Using the Northerly

Thursday, 15 November 2012 - GKI to Pancake Ck
It was a motorsail most of the day with the emphasis on motor in the light northerly breeze. It was nearly 1600 before we could get the spinnaker up for the final hour to Pancake Creek. We went into the inner anchorage and were happy to catch up with Kool Sid who we met at Lizard last year. They circumnavigated Tasmania earlier this year and spoke very highly of the experience.

Friday, 16 November 2012 - Pancake Ck to Fraser Is
The forecasters got it right today with a light NW early that built throughout the day. We had a great spinnaker run until we dropped it at 1500 when we were getting 25kn gusts. Top speed of 14.8kn but the spinnaker repair held together beautifully.

We had a wonderful dolphin experience where a large male was showing off beside the boat leaping out of the waves. We anchored at 2315 behind Bookar Island after an exciting trip in the dark through the northern Sandy Straits doing 8-10 knots with assistance from the tide. 116nm in the day.

We awoke Saturday morning to find Waterfront anchored nearby. We moved to Garry's Anchorage to meet Lois and Kel on Seatime. We were joined by Thalassa, also sitting out more southerlies.

Monday, 19 November 2012 - Fraser Is to Mooloolaba
Up at 0430 to ride the ebb tide down to the Wide Bay Bar in company with Waterfront. A light NW wind meant a good crossing and then a great reach as the wind increased. The breeze died around 1100 so motored for an hour until it filled in again and we could raise the spinnaker. 68nm to the Yacht Club marina for 4 nights to sit out more southerlies.

We have made the most of our time here with walks on the beach and swims everyday. Tomorrow we are going to Scarborough to join the Seawind Moreton Bay Regatta before finally heading home on Sunday. Print this post