Phase2: Snorkelling the Whitsundays

Saturday, 11 August to Monday, 20 August 2012
After getting the forestay fixed in record time, we went into Abel Point Marina on Saturday to pick up friends Lois and Kel for a 10 day cruise of the Whitsundays. After restocking, we headed off Sunday towards Cid Harbour.

Airlie Beach Race Week fleet

We had our first whale encounter off North Molle Island where we had to dodge a mother and calf cruising north. Monday morning we climbed Whitsunday Peak. Having walked the Inca Trail earlier this year, Lois and Kel found it a bit easier to breathe on this climb from sea level.

Lois, Kel, Warren and Debbie on Whitsunday Peak

The views from the top of this climb are picture postcard perfect (although I read recently the term now is screensaver perfect).

Looking South towards Hamilton Island

Later, we were pleased to catch up with Len and Isla who arrived with their new Fusion 40 Waterfront. It is very spacious and looks a treat.

Tuesday morning we sailed up to Blue Pearl Bay in a strong south easterly and had our first snorkel. Lots of fish, large coral but the water was a bit cloudy due to the wind. Wednesday morning the wind had eased so we motored around to Luncheon Bay and found the coral much brighter (when the sun came out) and the water clearer. Plenty of fish to watch here.

The weather has continued to ease so we decided to head out to Bait Reef on Thursday. On the way out, Lois got a fright when she saw a large whale breach directly in front of us about 40 metres away. The rest of us just saw the massive splash. All moorings were taken when we arrived however Seawind 1160 Amour De La Mer radioed to say they were leaving as we were contemplating heading to Hook Reef. Less fish to see on the reef here although they like hanging around the boats.

Warren swam with this huge Maori Wrasse

The coral was bright and intricate in design and the water very clear. Warren spotted a couple of crown of thorns starfish on a dead patch of reef. We stayed the night with 5 other yachts and had another snorkel in the morning before heading back to Stonehaven.

We spent Saturday at One Foot Island off Langford Island. With no wind, it was ideal conditions to snorkel here and see turtles resting on the reef.

Relaxing at One Foot Island

Sunday we sailed back to Airlie in windy, overcast conditions. Quite a contrast to the weather over the last week. On Monday afternoon we were treated to an impressive display from the RAAF Roulettes who performed amazing acrobatics over Airlie Beach.