The trip home begins

Friday, 19 September to Sunday, 28 September 2012
Cairns to Magnetic Island

We spent a week at the Marlin Marina, waiting for an easing of the strong south easterlies and doing a few jobs. We restocked fresh fruit and veggies but have enough cans etc. for months I suspect. Warren cleaned Phase2 and traded tips with Brett from Wind of Change who keeps this yacht immaculate also.

Seawind 1250 and 1160

The marina is well located with daily walks along the Esplanade a highlight.

On Friday 26 September we headed off in a light south westerly that was predicted to go to the east during the day. We sailed to Fitzroy Island then with an easing breeze we motored to Russell Island where we picked up a mooring. The other 3 rally yachts who had left a bit before us pushed on to Zoe Bay, arriving at 2300.

Cruise ship Volendum entering Cairns as we leave

Saturday we left early under motor but by 1100 had the spinnaker up as we passed the North Barnard Island group. The spinnaker is going well after being repaired in Bwagoia Harbour by Kate and Graham from Thalassa who had a sewing machine on board. We blew it apart on a tight reach from Kamataal to Misima.

Head and luff resewn

We carried it passed Dunk Island in perfect conditions that made us change our mind from an anchorage at nearby Garden Island to continuing on to Orpheus Island.  A fast reach under genoa most of the way so we arrived at 1900 having covered 83nm in the day.

Another early start on Sunday to get to Horseshoe Bay before the south easterlies pick up in the afternoon. We plan to spend a few days here waiting for a more favourable breeze and as we both have colds. It could be worse, as one rally member was admitted to Townsville hospital with malaria on his return to Australia. We still have another couple of weeks of anti-malarials to go. Print this post