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.