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. Print this post