Seawind Whitsunday Rally - Days 3 to 8

Monday, 18 June to Saturday, 23 June 2012
Graham and Morgan are to be congratulated for organising another great rally in the Whitsundays with 12 other Seawinds. The weather was very kind over the week and we had a range of sailing conditions.

The toughest day was Monday, from Long Island to Whitehaven Beach. We had a slog up the Whitsunday Passage in large wind against tide seas and 20 knots of wind. We had our third (and we hope last) mishap of the trip when a hatch was not completely closed and water found its way below. All dried eventually but we looked a bit like a Chinese laundry at Whitehaven after the race.

Tuesday we headed north in calmer seas and Seawindow (Alan, Cat, Derrick, Jenny and Alan) won by a few seconds to be the only boat to beat Manyama during the week.

Shawn had a snorkel at Maureen's Cove. He was impressed with the coral and fish so we will try to get back here later when the water is a bit warmer.





Wednesday saw us on the wind back to South Molle Island. Another close finish where we were pipped for second by the 1250 Reflection. Manyama again too good.

The resort has only a few backpackers but they welcomed us and the view from the top of Spion Kop was worth the walk.

Thursday we circumnavigated South Molle before crossing the passage to anchor in the always calm Cid Harbour. Our best result to date with a second behind Manyama who is giving us all a sailing lesson.



Sand modelling ashore to try to earn some more points for the rally. Phase2 continued the Elvis theme and were happy to tie for 3rd behind Seawindow and Lady L II who both built mermaids.




















Friday was our last race, upwind again, but in more moderate conditions. Another second place at the finish at Hamilton Island. The rain and wind slowly increased during the day and we were glad to be securely tied up. Dinner and the presentation of lots of trophies at the Manta Ray Cafe was enjoyed by all. Reflection was the overall rally winner taking into account sailing and social competitions.

With the weather fairly dismal we decided to spend another night in the marina as Jan and Shawn were flying home on Sunday. We certainly enjoyed their company and Jan survived her first week of Seawind "social" racing. There were a few close calls but I think we all made new friends and picked up some new tricks. As Warren said to one owner "You learn more about getting the best from your Seawind in a couple of races against similar boats than you do in months of cruising." Print this post