Yeppoon to South Percy Island

Sunday 13 June, Rosslyn Bay to Port Clinton
Another 6am start in a 10 – 15 knot southerly. We set the spinnaker at 8:15 and this gave us a smoother sail in the confused seas. We dropped it before we gybed to port to head towards Port Clinton where we anchored in the South Arm. We sailed on our anchor for quite a while until the tide changed. Movie night tonight. Warren has been collecting DVDs in anticipation of the trip. The TV with DVD combined uses a bit of power but it does stop us going to bed at 8:30 which is becoming a bit of a habit.

Monday 14 June, Port Clinton to Island Head Creek
There is a strong wind warning current for this region and winds of 20 – 30 knots forecast and 3m seas with a 1.5 to 2m swell. We head off at 6:45 to see what the conditions are like with South Percy as our planned destination. We had discussed with Peer Pressure the possibility of going to Island Head Creek if conditions were as forecast. We had 2 reefs in the main and even with this reduced sail area we were surfing down the swells.


We saw a log speed of 15.7kn (18.2 on the GPS). While exhilarating, discretion dictated we pull in to Island Head Creek before we did any damage. I am sure the boat could handle the trip to the Percys – it is usually the crew that is the problem. The early mark meant Warren could do some fishing and got a bream and rock cod for dinner.

Tuesday 15 June, Island Head Creek
Still a strong wind warning, 20-30 knot south easterlies and now we add rain to the mix. It wasn’t a hard decision to decide to spend the day here. Warren did a few jobs and I started a new book that I can’t put down. With the overcast conditions we have had to run the generator for about an hour and a half yesterday and today. Tomorrow the wind is forecast to ease during the day and we hope to continue our trip to the Percys.

Wednesday 16 June, Island Head Creek to South Percy Island
We leave at 7:10 hoping the conditions are easing as predicted. Wind is a steady 20-25 with gusts up to 30 as forecast. Peer Pressure and One More follow us out and we all settle down for the trip to the Percys. Seas are big and very confused again.


It is hard to get a photo that depicts the size. The wave behind Warren in the first photo is big but doesn't look it in this photo. The second photo gives a better idea of the wave size. The masts of Peer Pressure and One More are visible behind us in this shot. Double reef again and while we make good time it is not as exciting as Monday ……… for most of the trip. One More saw a whale cross their stern close by. So now as well as watching the waves and the wind gusts, we had the added concern of a whale appearing at any time. I am not sure what we could do if we were surfing down a swell when it happened. Luckily the whales seem smart enough to keep out of our way.


As we approached South Percy along its eastern shore we find the seas getting bigger, more on the beam and cresting occasionally. I had one heart in mouth moment when a wave broke on the beam sending water into the cockpit and sending the esky sliding across the saloon. I for one was glad to drop the anchor at South Percy. Looks nice but we don’t go ashore. I am getting to the end of this book! Print this post