and Kel’s travels in Europe by barge, bike and train over the last 6 weeks. Tuesday we sailed north to Cateran Bay on Border Island to enjoy some great snorkelling. The water was clearer than we had seen to date with colourful coral and fish. We spent the night here on a mooring. Wednesday we checked out Dumbell and Esk Islands on the way to Chalkie’s Beach. More good snorkelling – this time off a sandy beach with lots of inquisitive fish. Spent the night at Whitehaven.

14 – 15 June 2008 – Crew changeover

SE 20 – 25 knots
We hiked up the hill overlooking the anchorage at South Molle Island for a fantastic view of where we had sailed over the last week. Excitement on the descent as Warren nearly stood on a snake. We decided to try our new storm jib on the sail to Cid Harbour this morning. Len and Warren got it set and we were happy with the way it performed. Hopefully we won’t need this sail but it is nice to know it is there if required. We spent the night in Cid Harbour as Len and Isla fly home tomorrow from Hamilton and our friends Lois and Kel join us for 10 days. Seas were very rough as we motored to Hamilton on Sunday morning and Len and Isla had some anxious moments when we couldn’t get onto our berth immediately. They made their flight as Isla hitched a lift with one of the many golf buggies after they missed the airport bus. It’s nonstop excitement with us!

13 June 2008 Seawind Rally

Last race from Stonehaven to South Molle Island. Still plenty of breeze around and a gate start to get the fleet away. Brent has done a great job organising the regatta with a good mix of sailing and socialising in fantastic locations around the Whitsundays.

Golf then the presentation and seafood buffet and a last chance to discuss the weeks sailing, exchange contact details and plan how we will get to the next rally. Our third place today saw us finish in first place overall for the rally - we were a happy if surprised crew. All boats were presented with a framed photo taken on the first day from a helicopter - a wonderful momento of the week.


Tomorrow some crews start the long trip home, some fly out to various parts of Australia and the world, and the lucky ones like us get to spend more time in this beautiful area.

12 June 2008 Seawind Rally

Race 5 - Tongue Point to Butterfly Bay. Another great sail downwind in 15 - 25 knots. We picked up a mooring in Maureen's Cove on the northern side of Hook Island and went for a snorkel on the reef. There was plenty of good coral and fish however the visibility was not great. A quiet night before the last race tomorrow.

11 June 2008 Seawind Rally

Race 4 - Shaw Island to Whitehaven Beach. Brent decided to mix things up today with a staggered start based on the boats finish times in the first 3 races. Our good results to date meant we started (and finished) second last. Luckily there was plenty of food at the BBQ lunch prior to the flipper races.

Whitehaven is a hive of activity with monohulls, multis, charter boats and seaplanes.

10 June 2008 Seawind Rally

Race 3 saw the fleet head south to Shaw Island. 20-25 knots SE again with big seas and unfortunately a couple of boats suffered sail damage and had to retire. The crowd was entertained at happy hour on the beach by a dinghy race where the skipper had to row while blindfolded while their partner gave directions. Luckily they don't sail like this.

7-9 June 2008 Seawind Rally

Great start to the rally so far. 17 Seawinds here and everyone keen to make new friends and enjoy the opportunity to hear about others adventures and places to visit. Saturday night saw a meet the fleet party at Shute Harbour followed by the first race on Sunday. The forecast 20 - 30 knot winds did not eventuate and we had a nice sail around Long Island to finish (in some chaos) at Happy Bay. The fickle winds and constantly changing places lead to many animated discussions at the Hawaian party that night. Royce was the best of the karaoke lineup and we all somehow found the energy to dance the night away.

Monday saw a Le Mans start where one person from each boat had to start on the beach. This is the first time I can recall a race where the prestart tactical discussion centred on the fastest way to get the dinghy on board and the sails up. It was also lady skippers day and with a steady 20 odd knots of breeze it was an exhilarating sail. Perrfection made it 2 in a row.

Hamilton Island Marina managed to fit us all in and Isla and I climbed to the top of the island for a spectacular view. We had another good night at Romano's restaurant including a trivia quiz.

1-6 June 2008 Whitsunday Cruising

We are back at Airlie Beach after a week cruising the Whitsundays. The weather has been fantastic (sorry Ben!!) Blue skies, light breezes and some of the most beautiful anchorages. But the week didn't start like that. After Ben caught his flight back to Melbourne last Sunday, we motored back to Cid Harbour as it was still raining and visibility was not good (You may have heard about one poor boatie who ended up on the rocks near Hamilton).

Monday we headed around to Whitehaven Beach where the sun came out for the first time in a week.

On the way we passed these kayakers who were no doubt happy the weather had eased.
We had a paddle in our kayaks at Whitehaven and then headed to Tongue Bay for the evening. Just 3 other boats when we got there and very quiet.........until the charter boats started arriving.

By morning when Warren went to Hill Inlet for a fish there must have been 100 people on the beach. We spent Tuesday night here also and then Wednesday at nearby Esk Island (I couldn't handle another night of the backpackers).

I read while Warren fished and we both kayaked up Hill Inlet. Warren got his first mud crab and we caught enough dart and whiting for several meals.

Thursday we headed for Woodwark Bay (on the mainland north of Airlie Beach). We put our spinnaker up in the light winds. Another beautiful spot and no charter boats. We are now back at Airlie Beach getting organised for the Seawind Rally. Len and Isla join us tomorrow and we have already met a number of other sailors who are participating in the rally including 2 couples from the US. Looks like being great fun.

Saturday 31st May 2008 - Cid Harbour to Hamilton Island

We awoke to a fog and light drizzle. So far no sunshine for Ben's visit - just like Christmas 2007. Luckily he is going home tomorrow and we expect perfect weather for the next 6 weeks. We relaxed and read enjoying the quiet surroundings. Highlight of the morning was seeing a huge (1m) turtle cruise by. We motored around to Hamilton Island Marina after lunch. An easy dock, beside our next purchase if we ever decide to get a powerboat. Ben and I rode our bikes around the island. This island is where golf buggies rule... they are everywhere! Notably sulpher crested cockatoos may even outnumber the golf buggies... well maybe not.

Friday 30th May 2008 – Shaw Island to Cid Harbour

Departed 1100, Strong Wind Warning SE 20 – 25 knots
Overcast and windy. Timed our sail to catch the last of the ebb tide down the Whitsunday Passage. Cid Harbour is very protected and we anchored off Sawmill Beach. Went ashore and hiked around to Dugong Beach. Our first exercise for a couple of weeks. No dugongs but we did see a couple of turles. Warren still promising the chocolate cake which he baked for dessert.

Thursday 29th May 2008 – Mackay to Shaw Island

Departed 0730, Strong Wind Warning SSE 20 – 25 knots
They are talking about a gale warning tomorrow so we have decided to head further north than originally planned as Ben is leaving Sunday from Hamilton Island. 2 reefs in the main but we still made good progress and arrived at Shaw Island about 1430. We have now officially reached the Whitsundays and we had a bottle of champagne (thanks to Suzanne and the ISAS Upgrade team) to celebrate. Warren promised to bake a chocolate cake but it didn’t appear.

Wednesday 28th May 2008 – Curlew Island to Mackay

Departed 0715, SE 15 – 20 knots

Uneventful trip apart from having to detour around the 21 ships at anchor outside Hay Point. This is a secure pilotage area and you cannot enter we discovered. Called Ben on the way in and he did our shopping for us as he had just arrived from Melbourne. We were so happy to see him again. Ben shouted us dinner at the marina Steakhouse which we would recommend.

Tuesday 27th May 2008 – Island Head Creek to Curlew Island

Departed 0630, SE 20 – 25 knots
As we are picking up our eldest son Ben tomorrow, we decided to try to get to Curlew Island (about 75 nm) so we have less to travel tomorrow. Seas very rough as we left the creek but we are finding Next Phase handles them well. New speed record for me 14.8 knots surfing down one of the swells. Warren was in the head (toilet) at the time and found it particularly exhilarating. The wind eased after lunch or so Warren assured me, so we hoisted the spinnaker to keep the speed up. We surfed along at 10, 11, 12 knots until we needed to gybe at Middle Percy Island and decided that the breeze was back over 20 knots so dropped the spinnaker.

Monday 26th May 2008 – Island Head Creek

After the big clean up we moved towards the mouth and the middle of the creek – as far as possible from any shore! Warren tried the fishing without success. Met Paul, another Seawind owner, who gave us a red emperor as he had found a good spot. We went over to try ourselves and Warren hooked a big one that unfortunately headed for the rocks and broke the line.

Sunday 25th May 2008 – Rosslyn Bay to Island Head Creek

Departed 0610, SE 10-15 building to 20 knots
Another predawn start - those that know Warren and I may doubt we are on the go this early. If you have 60 nautical miles to cover then an early start is necessary. We used 6 knots as an average when calculating our trip so 10 hours has us arriving at 1600. You don’t want to be any later when going to an unfamiliar anchorage. Luckily the wind was favourable and we had a spinnaker run most of the way and arrived at the entrance of the creek at 1340.

The creek was much bigger than we expected. We had a choice of anchorages and went for the one towards the head of the creek. Very quiet and only one other boat with no sign of life on board (we were soon to discover why). Warren went to lay the crabpots while I tidied up. We noticed a few bugs so put down the canvas covers for the saloon and lit the mozzie coil. Had our showers and settled down for a quiet drink when we noticed bugs had made their way into the saloon area…..lots of bugs!! We retreated below, turned off the lights and hoped they wouldn’t follow. We awoke to the sight at left!! Zillions of dead bugs that took hours to clean.

Saturday 24th May 2008 – Cape Capricorn to Rosslyn Bay

Departed Cape Capricorn at 0745 hrs.
SE 15-20 knots
While the wind had eased a little overnight there was still a 2-3m swell so we made good time towards Yeppoon. We put the spinnaker up 1135 hrs as the breeze eased and arrived at Keppel Bay Marina at 1300 hrs. Rode our bikes into Yeppoon to do some shopping then washing, refuelling……..the fun doesn’t stop.

Friday 23rd May 2008 – Pancake Creek to Cape Capricorn

Departed Pancake Creek at 0715 hrs.
SE 20-25 knots.
Breeze at last and with the big swell running we had our best sailing of the trip so far including a top speed of over 13 knots on one ride. The boat handled it all with ease with a full main and jib. We had to tack downwind and arrived at Cape Capricorn at 1300 hrs. We took the dinghy around to Yellow Patch to check the entrance as we hope to stay here on the way home. Stood on the cabin top to try to ring our friend Jane for her birthday. Eventually got her - standing on a mountain top in South Africa.

Thursday 22nd May 2008 - Pancake Creek

Decided to spend a day here as it is very pretty and Warren wanted to try the fishing. He caught a couple of good sized bream early but that was it for the day. Pancakes for dessert tonight!

Wednesday 21st May 2008 - Bundy to Pancake Creek

Departed Port Bundaberg Marina at 0600 hrs.

SSW – S 5-10 knots in the morning, NE 5 Knots in the afternoon
Set the spinnaker to make the most of the SSW breeze but after a couple of hours it had died again and we were back to motoring. We arrived late at Pancake Creek so we anchored at the outer anchorage. Warren caught 2 mackeral today including a 65cm one as we approached Clew Point (on our good old spoon lure). Fresh fish for dinner.

Tuesday 20th May 2008 - Fraser Island to Bundaberg

Departed Yankee Jack anchorage 0720hrs.

Southerly - Less than 5knots

We awoke to a heavy fog on Fraser this morning but little wind. Called our friends Phil and Marie at Burrum Heads to get a few fishing tips from Phil, as we motored passed Burrum Heads at 1130 hrs. The predicted NE breeze did not arrive so we had a day of motoring dodging the crab pots in Hervey Bay. Tied up at Port Bundaberg Marina at 1630 hrs.

Yeppoon

Trip going well. Finally got a steady breeze. Left Yeppoon at 0600 this morning heading towards Island Head Creek for a couple of days. Picking Ben up in Mackay on Wednesday and will upload more infomation and pictures then.

--editor's note: Thanks Ben for uploading this update when we were having connection problems.

Monday 19th May 2008 - Wide Bay Bar!!

Departed Double Island Point Lagoon 0520hrs

Westerly 5 knots
Had a very comfortable 2.5 hours sleep in a place Alan Lucas describes as the worst anchorage on the whole east coast (thank goodness for a SW wind and no swell penetrating the lagoon). Now for the big challenge of crossing the Wide Bay Bar. Called Coast Guard Tin Can Bay to register our crossing and donned our life jackets. The crossing was very smooth thanks to the westerly of the last few days and little swell (no waves were breaking on the bar). Very light winds so we motored to Garry’s Anchorage (pictured), stayed for lunch and some fishing (nothing of size caught). Upped anchor at 2pm to motor to Yankee Jack anchorage at South White Cliffs. We touched bottom at the S24 red buoy (very disappointing!!!). Note - DO NOT travel between Gary’s Anchorage and Yankee Jack anchorage on less than half tide.

Sunday 18 May 2008 - Raby Bay to Double Island Point

Departed Raby Bay Marina 0910hrs
Strong Wind Warning West-South West 20 -30 knots
We started our second big trip in a strong wind warning - better than the gale warning on our last trip when leaving Pittwater for the Gold Coast in May last year. The WSW gave us a good reaching angle north, except for a rough patch up the Spitfire Channel, where we motorsailed. It was much better once we were reaching along in the lee of Bribie Island. We cleared the NW2 beacon at 1505hrs and were off Point Cartwright at 1630hrs, still on a two sail reach (No. 2 reef in the mainsail all day). Started our 2 hour watch system at 6pm (Debbie on first watch) and we reached in a steady 10-15 knot SW breeze until 0045 when the breeze dropped. We started the motors and dropped anchor in Double Island Point lagoon at 0210hrs.