Some figures for this trip...........
Please note that the mileage and speeds are a bit low as the log is reading low. We need to calibrate before the next trip.
Total days away - 30 days
Total miles travelled - 541 nm
Motor hours - 38 hrs (port and starboard)
Days home from Pittwater - 11 days
Miles from Pittwater - 435 nm
Motor hours from Pittwater - 16 hrs (port and starboard)
Sailing time - 69% (more like 90% if you take out the time to get into and out of anchorages)
Fuel consumption - ?? yet to fill tanks although seems to be about 2l/hr/engine
Average speed - 5.8 kn (this includes time dropping and raising the anchor)
Best sailing average - 6.7 kn from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Max Speed - 9.7 kn on the log
Max wind we sailed in - 31 kn
Monday, 4 July 2011
Home at Last
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Well our trip finished the way it started - cold, wet and windy. We left early to make sure we had enough tide up to Canaipa and to be home before the predicted strong winds later in the day. We motored initially through the narrow channels, then raised the main once we were past Canaipa.
We started with 2 reefs due to the strong wind warning, however removed them after the breeze seemed to have settled in around the 10 to 15 knot mark. Of course this was the sign for the wind to increase and we quickly put them back in as the wind increased to 30 knots. The new TyeTec reefing blocks are working well.
It was a quick sail home and Phase2 was soon tied up in her new berth.
We have a list of jobs to be completed before we head north again in a month or so.
Well our trip finished the way it started - cold, wet and windy. We left early to make sure we had enough tide up to Canaipa and to be home before the predicted strong winds later in the day. We motored initially through the narrow channels, then raised the main once we were past Canaipa.
We started with 2 reefs due to the strong wind warning, however removed them after the breeze seemed to have settled in around the 10 to 15 knot mark. Of course this was the sign for the wind to increase and we quickly put them back in as the wind increased to 30 knots. The new TyeTec reefing blocks are working well. 
It was a quick sail home and Phase2 was soon tied up in her new berth.We have a list of jobs to be completed before we head north again in a month or so.
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Sunny Quensland
Saturday, 25 June to Tuesday, 28 June 2011
We had one night at the Stadium where we caught up with Jenny and John from Corazon and compared notes about the trip north. They are heading up to the Whitsundays and we hope to see them again when we go north.
Sunday we motored up to the Southport Yacht Club's anchorage at Dux. We saw Jireh (SW1160) and Sunbird (SW100) before finding Tranquillity (SW1000XL) here. Alan and Margaret are also planning a trip north about the same time as us. We walked over to the surf and had a BBQ ashore with the Corazon crew on Monday evening.
Today, Tuesday we motored up to Slipping Sands for the last night of our trip. We'll miss being on the boat but not the cold weather. Do they make 12v heaters??
We had one night at the Stadium where we caught up with Jenny and John from Corazon and compared notes about the trip north. They are heading up to the Whitsundays and we hope to see them again when we go north.
Sunday we motored up to the Southport Yacht Club's anchorage at Dux. We saw Jireh (SW1160) and Sunbird (SW100) before finding Tranquillity (SW1000XL) here. Alan and Margaret are also planning a trip north about the same time as us. We walked over to the surf and had a BBQ ashore with the Corazon crew on Monday evening. Today, Tuesday we motored up to Slipping Sands for the last night of our trip. We'll miss being on the boat but not the cold weather. Do they make 12v heaters??
Coffs Harbour to Southport
Friday 24 June 2011
We left early again for the 60nm trip to Yamba. A moderate SW/S breeze had us gybing downwind. After lunch we hoisted the spinnaker as the breeze had softened a little and we carried it to Yamba. The yacht Corazon had left Coffs after us and stayed about 5nm behind all day. They were heading for the Seaway and as we neared Yamba we contemplated also continuing our trip as the conditions were so good.
While the thought of a nice rest at Yamba was tempting, we eventually decided that we should make the most of the conditions and so amended our trip with Marine Rescue Iluka/Yamba and prepared for a night at sea. We dropped the kite on dusk, had some tea and started our watch system of 2 hours on, 2 hours off.
The radar was great to track all the trawlers and the breeze stayed in all night. We put the second reef in and enjoyed perfect sailing conditions. We were doing 5-6 knots over the ground which was perfect timing for a crossing of the Gold Coast Seaway around 0800.
We passed Cape Byron around midnight and logged off with the last NSW Marine Rescue at Point Danger at 0500. They are all linked by computer now which makes logging in as we travelled up the coast very easy. These volunteers do a great job.
We crossed the Seaway at 0800 as planned and then went around to anchor in the Stadium (also known as Bum's Bay). Corazon followed soon after. Scambled eggs for breakfast and then off to bed after covering 160nm (140nm on the log).
We left early again for the 60nm trip to Yamba. A moderate SW/S breeze had us gybing downwind. After lunch we hoisted the spinnaker as the breeze had softened a little and we carried it to Yamba. The yacht Corazon had left Coffs after us and stayed about 5nm behind all day. They were heading for the Seaway and as we neared Yamba we contemplated also continuing our trip as the conditions were so good. While the thought of a nice rest at Yamba was tempting, we eventually decided that we should make the most of the conditions and so amended our trip with Marine Rescue Iluka/Yamba and prepared for a night at sea. We dropped the kite on dusk, had some tea and started our watch system of 2 hours on, 2 hours off.
The radar was great to track all the trawlers and the breeze stayed in all night. We put the second reef in and enjoyed perfect sailing conditions. We were doing 5-6 knots over the ground which was perfect timing for a crossing of the Gold Coast Seaway around 0800.
We passed Cape Byron around midnight and logged off with the last NSW Marine Rescue at Point Danger at 0500. They are all linked by computer now which makes logging in as we travelled up the coast very easy. These volunteers do a great job.We crossed the Seaway at 0800 as planned and then went around to anchor in the Stadium (also known as Bum's Bay). Corazon followed soon after. Scambled eggs for breakfast and then off to bed after covering 160nm (140nm on the log).
Monday, 27 June 2011
Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour
Wednesday 22 June 2011
We left at 0730 with the last of an incoming tide and found the entrance flat due to the westerly (10-15 knots) we had. The breeze stayed in the W or SW all day which made for some good reaches up the coastline. We hugged the coast as much as possible to avoid the current.
By lunchtime as we passed Trial Bay Gaol, we had the second reef in as the breeze was over 20 knots and by 1500 we had gone to the third reef as it hit 30 knots. Even with 3 reefs we were sitting on 8 knots most of the time and enjoying the sail in the slight seas.
We arrived at the Coffs Harbour marina after dark and tied up to our berth on the end of the row after covering 74 nm. The temperature dropped to 2.8 degrees overnight and we were thankful for the flannelette sheets we had bought in Port Macquarie. We decided to spend Thursday in Coffs as the breeze was light from the NE.
We did a few more jobs (there is always something to do) and went for a very interesting walk to the top of Mutton Bird Island. It was hot and sunny and we bought out our shorts for the first time in weeks!
We left at 0730 with the last of an incoming tide and found the entrance flat due to the westerly (10-15 knots) we had. The breeze stayed in the W or SW all day which made for some good reaches up the coastline. We hugged the coast as much as possible to avoid the current. 
By lunchtime as we passed Trial Bay Gaol, we had the second reef in as the breeze was over 20 knots and by 1500 we had gone to the third reef as it hit 30 knots. Even with 3 reefs we were sitting on 8 knots most of the time and enjoying the sail in the slight seas. We arrived at the Coffs Harbour marina after dark and tied up to our berth on the end of the row after covering 74 nm. The temperature dropped to 2.8 degrees overnight and we were thankful for the flannelette sheets we had bought in Port Macquarie. We decided to spend Thursday in Coffs as the breeze was light from the NE.
We did a few more jobs (there is always something to do) and went for a very interesting walk to the top of Mutton Bird Island. It was hot and sunny and we bought out our shorts for the first time in weeks!
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Port Stephens to Port Macquarie
Monday, 20 June 2011
Another front heading this way so we are up early with the plan to go to Forster Tuncurry, a trip of 46nm. The sailing was perfect all day, SW/W wind that averaged 15 knots in the morning and eased a little in the afternoon. It was so good we decided to keep going to Coffs Harbour as the weather reports for tomorrow became steadily worse during the day.
A pod of 3 whales entertained us for an hour as we cruised with them up the coast. They breeched numerous times and amused themselves by slapping their tails and fins. They weren't even deterred when we had to start our motors as the breeze eased about 1600 and went around to the N/NW. As usual my timing of photos was off.
After 8 hours of motoring, we decided Port Macquarie looked a good option so decided to cross the bar just after midnight. There was very little swell and about 10 knots of westerly so we thought conditions ideal. A couple of largish waves as we approached surprised us but we entered the river without issue and took up one of the marina moorings up the river.
We spent today here sitting out the weather and plan to head off again tomorrow if the forecast is suitable for the trip to Coffs.
Another front heading this way so we are up early with the plan to go to Forster Tuncurry, a trip of 46nm. The sailing was perfect all day, SW/W wind that averaged 15 knots in the morning and eased a little in the afternoon. It was so good we decided to keep going to Coffs Harbour as the weather reports for tomorrow became steadily worse during the day.
A pod of 3 whales entertained us for an hour as we cruised with them up the coast. They breeched numerous times and amused themselves by slapping their tails and fins. They weren't even deterred when we had to start our motors as the breeze eased about 1600 and went around to the N/NW. As usual my timing of photos was off.
After 8 hours of motoring, we decided Port Macquarie looked a good option so decided to cross the bar just after midnight. There was very little swell and about 10 knots of westerly so we thought conditions ideal. A couple of largish waves as we approached surprised us but we entered the river without issue and took up one of the marina moorings up the river.We spent today here sitting out the weather and plan to head off again tomorrow if the forecast is suitable for the trip to Coffs.
Pittwater to Port Stephens
Sunday, 19 June 2011
We finally left Pittwater in a moderate south wester and swell of about 3m. The 2 reefs we had put in based on the forecast were quickly removed and we had a good reach all the way to Port Stephens in company with a large monohull Corazon. They decided to push on to Coffs Harbour while we stuck with our plan to go into Port Stephens.
We were surprised to see the 1160 Champagne on Ice appear among the anchored ships off Lake Macquarie.
A great day's sail soured somewhat when it took an hour to set the anchor after an chain alignment issue with the windlass became apparent. We eventually spent a quiet night at Soldiers Point after covering 70 nm back towards home at last.
We finally left Pittwater in a moderate south wester and swell of about 3m. The 2 reefs we had put in based on the forecast were quickly removed and we had a good reach all the way to Port Stephens in company with a large monohull Corazon. They decided to push on to Coffs Harbour while we stuck with our plan to go into Port Stephens. 
We were surprised to see the 1160 Champagne on Ice appear among the anchored ships off Lake Macquarie. A great day's sail soured somewhat when it took an hour to set the anchor after an chain alignment issue with the windlass became apparent. We eventually spent a quiet night at Soldiers Point after covering 70 nm back towards home at last.
Storm Jib
Warwick and Ruth from Ulysses asked about the storm jib. Our sail was made by John Penfold at UK Halsey Sydney and we are very happy with it. (John also has made all the sails for our 1160). It clips over the furled jib and it works fine on both the 1000 and 1160. We have used it in 30+ knots a couple of times with 2 reefs in the main and Warren was surprised that the boat still tacked easily and we pointed ok.
We have found it is best to set it all up before you leave as our one attempt to do it on the run was complicated when the furling jib became unfurled when the sheet was removed. We now take much more care when tying the jib up and have had no problems since. It uses the standard jib sheets which makes setting it up easy.
We would recommend one if you are doing a lot of sailing as it certainly saves flogging the standard jib. It is nice to know it is there if you need it!
We have found it is best to set it all up before you leave as our one attempt to do it on the run was complicated when the furling jib became unfurled when the sheet was removed. We now take much more care when tying the jib up and have had no problems since. It uses the standard jib sheets which makes setting it up easy.
We would recommend one if you are doing a lot of sailing as it certainly saves flogging the standard jib. It is nice to know it is there if you need it!
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Pittwater
Wednesday 8 June to Wednesday 15 June 2011
We have been at Pittwater for a week now, and while the weather has not been kind, we have had a chance to visit some great spots and also get a few jobs done on the boat before we head further North.
The windy conditions were also ideal for trying out the storm jib which we kept off Next Phase. It worked well without any modification.
The main is currently with UK Halsey getting a change to the reefing system that was installed. We are using TyeTec blocks on the leech to prevent rope chafe. One of the blocks had a defect and UK is replacing them all with smaller ones which will work better.
Last Friday Lois and Kel caught the train back to Singleton from Brooklyn. This was very convenient and a good spot to stop and get bread, milk etc. We are getting spoiled with the public moorings available in NSW.
We were glad we are currently tied up at Royal Motor Yacht Club as it was very gusty yesterday and last night (40-45 knots). A bit better today and hopefully it will continue to improve. Warren saw a penguin swim past the boat today - I told you it was cold! The main issue for us now is the swell and seas predicted (3-4m swell and 2-3m seas). We'll see what develops over the next few days.
State of origin tonight so Warren's main concern is that we are somewhere with good TV reception.
PS. We spent another 3 nights here at the Basin and enjoyed a walk around Coasters Retreat.
We have been at Pittwater for a week now, and while the weather has not been kind, we have had a chance to visit some great spots and also get a few jobs done on the boat before we head further North. 
The windy conditions were also ideal for trying out the storm jib which we kept off Next Phase. It worked well without any modification.The main is currently with UK Halsey getting a change to the reefing system that was installed. We are using TyeTec blocks on the leech to prevent rope chafe. One of the blocks had a defect and UK is replacing them all with smaller ones which will work better.
Last Friday Lois and Kel caught the train back to Singleton from Brooklyn. This was very convenient and a good spot to stop and get bread, milk etc. We are getting spoiled with the public moorings available in NSW.
We were glad we are currently tied up at Royal Motor Yacht Club as it was very gusty yesterday and last night (40-45 knots). A bit better today and hopefully it will continue to improve. Warren saw a penguin swim past the boat today - I told you it was cold! The main issue for us now is the swell and seas predicted (3-4m swell and 2-3m seas). We'll see what develops over the next few days.State of origin tonight so Warren's main concern is that we are somewhere with good TV reception.
PS. We spent another 3 nights here at the Basin and enjoyed a walk around Coasters Retreat.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Sydney to Pittwater
Tuesday 7 June 2011
On Monday we provisioned the boat in readiness for the short trip to Pittwater on Tuesday morning. It had been windy (and COLD) for days and there was a small weather window before the next front came through with 30 knot westerlies predicted. We had a good sail to Pittwater, picked up our new Swift RIB and found a mooring at The Basin for the night. It is very comfortable here although it is getting colder!
On Monday we provisioned the boat in readiness for the short trip to Pittwater on Tuesday morning. It had been windy (and COLD) for days and there was a small weather window before the next front came through with 30 knot westerlies predicted. We had a good sail to Pittwater, picked up our new Swift RIB and found a mooring at The Basin for the night. It is very comfortable here although it is getting colder!
Sydney
Wednesday 1 June to Monday 6 June 2011
We had test sails on Wednesday and Friday afternoons with David Renouf from Seawind who was very helpful in setting up the boat.
Our friends Lois and Kel joined us Thursday evening and we took Phase2 out by ourselves for the first time on Saturday for lunch at the nearby Hen and Chicken Bay. We visited the spectacular Sydney light festival and Archibald exhibition with them on Sunday.
Our stay was extended to allow some additional electronics to be installed and Seawind time to fix a few issues prior to heading home. We are very happy with the boat and the quick rectification of identified issues.
One thing we discovered when testing the AIS was that you could see our track for the previous 24 hours on the website www.marinetraffic.com (provided the AIS is on at the time you search). While having lunch on Saturday, we got a call from our son Ben to say he saw on this website we had moved the boat!
We had test sails on Wednesday and Friday afternoons with David Renouf from Seawind who was very helpful in setting up the boat.
Our friends Lois and Kel joined us Thursday evening and we took Phase2 out by ourselves for the first time on Saturday for lunch at the nearby Hen and Chicken Bay. We visited the spectacular Sydney light festival and Archibald exhibition with them on Sunday.
Our stay was extended to allow some additional electronics to be installed and Seawind time to fix a few issues prior to heading home. We are very happy with the boat and the quick rectification of identified issues.
One thing we discovered when testing the AIS was that you could see our track for the previous 24 hours on the website www.marinetraffic.com (provided the AIS is on at the time you search). While having lunch on Saturday, we got a call from our son Ben to say he saw on this website we had moved the boat!
Monday, 6 June 2011
Handover of Phase2
Monday 30 May, 2011 to Tuesday 31 May 2011
We spent the day with Murray and Chad from Seawind going over Phase2 from stem to stern. Chad is the supervisor of the 1160 production line and knows the boats inside out. We took the opportunity to learn as much as we could from him. As Service Manager, Murray was making sure we covered all aspects on his very comprehensive checklist.
As it poured all day, we did not get our test sail but the rain did allow us extra time going through the boat. Still raining Tuesday so we spent the day moving stuff out of the office and filling the many cupboards and storage areas. Test sail set down for Wednesday.
We spent the day with Murray and Chad from Seawind going over Phase2 from stem to stern. Chad is the supervisor of the 1160 production line and knows the boats inside out. We took the opportunity to learn as much as we could from him. As Service Manager, Murray was making sure we covered all aspects on his very comprehensive checklist.As it poured all day, we did not get our test sail but the rain did allow us extra time going through the boat. Still raining Tuesday so we spent the day moving stuff out of the office and filling the many cupboards and storage areas. Test sail set down for Wednesday.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Off to Sydney
Sunday, 29 May 2011 Brisbane to Sydney
Well the time has finally come to head south to pick up our new Seawind 1160. We had a lot of gear to bring down so decided to try to get a one way campervan relocation. Warren had visions of a luxury Winnebago with all the mod cons but what we ended up with was a Hippie Camper.
While we were dubious about the vans capacity, we were pleasantly surprised by how much fitted in. With our essentials packed (storm jib, tools, ropes, EPIRB, clothes, towels, sheets etc), Warren started to add some of the nice to haves (DVDs, extra fuel containers, fishing gear). The van got us here in one piece and we didn't have to worry about getting booked speeding.
Unfortunately the heavens opened as we approached Sydney and heavy rain made the unloading on Monday at Birkenhead Point marina difficult. We stored everything in the Seawind office so we could do the handover in a clear boat.
Well the time has finally come to head south to pick up our new Seawind 1160. We had a lot of gear to bring down so decided to try to get a one way campervan relocation. Warren had visions of a luxury Winnebago with all the mod cons but what we ended up with was a Hippie Camper. 
While we were dubious about the vans capacity, we were pleasantly surprised by how much fitted in. With our essentials packed (storm jib, tools, ropes, EPIRB, clothes, towels, sheets etc), Warren started to add some of the nice to haves (DVDs, extra fuel containers, fishing gear). The van got us here in one piece and we didn't have to worry about getting booked speeding.Unfortunately the heavens opened as we approached Sydney and heavy rain made the unloading on Monday at Birkenhead Point marina difficult. We stored everything in the Seawind office so we could do the handover in a clear boat.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Seawind 1160 Factory Visit
We have just come back from our second visit to the Seawind factory in Wollongong to see how the new cat is coming along. It is on schedule for a 23 May launch and we are getting very excited. I hope we have finally stopped finding things to add to the options list which is fairly extensive. We have also found out that one of our neighbours is getting the 1160 after ours.
We plan to take a month to bring the boat back from Sydney which should be much cruisier than the 5 days we had last time with Next Phase. We have just bought a Telstra prepaid dongle to attach to our spreader mounted antenna, so we hope to have good coverage up most of the eastern coast.
Easter weather has been great and it has been hard not having a boat although we have got plenty of jobs to complete before we leave for Sydney in 4 weeks. Made the bridle yesterday and still have to check and update the paper charts.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Next Phase for Next Phase
Yes, Next Phase is sold and now cruising with her new owners, Lorna and Dave, around Moreton Bay before heading south to Coffs Harbour.
We have a lot of wonderful memories of our trips with Next Phase but we are now looking forward to getting our new boat in May - a Seawind 1160. We hope to spend more time on her as we venture further afield.
So the blog will be silent for a while as we await the new cat and ponder the hardest question of all - what to call her!
We have a lot of wonderful memories of our trips with Next Phase but we are now looking forward to getting our new boat in May - a Seawind 1160. We hope to spend more time on her as we venture further afield.
So the blog will be silent for a while as we await the new cat and ponder the hardest question of all - what to call her!
Trip Statistics
Some figures to ponder.........
Total days away - 126 days (18 weeks)
Total miles travelled - 2431 nm
Days on the move - 85 days
Time on the move - 413 hrs
Sailing time - 52% (more like 70% if you take out the time to get into and out of anchorages)
Motor hours - 185hrs (port), 190hrs (starboard)
Fuel consumption - 1.9 litres per engine per hour
Average speed - 5.9 kn (this includes time dropping and raising the anchor)
Best sailing average - 8.2 kn from Mackay to Scawfell for 3 hours and 8.0 kn from Bundaberg to Pancake Creek under spinnaker for over 7 hours
Max Speed - 18.2 kn on the GPS
Max wind we sailed in - 34 kn
Nights in marinas - 25 nights
Gas refills - 6 (3 weeks per 4 kg bottle for cooking and hot water)
Total days away - 126 days (18 weeks)
Total miles travelled - 2431 nm
Days on the move - 85 days
Time on the move - 413 hrs
Sailing time - 52% (more like 70% if you take out the time to get into and out of anchorages)
Motor hours - 185hrs (port), 190hrs (starboard)
Fuel consumption - 1.9 litres per engine per hour
Average speed - 5.9 kn (this includes time dropping and raising the anchor)
Best sailing average - 8.2 kn from Mackay to Scawfell for 3 hours and 8.0 kn from Bundaberg to Pancake Creek under spinnaker for over 7 hours
Max Speed - 18.2 kn on the GPS
Max wind we sailed in - 34 kn
Nights in marinas - 25 nights
Gas refills - 6 (3 weeks per 4 kg bottle for cooking and hot water)
Monday, 18 October 2010
2010 Dunk Island Trip Summary
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Best place to visit: Yellow Patch
Best beach: Bona Bay (Whitehaven if there weren't so many charter boats)
Safest anchorage: Cid Harbour (Good in all weather and a great walk to the peak)
Best marina: Port Hinchinbrook (Pool and tennis court winners here)
Best sail: Spinnaker run to Pancake Creek with Peer Pressure
Worst sail: Orpheus to Magnetic Island (on the nose into a big swell)
Scariest sail: Big wind and swells off South Percy Island.
Biggest disappointment: Not getting to Lady Musgrave Island (next year!)
Best walk: Whitsunday Peak
Best kayak: From Pancake to Jenny Lind Creek
Best fishing: Yellow Patch and those mackeral while trolling
Friendliest people: Lots but the cruisers at Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island get the nod
Cheapest marina: Gladstone $31
Dearest marina: Hamilton Island $95
Best spot for lunch: Zoe Bay waterfall on Hinchinbrook
Longest sail: 14 hours and 83 nm Townsville to Cape Upstart (most on the breeze)
Best restaurant: Snappers at Tin Can Bay
Clearest water: Great Keppel Island
Best brush with nature: Hearing the whales singing the first time off Stonehaven
Worst nature experience: Those #%$#@# magpies at Gladstone
Best boat improvement: Chain counter and saloon shade sails
Overall what is it about cruising that makes us leave our warm comfy bed for months on end......it's the chance to spend time with good friends, meet new people, visit new places, get close to nature and the feeling of satisfaction when you overcome the challenges that cruising throws your way.
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Home Sweet Home
Thursday 7 October
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Well eventually the north easterly breeze came in and and we set the spinnaker for the run into Raby Bay. Better late than never after much motoring most of the morning.
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We were met by our usual welcoming party (my Mum and Dad) who also double as our farewelling party! I was spoiled as Mum brought a tasty Shepherd's Pie for our dinner so I didn't have to cook our first night home.
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Warren gave the traditional 3 blasts on the foghorn to mark our arrival and before we knew it the trip was over. There was one embarassing post script when we received a call from the Water Police about 6pm. They were concerned for us as we hadn't logged off with VKQ447 (Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club). As we hadn't logged on with them we hadn't felt the need to log off however our details had been passed on by VMR Redcliffe. The Water Police were very nice and glad there was no problem. We have used the VMR/Coastguard network up and down the coast and these volunteers do a fantastic job.
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Well eventually the north easterly breeze came in and and we set the spinnaker for the run into Raby Bay. Better late than never after much motoring most of the morning. .JPG)
We were met by our usual welcoming party (my Mum and Dad) who also double as our farewelling party! I was spoiled as Mum brought a tasty Shepherd's Pie for our dinner so I didn't have to cook our first night home. .JPG)
Warren gave the traditional 3 blasts on the foghorn to mark our arrival and before we knew it the trip was over. There was one embarassing post script when we received a call from the Water Police about 6pm. They were concerned for us as we hadn't logged off with VKQ447 (Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club). As we hadn't logged on with them we hadn't felt the need to log off however our details had been passed on by VMR Redcliffe. The Water Police were very nice and glad there was no problem. We have used the VMR/Coastguard network up and down the coast and these volunteers do a fantastic job.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Homeward Bound
Tuesday 5 October, Pelican Bay to Mooloolaba
8 boats were at Pelican Bay waiting like us for for the chance to cross the bar. We left at 5.30am with little wind but a 2.5m swell. The "Mad Mile" lived up to its name with large confused seas and we encountered a few waves that were about 3m and very steep in the shallowest section as we approached waypoint 1. We were glad when we were finally through although we didn't see any breaking waves in the channel (plenty on the banks!).
The wind came in about 10.30 and we sailed from here to the Mooloolah River where the swell was also up as we entered. It is a bit off putting to see surfers riding the swells as you approach the entrance.
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We anchored in the pond and then moved to the Yacht Club Marina on Wednesday night. We had a surf, wnadered around the shops and contemplated the end of our cruise. It was very hot and we appreciated the shades we had made for the boat before we left.
Thursday 7 October, Mooloolaba to Raby Bay
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Another 5am start to make the most of the incoming tide into the bay. No wind so motoring but with lots of shipping traffic in and out we are kept on our toes. We are hopeful of a NE sea breeze so we get a spinnaker run in for the last leg to Raby Bay.
8 boats were at Pelican Bay waiting like us for for the chance to cross the bar. We left at 5.30am with little wind but a 2.5m swell. The "Mad Mile" lived up to its name with large confused seas and we encountered a few waves that were about 3m and very steep in the shallowest section as we approached waypoint 1. We were glad when we were finally through although we didn't see any breaking waves in the channel (plenty on the banks!).
The wind came in about 10.30 and we sailed from here to the Mooloolah River where the swell was also up as we entered. It is a bit off putting to see surfers riding the swells as you approach the entrance.
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We anchored in the pond and then moved to the Yacht Club Marina on Wednesday night. We had a surf, wnadered around the shops and contemplated the end of our cruise. It was very hot and we appreciated the shades we had made for the boat before we left.Thursday 7 October, Mooloolaba to Raby Bay
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Another 5am start to make the most of the incoming tide into the bay. No wind so motoring but with lots of shipping traffic in and out we are kept on our toes. We are hopeful of a NE sea breeze so we get a spinnaker run in for the last leg to Raby Bay.
Fraser Island
Tuesday 28 September, Bundaberg to Big Woody Island
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Our planned departure from Bundaberg was delayed until 7am due to thick fog. We still had only about 100m visibility as we left. No wind so we were forced to motor. The fog lifted slightly at 9am before getting thicker again around 10am. We were keeping a constant watch on radar and AIS and also raised our radar reflector. We had 2 yachts and a power boat following us about 2 nm astern but only the power boat was visible on the radar. We had a close encounter with a yacht coming from Fraser but luckily he also had AIS which was very reassuring. The fog finally lifted at 11.30 just before we reached the Fairway Beacon.
Still no sign of wind and with an ebb tide we decided to anchor at Big Woody.
Wednesday 29 September, Big Woody Island to Garry's Anchorage
We timed our trip down the Straits to make the most of the tide. A light NW wind so we raised the spinnaker and carried it most of the way helped by one and a half knots of tide the whole way.
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We spent 4 nights at Garry's as there was a strong wind warning with winds SE up to 30 knots. The anchorage is very protected however and we sat with no more than 15 knots most of the time. Met some Lagoon owners who were also waiting for the wind and seas to abate so they could cross the bar.
Sunday 3 October, Garry's to Tin Can Bay
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With the SE breezes forecast to hang around for another 3 days we head to Tin Can Bay marina to fill up the fuel and have a look around. It has been 15 years since we came here with our trailable yacht for the Bay to Bays and things have not changed a lot. The dolphin feeding is very popular.
Dinner at Snappers restaurant at the marina was fantastic - we would highly recommend it if you are up this way. Met Rhys and Jennifer from Pittwater at the restaurant and we were lamenting the never ending south easterlies. However by the morning there was a revised forecast and we decided to cut short our stay at Tin Can Bay and head to Pelican Bay in preparation for a bar crossing on Tuesday morning.
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Our planned departure from Bundaberg was delayed until 7am due to thick fog. We still had only about 100m visibility as we left. No wind so we were forced to motor. The fog lifted slightly at 9am before getting thicker again around 10am. We were keeping a constant watch on radar and AIS and also raised our radar reflector. We had 2 yachts and a power boat following us about 2 nm astern but only the power boat was visible on the radar. We had a close encounter with a yacht coming from Fraser but luckily he also had AIS which was very reassuring. The fog finally lifted at 11.30 just before we reached the Fairway Beacon.Still no sign of wind and with an ebb tide we decided to anchor at Big Woody.
Wednesday 29 September, Big Woody Island to Garry's Anchorage
We timed our trip down the Straits to make the most of the tide. A light NW wind so we raised the spinnaker and carried it most of the way helped by one and a half knots of tide the whole way.
.JPG)
We spent 4 nights at Garry's as there was a strong wind warning with winds SE up to 30 knots. The anchorage is very protected however and we sat with no more than 15 knots most of the time. Met some Lagoon owners who were also waiting for the wind and seas to abate so they could cross the bar. Sunday 3 October, Garry's to Tin Can Bay
.JPG)
With the SE breezes forecast to hang around for another 3 days we head to Tin Can Bay marina to fill up the fuel and have a look around. It has been 15 years since we came here with our trailable yacht for the Bay to Bays and things have not changed a lot. The dolphin feeding is very popular.Dinner at Snappers restaurant at the marina was fantastic - we would highly recommend it if you are up this way. Met Rhys and Jennifer from Pittwater at the restaurant and we were lamenting the never ending south easterlies. However by the morning there was a revised forecast and we decided to cut short our stay at Tin Can Bay and head to Pelican Bay in preparation for a bar crossing on Tuesday morning.
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