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.