Great Keppel Island to Cleveland

Sunday, 26 October to Friday, 14 November 2014
We spent 5 days at GKI including 4 days at beautiful Long Beach with over 20 other cruisers.

We had strong northerlies and we elected to wait for them to ease before heading out to the Bunker Group. It was our first stay at Long Beach and we loved the clear water and white sand. Walks and swims filled in the day as well as a bit of baking.

Finally on Wednesday, 29 October we sailed east to North West Island in a 15-20 northwesterly. While it sounds like it should, unfortunately NW island did not have a good anchorage in this breeze so we sailed on to nearby Tryon Island. After motoring around for over an hour looking for a sandy patch amongst the reef to drop the anchor we gave up and sailed back to Pancake Creek, arriving at 2300 after 108nm. On Thursday, we motorsailed back to Lady Musgrave Island where we spent 2 nights.

Morning calm at Lady Musgrave Island

There were not as many cruisers here as we expected and no tourist boats on a Friday. We saw several lots of tracks in the sand made by turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.

Snorkelling was good as can be seen in a short video I made with footage from here and other spots we visited this trip.

On Saturday, 1 November we left Lady Musgrave at 0600 in a 15 knot northerly. We set the spinnaker and carried it until just before dark - Warren glad we had the new spinnaker made with heavier cloth so we could keep it up as the wind strengthened in the afternoon to 20 knots. Half an hour after dropping the spinnaker the wind was even stronger and we put the first reef in. We anchored behind Bookar Island in the Sandy Straits at 2300 after 120nm and reaching a top speed of 14.8knots!

We had 4 days in the Sandy Straits including lunch at Kingfisher Bay Resort for Melbourne Cup. On Thursday we sailed to Mooloolaba where we spent a week in the marina enjoying walks on the beach, surfs and fresh seafood.

Dawn reflections in the Mooloola River

On Friday, 14 November we sailed the last leg to Raby Bay after 114 days away. Mum was of course there to greet us and Warren blew the airhorn to signify the end of the trip.

Crystal Clear Keppels

Monday, 20 October to Saturday, 25 October 2014
With the wind predicted to ease we headed out on Monday with 2 other yachts into a 20 knot SE and a very confused sea. We started with a reef in the main that we shook out after lunch (although with the confused seas I wasn't taking any chances and eating too much). The wind eventually went to the east and made for a more comfortable and faster sail into Keppel Bay Marina. The wind was back up again Tuesday so we stayed 3 nights in the marina before heading across to North Keppel for 2 nights. Most of the other yachts who left on Thursday headed south while we decided to wait a few more days for the predicted northerlies.

Cabbage Palm groves

The anchorage in Considine Bay, North Keppel was good - clear water, nice beaches and lots of well signed walking tracks. We walked across to Mazie Bay and up to the lookout over Great Keppel.

GKI in the distance

With a good forecast for the next week, we are now at Great Keppel Island. Tomorrow we are planning to head to North West Island and then through the Bunker Group, so no internet for a while.

South to Port Clinton

Saturday, 11 October to Sunday, 19 October, 2014
First off, thank you everyone for your comments about the Phase2 sailing video - very encouraging and I am working on more but they do take a bit of time!

We left Cid Harbour early to take advantage of the incoming tide down Whitsunday Passage. It ran at 2.5 knots at times which gave us a speed over the ground of 10 knots on a nice reach with main and genoa. We were at Goldsmith Island by lunchtime and when choosing where to drop the anchor, TV reception became as important as depth and protection from the wind. (Bathurst 1000 motor race was on Sunday).

Checking TV reception on the Chartplotter

In the end, with a change in the breeze Sunday morning and loss of recption, we sailed the short distance to Western Bay on Brampton Island which had perfect reception and a nice anchorage also.

On Monday we headed further south to Middle Percy Island in a light NE breeze breeze that didn't strengthen until 1700. We got to the anchorage in Whites Bay just on dark after covering 76nm and anchored with 6 other boats. Tuesday on to Island Head Creek where 20 boats were anchored. Attacked by bugs again (Just like 2008) so we moved closer to the mouth for the second night. The breeze was now in the SE so we sailed the short distance to Pearl Bay for a change of scenery. Also here was Avalon Spirit which is the first Vietnamese built Seawind 1160.

With the SE due to increase, on Friday we sailed around to the more protected Port Clinton where we currently sit. Only 5 other boats here waiting for the winds to ease enough for the 40 miles to Rosslyn Bay. We may head out tomorrow as it is predicted to ease for the day. If it is still too windy it will be the end of the week before we can leave. Plenty of time for reading, jigsaws and editing videos. Luckily we have lots of power thanks to the wind generator.

GoPro video of Phase2 Sailing

Saturday, 4 October to Thursday, 9 October 2014
We spent 2 nights at Happy Bay on Long Island so Warren had good TV reception for the NRL Grand Final. It was good to see the resort was quite busy no doubt due to the school holidays. We enjoyed a walk around the northern headland of the bay and also to Palm Bay resort.

Late on Monday afternoon, we decided to move to Funnel Bay as the wind had increased and with a big tide, boats were going in all directions. We were booked into the marina for Tuesday to get ready for the trip south. Unfortunately, we had to stay another night when Warren discovered a leak in the water pump of the port engine that need to be repaired.

I spent the last week putting together a video of Phase2 sailing - no doubt inspired by Josh's recent visit. I have used a GoPro template again (which Josh thinks is cheating) but it certainly makes it easier. Let me know what you think.

Whitsunday Wanderings

Monday 22, September to Friday, 3 October 2014
We spent 4 nights at Bona Bay where we caught up with RQ and Tasmanian friends.

Big flathead from Bona Bay

On Wednesday, we headed back to Airlie Beach via a night at Olden Island which turned out to be a surprisingly good anchorage in the easterly breeze.

On Friday, Josh and Jo arrived at Hamilton and we motored around to Whitehaven Beach for their first night with us. A morning walk on the beach was followed by a quick trip to Windy Bay for a snorkel and lunch.

We then headed to Betty's Beach to climb to the lookout for the iconic Whitsunday photo of Hill Inlet.

Saturday night was spent in the beautiful Nara Inlet. On Sunday we walked up to the cave with Aboriginal art before heading to Black Island for some more snorkelling.

Sunday afternoon we sailed across to Airlie Beach marina so Josh and Jo could catch their morning flight from Proserpine back to Brissie. With perfect weather we packed a lot into their 3 days with us. Josh and Warren took lots of GoPro footage so keep an eye out for the movie.

Josh's newest toy - a GoPro gyro mount

Since leaving Airlie we have spent our nights at Stonehaven enjoying the sunsets while we snorkelled during the day. Blue Pearl Bay is still a good spot while Maureen's Cove has some good bombies but also a lot of dead coral, no doubt as a consequence of the last cyclone in this area.

We will stay in the Whitsundays until we get some northerlies so we can start to slowly head south.

Townsville and back

Monday, 8 September to Sunday, 21 September 2014
We were pleased when our new spinnaker arrived on Monday in Airlie as promised by John Penfold Sails in Brisbane. We got a great opportunity to see how it looked the next day for most of the 72nm to Cape Upstart.

Big Red is back

On Wednesday we had to motor/motor sail most of the way to Magnetic Island. Thursday was spent fixing the fridge which was losing power intermittently. After finding the switch was not the problem we eventually pulled the whole fridge out (not easy as there was not enough slack in the wiring) and cleaned the power terminals. This seemed to fix the proiblem (I am touching wood as I type this!).

On Saturday, friends Marie and Rob joined us in Townsville for the weekend. We had dinner at the Seaview pub on the Strand (watching the Broncos lose to the Cowboys in the background) and then had a good sail Sunday over to Nelly Bay for lunch. Rob showed that his skills as a pilot could quickly be adapted to sailing.

On Monday after doing the chores we went for a bike ride along the Ross River bikeway. We rode over 20k but this was only about half way so we'll have to save the rest for next time.

Tuesday we headed up to NE Bay on Palm Island after hearing it was worth the visit in the light conditions expected for the next few days. Great advice as we enjoyed the crystal clear water, snorkelling, white sandy beach and only 1 other boat for 2 of the 3 nights we were there.

Its hard to capture the beauty in the perfect conditions we experienced. The last night was a bit rolly as the breeze went to the north and we did hear that the other couple had sighted a large shark amongst the coral so I was glad we had finished our snorkelling.

On Friday with a E - NE breeze forecast we left Palm Island to begin the trek south. Warren caught a 90cm Spanish Mackeral before we had left the bay to top off a great spot.

Our plan to go to Cape Bowling Green was changed once the NE breeze filled in late in the afternoon and we decided to try for Gloucester Island. Unfortunately the 10-15 NE became a 15-20+ E breeze which was very uncomfortable so we altered course for Cape Upstart where we arrived at 2320. It had been a long day which included some great sailing, a marlin jumping out of the water metres away from us, and 2 close encounters with trawlers at night.

Saturday we motorsailed/sailed to Bona Bay on Gloucester Island where we arrived at the same time as a 25 knot easterley. We will stay here until the winds drop early next week before heading back to the Whitsundays to pick up our son Josh and his girlfriend Jo for a few days.

Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous 2014

Monday, 1 September to Sunday, 7 September 2014
Another great week in the Whitsundays enjoying the company of 5 other boats. We had such a good time on this rally last year that we signed up again with Multihull Solutions.

The weather was kinder this year and we enjoyed some good sails with Blue Spirit (Lightwave 45), Lickity Split Take 2 (Prescott 14.2), the mothership Saba (Salina 48) and Cut Snake (Stealth 12) who broke a forestay on the second day which slowed them down somewhat. Also along was the 40 foot power cat Retirn who saved the day when an injured participant had to be rushed to an ambulance at Shute Harbour with a dislocated shoulder. Paul showed true spirit to make it back to Long Island for the final party.

Blue Spirit

We sailed from Airlie Beach to Macona Inlet where we had sundowners on Saba and showed what bad artists we are in a Pictionary type game. A good sail to Cid Harbour for lunch before moving to Hamilton Island for dinner with a party animal theme.

Warren trying to keep the party animals under control

From there it was on to Whitehaven Beach in perfect conditions for prawns and punch and a walk to Chance Bay. Then on to Lindeman Island where we enjoyed sundowners on the beach and fresh mackeral on Retirn.

The final nights dinner was held at Long Island resort and we were very excited to receive the major award for the Rendezvous - a beautiful trophy designed, crafted and donated by Jo Wooler. Check out Jo's amazing work at mojocreations (All stainless steel Lynne!)

Jo engraved our smaller replica on Lickity Split

Thanks to all participants for a great week and a special thank you to Rachel, Katie and the multi talented Condor from Multihull Solutions.

Friends and SICYC Rendezvous 2014

Friday, 22 August to Sunday, 31 August 2014
Our friend Christine had a good view of the race yachts finishing in Dent passage as she flew into Hamilton Island. The next flight had to abort its landing after a maxi yacht got too close to the end of the runway.

We had a great few days, including the challenging climb up Whitsunday Peak. The wind did not get as bad as predicted but we stayed on the inside of the Whitsunday islands and enjoyed calm anchorages and a couple of good sails in the Passage.

Sadly we only saw one whale in the distance and no fish. We didn't quite finish the jigsaw Christine bought as a present although we did give it a good try. I was left with all the black bits which tested my patience!

After Christine flew out of Hamilton we headed off to Double Bay and joined the many yachts headed towards the SICYC Rendezvous at Montes resort. It was another great 4 days - about 170 boats, hundreds of people and over $68000 raised for Prostate Cancer research.

Tai Chi on the beach

It is always a great opportunity to catch up with cruising friends and talk about what people have been doing and have planned for the coming year. The Parrot Head party was a highlight with a great Jimmy Buffet band "Montserrat" which kept the dance floor full all evening.

My TAFE friends might remember Kay from Southbank with her husband Brian who won the best dressed award on the night.

Blue Horizon put in a big effort for the best dressed boat

 On Sunday we sailed back to Airlie to get ready for our next activity - the Multihull Rendezvous.

Whitsundays

Brampton Island to Whitsundays
Friday, 15 August to Thursday, 21 August, 2014
We waited until noon to finish the last leg to the Whitsundays so we had the tide with us. It was raining and windy so we headed straight to Cid Harbour and anchored with about 70 other yachts. Drama on the way past Shaw Island when some people reported that their 40 foot yacht had drifted off during the night while they were camped on a nearby island.

Welcome to the Whitsundays

Lots of Shaggers in Cid Harbour so drinks ashore Saturday night after the rain finally cleared in the afternoon. Sunday we headed around to Whitehaven with light winds forecast for the next few days. It was the first race of Hamilton Island Race Week and we watched the start on the way through.

Seawind 1250 in the Multihull Cruising division

Very little wind but they did manage to start all the fleets.

Our two days at Whitehaven were perfect for kayaking and walks on the beach (once the hordes of day trippers had left). I still haven't had a swim but the water is definitely getting warmer.

Tuesday we headed into the marina at Airlie Beach to stock up and do the usual chores. Now back at Cid Harbour ready to pick up our friend Christine who joins us for a few days.

Goodbye Big Red

Rosslyn Bay to Brampton Island 
Wednesday, 6 August to Thursday, 14 August 2014
We eventually got away at first light from Rosslyn Bay on Wednesday in a SSE wind that averaged 20 knots in the morning and got up to 29 knots in the afternoon. Our first reef was in by 1000 and was quickly followed by the second. Seas were messy but not too uncomfortable although I did wait for lunch until after we anchored in Island Head Creek at 1345. We had covered 55 nm in just over 7 hours.

We anchored in the outer anchorage behind a sand bar that offered some protection at low tide. With the winds back up again, we stayed here for 4 nights. We had whiting for dinner 2 nights thanks to Warren's fishing skills (and a couple I caught!) and I got into my books and practised my splicing.

More practise needed

Sunday was moving day, with the wind down to 15-20 knots we left the anchorage with 10 other yachts and 3 power boats. Some were heading for Mackay, some Middle Percy, while we made for Curlew Island. We had the spinnaker up for most of the day and arrived at Curlew just before 1700. Unfortunately, while dropping the spinnaker, the halyard snap shackle released and the head of the sail fell into the water. By the time we had retrieved the sail it had been destroyed. Unlike the Louisiades, it is not a repair job this time!

Monday we motorsailed most of the way to Brampton Island where we are still anchored today, Thursday. There have been a stream of boats coming and going including the Seawind 1160 Hadja who we enjoyed catching up with. The anchorage has been quite good in the conditions and we are off for a walk around the island shortly. Tomorrow we will probably do the last leg into the Whitsundays.

Just us on the beach at Brampton Is

We have been keeping track of whale sightings - 6 so far this trip.

Don't worry - a new one is on the way!

Feast or famine

Sandy Straits to Rosslyn Bay
Saturday, 26 July to Monday, 4 August 2014
After a week of very light winds that the power boats in our little fleet loved, we have now been tied up at the Keppel Bay marina for 3 nights (including tonight) due to a strong wind warning. We will probably have another one or 2 days here before we continue our journey north.

Sunrise over Tin Can Inlet

We had little wind up the Sandy Straits though we managed to get the spinnaker up for a couple of hours. Same on the legs to Bundaberg and Pancake Creek with the wind dying out around lunchtime each day. Lots of social activities though that allowed us to make new and renew old friendships.

Warren with his best friend in Bundy

Two days in Pancake Creek included a tour of the Bustard Head lighthouse and stories from the lightkeepers that called it home from 1868 to 1986 when the light was automated. The small museum on site told tales of drownings, suicides, abductions and murder - a hard life that took its toll on many of the people living there.

View from the top of the lighthouse

The Gilligans Island party was a great success with everyone getting into the spirit of the night.

Some scary Gingers!

Our final couple of days at Great Keppel Island were in crystal clear water that made checking the anchor a breeze.

A southeasterly change rolled through about 3 am Saturday and we all made for the marina at first light. The first boats in the Brisbane to Keppel Race had already finished and we watched the rest come in over the next 24 hours. We have washed, cleaned, provisioned and now just need the wind to ease a bit so we can continue our northern adventure.

Panorama stitch a bit short but you get the idea - beautiful GKI

Thanks to Ian and Dawn and their many helpers for another memorable Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally.

Northern Adventure begins

Raby Bay to Sandy Straits - Tuesday to Friday, 22- 25 July 2014


We are heading North again this year with the RQ Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally so Tuesday we sailed up to Manly for the farewell cocktail party. It was great to again see Mum there to say goodbye as she does each trip.

19 boats in total including 11 from last year. The weather was looking good so most headed off Wednesday for either Mooloolaba or straight through to the Sandy Straits.


Hot chocolate and Mum's biscuits

It was cold as we left the bay but a south-wester going south then south east gave a good spinnaker run.










We were anchored in the Mooloolaba pond before 1600.


Thursday we had an early start and with the breeze right up our stern we had to tack the spinnaker downwind in the predominately light winds. Started an engine as we got to Double Island Point to make sure we were across the bar before dark. Little swell and an uneventful  crossing - the best kind. Overnight at Pelican Bay then to Kauri Creek Friday morning on the high tide.  Nice spot though the entrance is quite shallow (only 2.1m at high tide)

Today we are at the Tin Can Bay marina for the Blue Lagoon party (The rally this year has a Castaways theme).