Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Lizard Island
Tuesday, 13 September to Wednesday, 28 September 2011
We have heard so much about Lizard from various friends that there was a risk that it might not live up to our expectations. I am happy to say this was not the case. "Blizzard" Island lived up to its name for most of the two weeks we were there. I don't think the wind dropped below 25 knots in the first week. It didn't stop us enjoying what the island has to offer and we quickly got used to the wind.
We saved our first snorkel until the white caps had disappeared from the anchorage. The clam garden had huge clams, a range of different hard and soft corals and a wide variety of fish. We later snorkeled along the rocks, at Turtle Bay and on a very small bommie that must be the equivalent of Hong Kong in the coral reef world. The number of fish on a bommie that measured about 4 meters across was amazing!
There is a well behind the beach where you can pump good quality water that we used for washing and cleaning the boat. We also showered here after our swims to get rid of the salt. This meant our 690l of water lasted very well.
We walked to the Research Station and had a very informative tour and also walked to the Blue Lagoon on the southern side of the island. We watched the reef sharks stalking fish in close and admired the handiwork of some creative folk who had created a wind chime using bamboo.
One highlight was the climb to the top of Cook's Look where Capt James found a passage through the reef after repairing the Endeavour after previously running aground.
Hard work to climb the 359m to the summit but what a view!
The real highlight of the trip was the many interesting yachties we met at the 5pm sundowners on the beach each day. There was an average of 20 boats each night, but when the first weather window came after a week anchored, 10 boats left for Cairns. We elected to stay until the next window which was to be 10 days later. You need to have plenty of time available to wait for the right weather if you are going South.
Saturday, 17 September 2011
1042 hPa High in the West!
Friday, 9 September 2011 - Cairns to Low Isles
We got away about 1130 in a very light NE breeze. We motorsailed the 30 nm to the Low Isles and anchored well in as a strong SE change was expected during the night. The anchorage was good although there was some swell at high tide when the reef was covered.
With a strong wind warning forecast, we spent Saturday here and watched the tourists come in for a snorkel and sunbake before heading off back to Port Douglas. We went for a walk around the island, (about 20 minutes!), watched the bat fish and had a lazy day.
Sunday, 11 September 2011 - Low Isles to Cape Bedford
The wind was still up although the strong wind warning was cancelled, so we headed off early when the wind was predicted to be lighter. The weather men had it right again and we set the spinnaker in about 15 knots of breeze. By 1100 the breeze was gusting up over 20 knots so we dropped the kite after recording 16.3 knots at one stage. By 1400 we had put in the second reef as we had a steady 20 knots with gusts up to 27.
We decided to bypass Hope Island and continue on to Cape Bedford - a distance of 80 miles. The anchorage at Hope Islands is more exposed than Bedford which proved to be very comfortable as we had gone in as close as possible. A strong wind warning was forecast for Monday and with the big high, it did not look like improving over the next few days.
Monday, 12 September 2011 - Cape Bedford to Lizard Island
25 - 30 knots was forecast so we headed off with a triple reef and our jib for the 38 nm to Lizard Island. We had decided to proceed as the seas are much less than would normally be expected further south due to the proximity of the reef.
It was an uneventful sail, dodging cargo ships off Cape Flattery and averaging 8.4 knots for the trip. I took some video in the cabin as it was eerily quiet here as we beam reached along at 10, 11 knots.
We arrived at Lizard at 1100 and anchored in close to the beach with 20 other boats.
Sunday, 11 September 2011 - Low Isles to Cape Bedford
The wind was still up although the strong wind warning was cancelled, so we headed off early when the wind was predicted to be lighter. The weather men had it right again and we set the spinnaker in about 15 knots of breeze. By 1100 the breeze was gusting up over 20 knots so we dropped the kite after recording 16.3 knots at one stage. By 1400 we had put in the second reef as we had a steady 20 knots with gusts up to 27.
Monday, 12 September 2011 - Cape Bedford to Lizard Island
25 - 30 knots was forecast so we headed off with a triple reef and our jib for the 38 nm to Lizard Island. We had decided to proceed as the seas are much less than would normally be expected further south due to the proximity of the reef.
We arrived at Lizard at 1100 and anchored in close to the beach with 20 other boats.
Friday, 9 September 2011
North to Cairns
Monday, 5 September 2011 - Horseshoe Bay to Dunk Island
Forecast today is for the wind to drop to 20 - 25 knots so we headed out at 0630 in about 15 knots to see what conditions were like. We had decided if conditions were good we would go to Dunk Island, if not we would bail out at Orpheus Island. By 1100 the wind had not increased so we raised the spinnaker when we were in the lee of Havanna Island. We carried it until dark in a steady 15 knots with occasional higher gusts.
We were anchored at Dunk Island by 1920 after 90 nm. The resort was badly damaged by Cyclone Yasi and is apparently for sale.
Our excitement for the day was seeing what we think was Migaloo, the white whale, off Hinchinbrook. While not too close we saw numerous tail slaps and breeches and could not see any dark colour on the whale. The whale came a long way out of the water to slap its tail - very spectacular. No photos unfortunately.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011 - Dunk Island to Fitzroy Island
New territory today as we set the spinnaker again in perfect 10 - 15 knot SE conditions. By 1100 the breeze was up to 15 - 20 knots and we were making good time in the slight seas. By lunch the wind was a steady 20 knots with gusts up to 26 recorded. At 1330, we decided it was time to pull down the kite after we recorded our fastest speed in Phase2 to date of 14.3 knots. While not as exciting, we still averaged 8 knots for the 63 nm to Fitzroy Island and were anchored by 1500.
Our early arrival gave us time to go ashore and explore some of the island. There is a nice resort here and it is popular with day trippers as well. While here the Mayan Queen IV anchored nearby. The 300 foot megayacht is owned by the second richest man in Mexico. It looks amazing but we get the same view from Phase2.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011 - Fitzroy Island to Cairns
A short 20 nm trip today to Bluewater marina at Trinity Beach. We stopped and refuelled at Half Moon Bay marina coming in as there is no fuel at Bluewater. While here we saw Attitude, Alan and Michelle's new catamaran which is joining the Louisiades Rally next week.
Bluewater marina is fairly new, amenities are basic however there is a courtesy car (3 hours for $5) which makes here pretty attractive. The marina is up the creek a bit and we had only 1.1m (our draft) at low tide as we entered. Lots of crocs apparently!
We planned originally to be here 3 nights but after meeting the group from Half Moon Bay that are going to Lizard, we have decided to leave today, Friday as the weather is forecast to deteriorate tomorrow. Hopefully we will be away before lunch. About 25 nm to Low Isles.
We plan to be at Lizard for a couple of weeks at least and as we are not sure if we will get internet coverage there the blog may be silent for a while.
Forecast today is for the wind to drop to 20 - 25 knots so we headed out at 0630 in about 15 knots to see what conditions were like. We had decided if conditions were good we would go to Dunk Island, if not we would bail out at Orpheus Island. By 1100 the wind had not increased so we raised the spinnaker when we were in the lee of Havanna Island. We carried it until dark in a steady 15 knots with occasional higher gusts.
Our excitement for the day was seeing what we think was Migaloo, the white whale, off Hinchinbrook. While not too close we saw numerous tail slaps and breeches and could not see any dark colour on the whale. The whale came a long way out of the water to slap its tail - very spectacular. No photos unfortunately.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011 - Dunk Island to Fitzroy Island
New territory today as we set the spinnaker again in perfect 10 - 15 knot SE conditions. By 1100 the breeze was up to 15 - 20 knots and we were making good time in the slight seas. By lunch the wind was a steady 20 knots with gusts up to 26 recorded. At 1330, we decided it was time to pull down the kite after we recorded our fastest speed in Phase2 to date of 14.3 knots. While not as exciting, we still averaged 8 knots for the 63 nm to Fitzroy Island and were anchored by 1500.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011 - Fitzroy Island to Cairns
Bluewater marina is fairly new, amenities are basic however there is a courtesy car (3 hours for $5) which makes here pretty attractive. The marina is up the creek a bit and we had only 1.1m (our draft) at low tide as we entered. Lots of crocs apparently!
We planned originally to be here 3 nights but after meeting the group from Half Moon Bay that are going to Lizard, we have decided to leave today, Friday as the weather is forecast to deteriorate tomorrow. Hopefully we will be away before lunch. About 25 nm to Low Isles.
We plan to be at Lizard for a couple of weeks at least and as we are not sure if we will get internet coverage there the blog may be silent for a while.
Sunday, 4 September 2011
North to Magnetic Island
Tuesday, 30 August 2011 - Bona Bay to Upstart Bay
An easterly breeze between 5 and 15 knots had us sailing under spinnaker for most of the day. This is always fun and more so when Warren is catching fish! 1 mackeral and 2 large Queenfish (1 released) by 0830 so we pulled in the lures as we have enough fillets for weeks.
Cloud sitting over Cape Upstart was thick and we sighted a whale between us and the Cape as we passed. 54 nm in the day.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011 - Upstart Bay to Horseshoe Bay
Off at 0630 again in a 10 - 15 kn SE so spinnaker up again. We are certainly getting our money's worth from this sail. As the morning progressed, the wind veered to the east and freshened to over 20 knots and we decided it was time to pull the kite down. We are getting a bit of practice at this manoeuvre and have found that you need to run very square to make sure the kite collapses before easing the sheet once the breeze is up.
Our max log speed of the day of 12.8 knots came with poled out jib in the big seas as we rounded Cape Cleveland. Warren wants to tighten the steering cables as there is a bit more slack than he would like.
We anchored in Horseshoe Bay at 1700 after covering over 75 nm and averaging 7.5kn for the day.
Thursday, 1 September to Sunday, 4 September 2011 - Magnetic Island
Strong winds have extended our stay here but there are lots of places to go and new friends to make.
We caught the bus to Nelly Bay to look around and see the fleet for Magnetic Island race week. Some large yachts with expensive sails mixing it with trailerable yachts including several Ross 780s (our last TS).
Lots of interesting sights including a rock wallaby that seems to live on the rock wall of the marina.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011 - Upstart Bay to Horseshoe Bay
Our max log speed of the day of 12.8 knots came with poled out jib in the big seas as we rounded Cape Cleveland. Warren wants to tighten the steering cables as there is a bit more slack than he would like.
We anchored in Horseshoe Bay at 1700 after covering over 75 nm and averaging 7.5kn for the day.
Thursday, 1 September to Sunday, 4 September 2011 - Magnetic Island
Shag Islet CYC or Shaggers
Thursday, 25 August to Monday, 29 August 2011
Thursday morning we sailed from Airlie, through the Gloucester Passage to find about 50 yachts anchored off Montes Resort. We went around the corner to anchor with another 30 or so off the Eco Resort.
We went ashore, collected our SICYC blue shirts, burgee and membership cards and started the 4 days of fun meeting other like minded yachties including a few old friends we hadn't expected to see. We were impressed with the effort some people put into decorating their boats.
We had welcome drinks on Thursday, followed by the Redezvous at Shag Islet for Friday lunch. We caught up with Max and Merna from our trailer sailer days, Mark and Sue from Cleveland and John and Gayle from Hadja. We also met a number of interesting locals including Brian and Kay (ex Southbank TAFE).
The sea of blue was entertained by "Macca" who was joined by the "Shagettes" as the afternoon wore on. Saturday saw another party at Montes, including a massive raffle and auction of unclaimed prizes. It had a Jimmy Buffet Parrot head theme so lots of Hawaiian shirts and interesting hats. An amazing $10,000 was raised for Prostate Cancer Research over the weekend.
Sunday we were bussed to the Dingo Beach pub for a spit roast and another chance to catch up with friends - this time in our pirate garb. We really have to invest in better costumes as some people's are amazing. The tide here goes out quite a way so we would not have an opportunity to visit here normally.
All this partying meant we spent a quiet day on Monday at Bona Bay on Gloucester Island before continuing our trip North.
All this partying meant we spent a quiet day on Monday at Bona Bay on Gloucester Island before continuing our trip North.
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Thomas Island and Airlie Beach
Thursday & Friday 18, 19 August 2011, Thomas Island
We arrived at Thomas to find Peer Pressure here. The boat changed hands recently and Len and Isla helped new owner Rad bring it to Yeppoon. Rad and Chris are taking their time seeing the sights on the way home to Lucinda.
While here, a group of kayakers arrived who had traveled from Mackay over the last 4 days. They set up camp and enjoyed a large cod caught on one of the catamarans and donated to them for dinner.
The highlight of our 2 nights at Thomas was sundowners on the beach with the crews of 4 other boats anchored here. With home ports of Brisbane, Lake Macquarie, Lucinda and London there were many interesting stories and laughs to share.
Saturday, 20 August 2011 Thomas to Cid Harbour
Another great spinnaker run down the Whitsunday Passage in 15 - 20 kn SE winds. We spent Sunday morning here and climbed Whitsunday Peak to enjoy the view. Over to Airlie Beach on Sunday afternoon where we anchored off the VMR and boat ramp.
Shopped Monday morning before we went into the Abel Point Marina for one night. The motors had their 50 hour service and Warren got a few tips so he can do it himself if required.
We spent Tuesday night again at anchor off the VMR so I could get a haircut. The wind is still up so we are also staying here tonight, Wednesday before we head to Glouchester Passage for the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Rendezvous.
While here, a group of kayakers arrived who had traveled from Mackay over the last 4 days. They set up camp and enjoyed a large cod caught on one of the catamarans and donated to them for dinner.
The highlight of our 2 nights at Thomas was sundowners on the beach with the crews of 4 other boats anchored here. With home ports of Brisbane, Lake Macquarie, Lucinda and London there were many interesting stories and laughs to share.
Saturday, 20 August 2011 Thomas to Cid Harbour
We spent Tuesday night again at anchor off the VMR so I could get a haircut. The wind is still up so we are also staying here tonight, Wednesday before we head to Glouchester Passage for the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Rendezvous.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Nature at its best
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 Blunt Bay to Refuge Bay
Another day with the sun shining and spinnaker up most of the day. With an easterly breeze it was a good angle and we were doing 5-6 knots in 6 - 8 knots of breeze and 8 - 9 knots in 12 - 15 knots of breeze. Our maximum speed of 9.7 knots was good considering the maximum gust we had was 15 knots. The later departure from Brisbane has meant a lot more time with the spinnaker up rather than double reefed in 20+ knots.
Today we had dolphins join us off Mackay (same place as last year) and a whale that crossed our bow and then swam past about 20m off the starboard side.
I saw the dolphins in the distance and they approached at speed and jumped out in unison as they came alongside (I am sure they just wanted to make sure we were watching). We were running under kite at 8 - 9 knots at the time and they had a great time as they surfed the bow then came back and surfed the stern wave.
Thursday, 18 August 2011 Scawfell to Thomas Island
Light NW to start so we motored and heard the sound that all sailors dread - the sound of something falling from the mast and hitting the deck. Of course it falls overboard and try as we might we couldn't see what came undone. The mystery was solved an hour later when as a SW breeze came in, we raised the sails. The jib dropped to the deck and we found the shackle pin missing. The spinnaker halyard was put to use until I could raise Warren up the mast with the electric winch once anchored at Thomas Island (installed for just this purpose). More excitement followed when a baby whale breached about 50m away. Warren had to point up as they crossed in front - the baby continuing to breach as we passed.
A bit later we had a 70 cm mackeral on the line, our first of the trip. Warren said it looks smaller in the photo. Regardless, it tasted great last night.
The breeze had died again so we started the motors just as a large pod of dolphins joined us. The 20+ dolphins included several babies and they entertained us for half an hour before getting bored and moving on.
What a day!
Another day with the sun shining and spinnaker up most of the day. With an easterly breeze it was a good angle and we were doing 5-6 knots in 6 - 8 knots of breeze and 8 - 9 knots in 12 - 15 knots of breeze. Our maximum speed of 9.7 knots was good considering the maximum gust we had was 15 knots. The later departure from Brisbane has meant a lot more time with the spinnaker up rather than double reefed in 20+ knots.
Today we had dolphins join us off Mackay (same place as last year) and a whale that crossed our bow and then swam past about 20m off the starboard side.
I saw the dolphins in the distance and they approached at speed and jumped out in unison as they came alongside (I am sure they just wanted to make sure we were watching). We were running under kite at 8 - 9 knots at the time and they had a great time as they surfed the bow then came back and surfed the stern wave.
Thursday, 18 August 2011 Scawfell to Thomas Island
Light NW to start so we motored and heard the sound that all sailors dread - the sound of something falling from the mast and hitting the deck. Of course it falls overboard and try as we might we couldn't see what came undone. The mystery was solved an hour later when as a SW breeze came in, we raised the sails. The jib dropped to the deck and we found the shackle pin missing. The spinnaker halyard was put to use until I could raise Warren up the mast with the electric winch once anchored at Thomas Island (installed for just this purpose). More excitement followed when a baby whale breached about 50m away. Warren had to point up as they crossed in front - the baby continuing to breach as we passed.
A bit later we had a 70 cm mackeral on the line, our first of the trip. Warren said it looks smaller in the photo. Regardless, it tasted great last night.
The breeze had died again so we started the motors just as a large pod of dolphins joined us. The 20+ dolphins included several babies and they entertained us for half an hour before getting bored and moving on.
What a day!
Blunt Bay, North East Island, Percy Group
Monday, 15 August 2011 Island Head Creek to Blunt Bay
Another great spinnaker run all day where we averaged nearly 8 knots for the 54nm to Blunt Bay on North East Island. 2 nights here to ourselves in what is a very picturesque bay. Just after arriving a whale appeared and cruised into the bay for a look around. We saw several others go by and heard them singing at night.
There has been no grazing on this island so the trees remain and these go right down to the pebbly beaches. We kayaked to the one sandy beach and saw fish but none for the table.
A highlight of my time here was completing the jigsaw my sister, Lynne gave me for my last birthday - Michelangelo's Creation of Man in the Sistine Chapel. My family and former work colleagues know I love jigsaws and so I have made a jigsaw mat so I can have some on Phase2 and put it away when I'm not working on it. My next challenge is a mosaic puzzle of the Titanic which may not be quite as relaxing as this one has been.
Overall, a nice anchorage but a bit rolly.
Another great spinnaker run all day where we averaged nearly 8 knots for the 54nm to Blunt Bay on North East Island. 2 nights here to ourselves in what is a very picturesque bay. Just after arriving a whale appeared and cruised into the bay for a look around. We saw several others go by and heard them singing at night.
There has been no grazing on this island so the trees remain and these go right down to the pebbly beaches. We kayaked to the one sandy beach and saw fish but none for the table.
A highlight of my time here was completing the jigsaw my sister, Lynne gave me for my last birthday - Michelangelo's Creation of Man in the Sistine Chapel. My family and former work colleagues know I love jigsaws and so I have made a jigsaw mat so I can have some on Phase2 and put it away when I'm not working on it. My next challenge is a mosaic puzzle of the Titanic which may not be quite as relaxing as this one has been.
Overall, a nice anchorage but a bit rolly.
Yeppoon and Shoalwater Bay
Tuesday, 9 August 2011 Yellow Patch to Rosslyn Bay
We left at 0600 from Yellow Patch to ensure we had enough tide and after a brief period with the spinnaker up had to motor sail again when the breeze dropped below 8 knots. We arrived at the marina at lunchtime but were unable to contact them as they had lost all power. Eventually went in and tied up at the end of the finger and waited for power to be restored late in the afternoon.
We booked the courtesy car for the following afternoon as we had to buy a new generator. Our 1kVa Honda wasn't big enough to power the 60A charger on Phase2. We got a 2kVa Honda generator in Yeppoon. Anyone need an as new generator? Works well on the 30A charger in the 1000s! We also did the shopping and bought a few other items in the 2 hours we had the car. This is a great service offered by Keppel Bay Marina.
Warren ran into John from Hadja (Seawind 1160) while here. They are also heading up to the Shag Islet Rendezvous. We ended up staying another night in the marina when a strong N came in on Thursday.
Friday, 12 August, 2011 Rosslyn Bay to Pearl Bay
We set the spinnaker soon after leaving at 0700 and gybed downwind until after Cape Manifold when the breeze got up over 20 knots. We arrived at Pearl Bay at 1610 after 55nm and anchored with 8 other boats in this beautiful bay.
Awoke late the next morning to find everyone had left and we had the bay to ourselves until lunch when the next group started to appear. 10 here on Saturday night which was quite rolly as the swell was more to the east.
Sunday we headed around to Island Head Creek to escape the swell.
We left at 0600 from Yellow Patch to ensure we had enough tide and after a brief period with the spinnaker up had to motor sail again when the breeze dropped below 8 knots. We arrived at the marina at lunchtime but were unable to contact them as they had lost all power. Eventually went in and tied up at the end of the finger and waited for power to be restored late in the afternoon.
We booked the courtesy car for the following afternoon as we had to buy a new generator. Our 1kVa Honda wasn't big enough to power the 60A charger on Phase2. We got a 2kVa Honda generator in Yeppoon. Anyone need an as new generator? Works well on the 30A charger in the 1000s! We also did the shopping and bought a few other items in the 2 hours we had the car. This is a great service offered by Keppel Bay Marina.
Warren ran into John from Hadja (Seawind 1160) while here. They are also heading up to the Shag Islet Rendezvous. We ended up staying another night in the marina when a strong N came in on Thursday.
Friday, 12 August, 2011 Rosslyn Bay to Pearl Bay
We set the spinnaker soon after leaving at 0700 and gybed downwind until after Cape Manifold when the breeze got up over 20 knots. We arrived at Pearl Bay at 1610 after 55nm and anchored with 8 other boats in this beautiful bay.
Awoke late the next morning to find everyone had left and we had the bay to ourselves until lunch when the next group started to appear. 10 here on Saturday night which was quite rolly as the swell was more to the east.
Sunday we headed around to Island Head Creek to escape the swell.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Yellow Patch
Saturday, 6 August 2011 Pancake Creek to Cape Capricorn
We left at 0800 in a 10-15 kn south easterly and moderate swell. Spinnaker up again until the breeze increased over 20 knots. After lunch it died below 10 knots and we motor sailed to try to reduce the slatting of the main. Eventually the spinnaker went up again and we anchored off Cape Capricorn at 1520.
We climbed up to the lighthouse on Sunday morning and watched the Keppel race yachts sail by. We motored into Yellow Patch on Sunday afternoon just before high tide using our coordinates from last year which had not changed much.
We are staying here until Tuesday when the marina at Rosslyn Bay has space after the race yachts move on up the coast for Hamilton Island Race Week.
We left at 0800 in a 10-15 kn south easterly and moderate swell. Spinnaker up again until the breeze increased over 20 knots. After lunch it died below 10 knots and we motor sailed to try to reduce the slatting of the main. Eventually the spinnaker went up again and we anchored off Cape Capricorn at 1520.We climbed up to the lighthouse on Sunday morning and watched the Keppel race yachts sail by. We motored into Yellow Patch on Sunday afternoon just before high tide using our coordinates from last year which had not changed much.
We are staying here until Tuesday when the marina at Rosslyn Bay has space after the race yachts move on up the coast for Hamilton Island Race Week.
Pancake Creek
Tuesday, 2 August 2011 Kingfisher Bay to Bundaberg
Left at 0700, pushing tide which made for slow going to start. We anchored off the marina at Bundaberg at 1640 after 58 nm alternating between spinnaker and motor sailing with one engine. The breeze was E to SE between 5 and 12 knots. We were surprised to immediately get a call from Dave and Lorna who now own Next Phase. They are in the marina and heading north to Pancake Creek tomorrow also.
Wednesday, 3 August to Saturday, 6 August 2011, Bundaberg to Pancake Creek
We left about 0615 about an hour after Next Phase and the 2 cats they are travelling with. Breeze was S to SE between 12 and 20 knots. We set the spinnaker after clearing the leads and set off after the boats ahead. Initially we gained quickly until Dave and Lorna set their spinnaker and then we kept pace all the way to Pancake Creek. A great days sailing averaging nearly 8 knots.
On Thursday we moved further up the creek as the anchor chain was noisy on the coral and gravel bottom. Warren caught a Giant Trevally off the boat after the move. We emailed a picture to my brother Dave who is a keen fisherman to see if ciguatera poisoning was an issue. After many years of telling TAFE students to be careful of large fish I was very cautious.
Dave posted to his fishing forum and came back that consensus was it was fine to eat. We had a small serve the next evening and it was beautiful. The wonders of technology!
We have been using our Telstra prepaid mobile WiFi and Skype when we have no Optus coverage. This seems to work well and is very cost effective.
We stayed here until Saturday morning enjoying the opportunity to catch up with Dave and Lorna for sundowners and the first real break of the trip.
Left at 0700, pushing tide which made for slow going to start. We anchored off the marina at Bundaberg at 1640 after 58 nm alternating between spinnaker and motor sailing with one engine. The breeze was E to SE between 5 and 12 knots. We were surprised to immediately get a call from Dave and Lorna who now own Next Phase. They are in the marina and heading north to Pancake Creek tomorrow also. Wednesday, 3 August to Saturday, 6 August 2011, Bundaberg to Pancake Creek
We left about 0615 about an hour after Next Phase and the 2 cats they are travelling with. Breeze was S to SE between 12 and 20 knots. We set the spinnaker after clearing the leads and set off after the boats ahead. Initially we gained quickly until Dave and Lorna set their spinnaker and then we kept pace all the way to Pancake Creek. A great days sailing averaging nearly 8 knots.
On Thursday we moved further up the creek as the anchor chain was noisy on the coral and gravel bottom. Warren caught a Giant Trevally off the boat after the move. We emailed a picture to my brother Dave who is a keen fisherman to see if ciguatera poisoning was an issue. After many years of telling TAFE students to be careful of large fish I was very cautious. Dave posted to his fishing forum and came back that consensus was it was fine to eat. We had a small serve the next evening and it was beautiful. The wonders of technology!
We have been using our Telstra prepaid mobile WiFi and Skype when we have no Optus coverage. This seems to work well and is very cost effective.We stayed here until Saturday morning enjoying the opportunity to catch up with Dave and Lorna for sundowners and the first real break of the trip.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Warmer weather is calling us.....
Saturday, 30 July to Monday, 1 August, 2011
We got away about 1230 with a big farewell party (Mum, Josh and our friends the Madderns) to wave us off. We sailed through the night and crossed a benign Wide Bay Bar at 0730 then on to anchor at Garry's. Not our best trip as sloppy seas and the wind dead astern most of the time lead to an unpleasant motion. I succumbed to sea sickness but was fine by morning.
We met our friends Lois and Kel who had sailed their yacht Sea Time from Tin Can Bay to join us for the evening.
Today, Monday, we headed to Kingfisher Bay Resort where we went ashore to check out the facilities. There is a bar near the beach that welcomes visitors and has a pool, hot showers and serves lunch and dinner.
Very nice and Warren met one of the locals. We plan to come back here on our return trip.
We are off to Bundaberg tomorrow as Lizard Island beckons.
We got away about 1230 with a big farewell party (Mum, Josh and our friends the Madderns) to wave us off. We sailed through the night and crossed a benign Wide Bay Bar at 0730 then on to anchor at Garry's. Not our best trip as sloppy seas and the wind dead astern most of the time lead to an unpleasant motion. I succumbed to sea sickness but was fine by morning. 
We met our friends Lois and Kel who had sailed their yacht Sea Time from Tin Can Bay to join us for the evening. 
Today, Monday, we headed to Kingfisher Bay Resort where we went ashore to check out the facilities. There is a bar near the beach that welcomes visitors and has a pool, hot showers and serves lunch and dinner. 
Very nice and Warren met one of the locals. We plan to come back here on our return trip.We are off to Bundaberg tomorrow as Lizard Island beckons.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Official Christening
Monday, 11 July 2011
With all the wet weather in Sydney, we didn't actually officially christen Phase2. Our son Ben was up from Melbourne last weekend so we took Mum and him out for a day on the bay and asked Mum to perform the honours.
It was a beautiful day off Coochie Mudlo and what champagne wasn't poured on the boat went well with lunch.
We are currently busy doing a lot of jobs in preparation for the trip north to Lizard Island in a couple of weeks. For every job I cross off the list, Warren adds 2 more!
With all the wet weather in Sydney, we didn't actually officially christen Phase2. Our son Ben was up from Melbourne last weekend so we took Mum and him out for a day on the bay and asked Mum to perform the honours. 
It was a beautiful day off Coochie Mudlo and what champagne wasn't poured on the boat went well with lunch.We are currently busy doing a lot of jobs in preparation for the trip north to Lizard Island in a couple of weeks. For every job I cross off the list, Warren adds 2 more!
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