South to the Whitsundays in company

Friday, 3 August to Sunday, 5 August 2012 - 
Magnetic Island to the Whitsundays
Friday we sailed 85 miles to Upstart Bay - most of it to windward in perfect conditions for our genoa.We averaged 7 knots in winds that were 10-15 knots. Another 53 nm to windward on Sunday to Bona Bay. Less wind today and we motorsailed for much of it. Then an easy 31 nm to Blue Pearl Bay in light winds. It was champagne sailing that was made very special by the marine life we encountered along the way. We dodged whales (literally) all the way south.

We were entertained by breaching, tail slapping and this pair that kept bobbing their heads out of the water practising their synchronised swimming. We kept a very good lookout but were still surprised how many times we didn't see the whales until they were quite close. The closest surfaced 50 m off the starboard bow.

When we left Bona Bay we encountered 2 groups (pods or schools??) of manta rays. The first sailed right underneath the boat and gave us a good look at these graceful creatures.

We also saw dolphins, turtles and 1 sea snake. Only 1 fish landed, a large queenfish that we released as they are not great eating and don't freeze well.

Monday, 6 August to Wednesday, 8 August 2012 - Whitsundays
With such perfect weather, we decided to head out to Bait Reef - the closest outer reef to the Whitsundays. Very little wind most of the day and we motorsailed the 19nm out and motored back. Unfortunately we had a high tide in the middle of the day but the snorkeling was still good although not as clear as we have seen here previously.

School  of fish on Bait Reef

On Tuesday we snorkeled Luncheon Bay (great coral) and Manta Ray Bay (good coral and plenty of fish).

Butterfly Bay

On Wednesday explored Butterfly Bay by kayak before sailing south to Tongue Bay in a good breeze. We anchored in close in a nice protected position. What happened next had both our hearts racing...........

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