Having spent the last few weeks reading cruising stories on Skipr.net it was good to finally leave the pontoon today to begin what has become our annual trip north to warmer waters.
 |
| Farewell from Mum |
We have joined the inaugural RQYS Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally so our first leg was a short trip up to RQ for the farewell cocktail party. Good friends Kel and Lois have joined us for the rally as far as Bundaberg.
There are 14 participants, 11 power boats and 3 sailing boats with Phase2 the only catamaran. Rally organisers have set up a blog site keppelcruisingrally2013.blogspot.com.au which has lots of good photos.
Saturday, 27 July 2013 - Manly to Mooloolaba
We left RQ about 0830 for the 52nm to Mooloolaba in a light south wester. We had the spinnaker up for a couple of hours, sailed with genoa for a few hours and motor sailed in the generally light breezes.
.JPG) |
| Sunset over the Sunshine Coast |
We sailed up past Bribie and anchored in the pond at 1845.
A couple of boats elected to sail through to Double Island Point to await the morning tide. We weren't surprised to later hear they had spent an uncomfortable night in the easterly swell.
Sunday, 28 July 2013 - Mooloolaba to Tin Can Bay
Our decision to stop at Mooloolaba meant a 0400 start to get to the Wide Bay Bar before the top of the tide at 1230. A 20 knot wind that oscillated between E and SE meant we had 1 or 2 reefs in most of the day. The 2m seas were bigger than we normally like when crossing the bar but we were sailing quite comfortably and we had heard on the radio that conditions were ok to cross. Big swells off Double Island Point had us all anxious about the crossing which turned out to be quite uneventful. Berths had been arranged for us all at the Tin Can Bay Marina where we enjoyed a delicious seafood BBQ. Tales of woe from some participants whose boats had not enjoyed the boisterous conditions.
Monday, 29 July 2013 - Tin Can Bay to Kingfisher Bay Resort
 |
| Crew get to steer in the rain! |
Tuesday, 30 July 2013 - Kingfisher Bay to Bundaberg
Another early start for the 50 nm to Bundy. It was a beautiful day and once the southerly breeze picked up and we cleared the fairway beacon we raised the spinnaker which we carried all the way to Bundaberg.
Rous Explorer passed close by and got some great photos for us. We are anchored in the river by 1500.
Print this post
3 comments:
I often wonder when I read your blog if you know or knew Des Bickle and his wife, Jan. (I'm having a temporary mental block...I think Jan was her name - it may have been Jenny...I feel embarrassed now). The Bickles had a mooring for ages at the Gladstone Marina...and their little yacht was called "Alice"...as in "Alice Blue Gown". They originally came from Tewantin...but after selling their business that had been in the family for many years...the hit the high seas...sailing the Queensland coast.
When I was living on both Hinchinbrook and Newry Islands they popped in to see me...and anchored out for a few days.
No Lee, I don't think we know Des or Jan (or Jenny) but there are a lot of people out cruising. I hope to get to Port Newry again this year weather permitting!
I had a light bulb moment while lying in bed last night...as one does...often. It was Jeanette...Des and Jeanette Bickle.
I'm envious of you perhaps visiting Newry and its surrounds again. I really love my time living on Newry Island. It was an adventure...and one I'll away remember and cherish.
Post a Comment