Lizard Island

Thursday, 3 October 2013 to Sunday, 13 October 2013

We left Marlin Marina in a light north easterly and motored the 18nm to Vlasoff Reef. The mooring was surprisingly comfortable in the easterly swell and we wasted no time going ashore on the small island for a snorkel. Just as we were entering the water a helicopter circled and signalled if it was ok to land.  Apparently they have to get permission if there is anyone on the island. Good coral and fish just off the beach.

Friday morning we checked out Michaelmas Reef before setting the spinnaker for the Low Isles. Michaelmas is a bird rookery so the noise and smell of hundreds of birds spoiled the ambience somewhat!

Warren was keen to get to Lizard Island in time for the footy final on Sunday night so Saturday we covered 70nm to Cape Bedford with a good spinnaker run most of the way. Our AIS blew a fuse today (and the replacement) so can’t be used until we find out what the issue is. Warren caught 2 spanish mackerel that were both returned as one was too big (120cm) and one was too small (65cm). We steer clear of anything over 100cm to reduce the risk of ciguatera poisoning.

Sunday we had a quick sail to Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island in 20-25kn winds where we anchored with 30 other cruisers including Len and Isla on Waterfront. On Monday, with good weather forecast for the next few days, Waterfront and about 14 others left.

We walked to the Research Station on Monday morning for the tour. Our guide Julius was an Italian post grad student with a British accent who studied the sounds of the reef.

He explained that the crackling noise that you can hear when you film under water is actually pistol shrimp firing off water at prey. When I get better internet I’ll upload a video! Apparently you can find these creatures on every coral reef around the world. He also talked about the Crown of Thorns starfish and the current outbreak which is damaging the reef. I was disappointed to see that the reef at nearby Turtle Bay has had significant damage since our last visit 2 years ago.

Warren with Hugh from San Souci

During the week we were on Lizard Island we also climbed to the top of Cook's Look (where Captain Cook found a passage through the Great Barrier reef), snorkelled and kayaked.

On Sunday the Lizard Island Gamefishing tournament started. 29 boats made for a crowded anchorage but the sailpast and race to the fishing grounds was quite spectacular.

Vava II (314ft) dwarfed the big Bertrams and Rivieras. This vessel has it all (including fuel tanks holding 400,000 litres of diesel).

That's a 54ft powerboat tied to the stern of Vava II

Big boys toys

The Slow Route to Cairns

Saturday, 21 September to Wednesday, 2 October 2013
The 2 days sailing to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island were in light east/north-east winds around 10-12 knots. We had a few runs with the spinnaker, some time with the genoa and the rest motoring or motor sailing.

We caught up with the Gypsymariner crew in Horseshoe Bay and had sundowners with them and Rad and Chris (Peer Pressure) and a couple of other yachts.

We had a good sail up to Little Pioneer Bay on Orpheus Island and then tacked up to Zoe Bay in a moderate northerly the next day. We had 3 days here waiting again for the winds to be anything but N or NW. If you are going to be stuck with the weather then this is the place.

The anchorage was surprisingly good in the northerlies and we enjoyed the walk up to the top of the waterfall and a walk on the beach each evening.

Warren did a lot of fishing for not much return unfortunately (a couple of golden trevally) and I read to my heart's content. I highly recommend my current novel - The Distant Hours by Kate Morton.

Eventually on Saturday, 28 September we got a forecast of E/NE and headed for Mourilyan Harbour. 53 nm - motoring all morning until an easterly came in after lunch.

Mourilyan Harbour

The dredge that started up at 0600 helped us get an early start for the 44nm to Fitzroy Island. Motoring all day, we were glad for a swim once the anchor was down in the bay. Warren caught another school mackeral.

Monday we sailed the short distance to Cairns Marlin marina where we have spent 3 days. Over 8 weeks since we left home so haircuts were high on the list of things to do.

Tomorrow we leave for the final legs towards Lizard Island.

Farewell Whitsundays

Sunday September 8 to Saturday, September 21 2013
It has been 2 weeks since the Multihull Rendezvous finished and since then we have had light N, NW winds. This is exactly the wrong breeze to sail north. The Queensland coast runs in a north westerly direction, so going north we don't want NW and going south, SE winds.

Turtle Bay looking south to Pentecost Island

It is not all bad news though because with these winds we have spent some time in anchorages not usually accessible with the predominant SE winds. Turtle Bay tops the list - good holding, lots of room, nice sandy beach for a swim and lots of places to explore in the kayaks. It has been a very relaxing couple of weeks.

Looking south from the lookout above Whitehaven

We also visited Whitehaven where we walked across to Chance Bay and Tongue Bay where Warren took the dinghy into Hill Inlet but decided it looked too shallow for Phase2. We also anchored at Macona Inlet where we had sundowners on the beach with a group of Shaggers, Nara Inlet and Plantation Bay on the south side of Lindeman Island. We were disappointed with this anchorage and the walking tracks I hoped to find were overgrown and we didn't try them.

Chance Bay

Our trip to Nara Inlet from Macona Inlet was via Hardy's Reef and Bait Reef. 84 nm in total for the day to end up about 1nm away as the crow flies. By the time we got to Hardy's Reef the tide was rushing in and we didn't like the look of the entrance. High tide was about 1700 and we didn't want to risk entering that late and not seeing the bombies. We then sailed to Bait Reef where we picked up a mooring but the NW gave a nasty chop so we decided to head back to the tranquil waters of Nara and a good nights sleep. We learnt a bit for the next time we head out that way and Warren caught a nice spotted mackeral.

Last night, Friday was at Breakfast Bay on the south side of Gloucester Island. Very calm in the NW conditions. The weather pattern is still not great but we decided to head off at 1000 today in little breeze and hope the predicted SE-NE winds develop and we don't have to motor all the way to Cape Upstart.

Where is the north-easter we were promised!

PS
Wind came in about 1230. Now doing 7 knots in 10 knots of NE breeze. Love this genoa!

Multihull Rendezvous 2013

Monday, 2 September to Sunday 8, September 2013
We knew the perfect weather of the last month could not last and it changed with a vengeance this week. Monday it blew all day but we were all safely tied to the marina at Abell Point.We enjoyed a Welcome function at Sorrento restaurant where we met the crew from Multihull Solutions and some of the other 14 boat crews for the event.

Tuesday we awoke to 30 knot south easterlies and the organisers gave everyone the option of getting a bus to Cape Gloucester Eco Resort if they didn't fancy the sail. We elected to bus as we knew the sail back the next day would be tough and we were in this for the fun. The Pirate party also celebrated the 50th birthday of Alex from Hanuman. Everyone enjoyed the dinner and dancing into the evening.



It was still 30 knots on Wednesday and as we had a lay day, many boats elected to cross the passage to the surprisingly good anchorage in May's Bay just north of Cid Harbour - very protected in these conditions and not nearly as crowded as Cid. We sailed under 3 reefs and our storm jib across the passage and averaged 6 knots in the constant 30 knots with a highest gust of 38 knots recorded. We could hear the yachts coming back from Gloucester lamenting the conditions on the radio and we were glad we had taken the bus option.

30knots + gusts at Cid Harbour

Thursday's destination of Whitehaven was changed to Macona Inlet and then to Cid Harbour for the Prawn and punch party. Beautiful large local prawns and plenty of punch and Bunkers wine made for a great afternoon. We won the wooden spoon in the Blind Man's Dinghy race - sigh.

On Friday morning, we climbed Whitsunday Peak before sailing on to Nara Inlet. The wind had eased to 20-25 knots and after a sail past Mothership for the figurehead competition (party shirts and ABBA) we joined in the trivia competition and beach games. Some boats had gone to a lot of trouble with their costumes for this and other theme events.

View from the top is worth the walk

On Saturday we had our best sail of the week from Nara down to Hamilton Island. We were the only boat to sail with full main and jib in the 20 knot SEers. Dinner and entertainment from Cruise Captain Condor at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club was a great way to finish the week. Multihull Solutions who run this event did a great job in trying conditions and we would recommend it to anyone up here next year in their multihull.

Lickity Split didn't need full sail to race past

Whitsunday Wandering

Monday, 26 August 2013 - Eco Resort to Airlie Beach
After watching a lot of yachts heading north from Shaggers on Sunday and Monday, we raised sails and headed back to Airlie Beach. Our son Josh and his girlfriend Jo arrive on Friday for a few days and then we join the Multihull Rendezvous for a week.

It was a hard 35nm into a 20knot SE breeze. We put the first reef in near Gumbrell Island and tacked into the bays to avoid the worst of the seas.

On Wednesday we headed across the passage to Stonehaven. Warren caught a nice school mackeral and then a spotted mackeral as he was pulling in the other lure. Fresh fish for dinner!

Friday, 30 August 2013 - Nara Inlet to Cid Harbour
We sailed down from Nara Inlet to Hamilton Island to pick up Josh and Jo for a few days. With the wind predicted to be 15-20kn for their stay, we decided to stay on the inside of the islands. We had a nice run down from Hamilton and were anchored in Cid Harbour just before 1700.

Saturday we sailed/motored up to Blue Pearl Bay for a snorkel. We headed around to Butterfly Bay where we got a mooring but moved around to Stonehaven as there was a nasty swell rolling into the bay.

Sunday we headed across to Langford reef where Josh and Jo paddled ashore before Josh tried to get more shots with his GoPro. I got some nice footage of a turtle swimming by - they are obviously used to snorkellers in the water!

Sunday afternoon we sailed back to Airlie as Josh and Jo were flying out of Proserpine on Monday morning. Dinner at Sorrento Restaurant to celebrate Father's Day ended a great couple of days with Josh and Jo.

Shaggers Rendezvous 2013

Wednesday, 21 August to Sunday, 25 August 2013
After a night in Abell Point marina to do the washing and reprovision, we sailed north through the Gloucester Passage to anchor off the Eco resort for the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club annual rendezvous.

There were about 100 boats here by the time we arrived including many cruising friends - some of whom we haven't seen for 12 months.

Our AFL flag (thanks to Ben) was bigger than most 

The festivities started Thursday with a meet and greet. The weather was beautiful for the party on Shag Islet on Friday with about 350 people in blue shirts.

No blue shirt - no entry

Saturday afternoon we all headed to Montes when the drums sounded for the Polynesion party. Good entertainment, fireworks and a bonfire were enjoyed by over 400 people.

Final count had 170 boats there on Saturday night, with over 300 people in attendance. Over $40,000 raised for Prostate Cancer research. Great weekend - get there next year if you can!

North to the Whitsundays

Thursday, 15 August 2013 - Middle Percy to Digby Is
A light southwester with more breeze expected the next few days so we sailed across to Digby Island. Lots of whales around and we saw a mother with newborn calf just off the anchorage. We stopped and watched as she pushed the newborn to encourage it to breathe. It took a long time but eventually we saw a tiny blow from the baby. That night as we were going to bed we heard loud whale song and when we came on deck we found a whale breaching inside the anchorage. It was so close we could smell its very fishy breath!! Luckily it seemed to know where the 3 yachts were anchored.

Queenfish caught on the troll at Digby Is

Friday, 16 August 2013 - Digby to Brampton Is
A spinnaker run all day in good sailing conditions. We sailed in company with Carpe Vita and Shimmi all morning until they headed for Scawfell while we decided to carry on to Brampton as the breeze was going more to the east.

Watching the dolphins riding the bow wave

Saturday, 17 August 2013 - Brampton Is to Cid Harbour
We joined a stream of boats reaching towards the Whitsundays in the 10-15 knot northeasterly. The weather since Yeppoon has been very unusual for this time of year. Our powerboat friends had left us behind in what they considered perfect weather while the sailers had to wait for more favourable winds.

It did mean we went to places we haven't visited before and we could hardly complain about another day of blue skis and light breezes. Lucky we didn't have a schedule and did not have to motor too much.

On Sunday, Bernard and Di invited us to watch the start of the first race of Hamilton Island Race Week on board their beautiful powerboat Bombola.

Warren and Bernie

The start was delayed due to lack of wind but they eventually got the yachts away after moving the start line.

Wild Thing powers by

What happened to the south-easterlies!

Tuesday, 6 August to Thursday, 8 August 2013 - Corio Bay 
After a fantastic though full on week with the RQ Keppel Rally, we enjoyed our 3 days at Corio Bay. The occasional fishing dinghy reminded us that we were not alone in the world and we made the most of the calm conditions and relaxed.

Nine Mile Beach

Warren caught a few fish but no crabs big enough to keep and our sole bit of exercise was a walk over the sand dunes and along Nine Mile Beach on the Keppel Bay side.

Friday, 9 August 2013 - Corio Bay to High Peak Is
Finally a day of decent south easters so we sailed 71nm under spinnaker to High Peak Island. The military was still playing war games at Shoalwater Bay and all of the anchorages were closed. High Peak was a good anchorage in the 10-15 knot SE winds and one we had not visited before.

Saturday, 10 August to Wednesday, 14 August - Middle Percy Is
After an hour under spinnaker it was a motorsail the rest of the 31nm to West Bay on Middle Percy Island. We had 3 fantastic days here in light NE winds.

We walked up to the homestead, replaced our well worn flag in the A frame, and made some new friends around the fire each night.

One day 6 whales put on an amazing display inside the anchorage swimming around several of the boats. They seemed to be chasing one whale away - very loud breathing and aggressive turns.

On Tuesday the wind had gone around to the north so we sailed around to Whites Bay on the southern side of the island. We hadn't had a chance to stay here before and we had a nice couple of days here.

Pancake Creek and Keppel Bay

Wednesday, 31 July 2013 - Bundaberg to Pancake Creek

Another beautiful day sailing under spinnaker in a 12-15 knot breeze that started in the SW, then S, SE before finishing in the east.

The pirate party ashore was another good night and with the perfect weather we decided to stay another night and catch up with the fleet at Great Keppel on Friday.

Treasure hunting

We spent Thursday morning hunting for the unfound treasure from the previous night (Warren spurred on by the hope that it might be a bottle of rum) and hiking to the Bustard Head lighthouse.

View south over Jenny Lind Creek

Warren was glad that he had on his big boots and gaiters as he nearly stood on a snake on the way back to the boat.

Friday, 2 August 2013 - Pancake Creek to Great Keppel Island
As we had 66 nm to cover today to get to the beach party on GKI, we had to motorsail most of the day in the light SE winds. Warren caught a large Blue Fin Tuna that he released. We spotted 2 whales close by inside the reef protection buoys off Monkey Beach on the way in.

On Saturday we motored over to the Keppel Bay Marina for the final night party. Unfortunately the light winds meant none of the race boats had yet finished which I think disappointed some of the local ladies looking for the fit young sailors!

The always smiling Dawn and Ian

Congratulations to Ian and Dawn and their team of hard workers for a fun, well organised week and to all the participants who made the trip so special. We met a lot of people we might not have otherwise met and would recommend this cruise to members.

A visit to the shops and boat chores filled in Sunday while we watched the marina fill with race boats glad to finally arrive.

On Monday morning we stayed to see the governor present the trophies to the winning yachts before we headed to North Keppel Island to escape the easterly swell. Nice anchorage although there was a bit of swell when the breeze went to the NE in the late afternoon and evening.

Tueday, 6 August 2013 - North Keppel Island to Corio Bay
With northerlies forecast for the next couple of days we motored the 10 miles to Corio Bay to find shelter. A beautiful spot we haven't visited before. We crossed the bar just before high tide and had 5.2m. We are now anchored behind the headland in 7.6m.

Northward bound at last

Friday, 26 July 2013
Having spent the last few weeks reading cruising stories on Skipr.net it was good to finally leave the pontoon today to begin what has become our annual trip north to warmer waters.

Farewell from Mum

We have joined the inaugural RQYS Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally so our first leg was a short trip up to RQ for the farewell cocktail party. Good friends Kel and Lois have joined us for the rally as far as Bundaberg.

There are 14 participants, 11 power boats and 3 sailing boats with Phase2 the only catamaran. Rally organisers have set up a blog site keppelcruisingrally2013.blogspot.com.au which has lots of good photos.

Saturday, 27 July 2013 - Manly to Mooloolaba
We left RQ about 0830 for the 52nm to Mooloolaba in a light south wester. We had the spinnaker up for a couple of hours, sailed with genoa for a few hours and motor sailed in the generally light breezes.

Sunset over the Sunshine Coast

We sailed up past Bribie and anchored in the pond at 1845.

A couple of boats elected to sail through to Double Island Point to await the morning tide. We weren't surprised to later hear they had spent an uncomfortable night in the easterly swell.

Sunday, 28 July 2013 - Mooloolaba to Tin Can Bay
Our decision to stop at Mooloolaba meant a 0400 start to get to the Wide Bay Bar before the top of the tide at 1230. A 20 knot wind that oscillated between E and SE meant we had 1 or 2 reefs in most of the day. The 2m seas were bigger than we normally like when crossing the bar but we were sailing quite comfortably and we had heard on the radio that conditions were ok to cross. Big swells off Double Island Point had us all anxious about the crossing which turned out to be quite uneventful. Berths had been arranged for us all at the Tin Can Bay Marina where we enjoyed a delicious seafood BBQ. Tales of woe from some participants whose boats had not enjoyed the boisterous conditions.

Monday, 29 July 2013 - Tin Can Bay to Kingfisher Bay Resort

Crew get to steer in the rain!

A late start so we cross the shallows on high tide and another great dinner at the resort. We are enjoying the company of lots of new people and rally organisers are doing a great job. Trivia sheets for each leg have us wracking our brains and help to pass the time.








Tuesday, 30 July 2013 - Kingfisher Bay to Bundaberg
Another early start for the 50 nm to Bundy. It was a beautiful day and once the southerly breeze picked up and we cleared the fairway beacon we raised the spinnaker which we carried all the way to Bundaberg.

Rous Explorer passed close by and got some great photos for us. We are anchored in the river by 1500.

The Prince's Block

Friday, 28 June 2013 - RQYS
We were surprised and honoured to be presented the Prince's Block trophy at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Cruising awards night. This is presented for a "Cruise of Merit" in the previous year and our trip to the Louisiades got the nod this year. The large wooden block includes a lot of illustrious previous winners including David Beard (first solo non-stop circumnavigation of Australia) and Petrea Heathwood (well known contributor to Cruising Helmsman).

Now we just need a boat big enough for the block!