Whitsundays

Brampton Island to Whitsundays
Friday, 15 August to Thursday, 21 August, 2014
We waited until noon to finish the last leg to the Whitsundays so we had the tide with us. It was raining and windy so we headed straight to Cid Harbour and anchored with about 70 other yachts. Drama on the way past Shaw Island when some people reported that their 40 foot yacht had drifted off during the night while they were camped on a nearby island.

Welcome to the Whitsundays

Lots of Shaggers in Cid Harbour so drinks ashore Saturday night after the rain finally cleared in the afternoon. Sunday we headed around to Whitehaven with light winds forecast for the next few days. It was the first race of Hamilton Island Race Week and we watched the start on the way through.

Seawind 1250 in the Multihull Cruising division

Very little wind but they did manage to start all the fleets.

Our two days at Whitehaven were perfect for kayaking and walks on the beach (once the hordes of day trippers had left). I still haven't had a swim but the water is definitely getting warmer.

Tuesday we headed into the marina at Airlie Beach to stock up and do the usual chores. Now back at Cid Harbour ready to pick up our friend Christine who joins us for a few days.

Goodbye Big Red

Rosslyn Bay to Brampton Island 
Wednesday, 6 August to Thursday, 14 August 2014
We eventually got away at first light from Rosslyn Bay on Wednesday in a SSE wind that averaged 20 knots in the morning and got up to 29 knots in the afternoon. Our first reef was in by 1000 and was quickly followed by the second. Seas were messy but not too uncomfortable although I did wait for lunch until after we anchored in Island Head Creek at 1345. We had covered 55 nm in just over 7 hours.

We anchored in the outer anchorage behind a sand bar that offered some protection at low tide. With the winds back up again, we stayed here for 4 nights. We had whiting for dinner 2 nights thanks to Warren's fishing skills (and a couple I caught!) and I got into my books and practised my splicing.

More practise needed

Sunday was moving day, with the wind down to 15-20 knots we left the anchorage with 10 other yachts and 3 power boats. Some were heading for Mackay, some Middle Percy, while we made for Curlew Island. We had the spinnaker up for most of the day and arrived at Curlew just before 1700. Unfortunately, while dropping the spinnaker, the halyard snap shackle released and the head of the sail fell into the water. By the time we had retrieved the sail it had been destroyed. Unlike the Louisiades, it is not a repair job this time!

Monday we motorsailed most of the way to Brampton Island where we are still anchored today, Thursday. There have been a stream of boats coming and going including the Seawind 1160 Hadja who we enjoyed catching up with. The anchorage has been quite good in the conditions and we are off for a walk around the island shortly. Tomorrow we will probably do the last leg into the Whitsundays.

Just us on the beach at Brampton Is

We have been keeping track of whale sightings - 6 so far this trip.

Don't worry - a new one is on the way!

Feast or famine

Sandy Straits to Rosslyn Bay
Saturday, 26 July to Monday, 4 August 2014
After a week of very light winds that the power boats in our little fleet loved, we have now been tied up at the Keppel Bay marina for 3 nights (including tonight) due to a strong wind warning. We will probably have another one or 2 days here before we continue our journey north.

Sunrise over Tin Can Inlet

We had little wind up the Sandy Straits though we managed to get the spinnaker up for a couple of hours. Same on the legs to Bundaberg and Pancake Creek with the wind dying out around lunchtime each day. Lots of social activities though that allowed us to make new and renew old friendships.

Warren with his best friend in Bundy

Two days in Pancake Creek included a tour of the Bustard Head lighthouse and stories from the lightkeepers that called it home from 1868 to 1986 when the light was automated. The small museum on site told tales of drownings, suicides, abductions and murder - a hard life that took its toll on many of the people living there.

View from the top of the lighthouse

The Gilligans Island party was a great success with everyone getting into the spirit of the night.

Some scary Gingers!

Our final couple of days at Great Keppel Island were in crystal clear water that made checking the anchor a breeze.

A southeasterly change rolled through about 3 am Saturday and we all made for the marina at first light. The first boats in the Brisbane to Keppel Race had already finished and we watched the rest come in over the next 24 hours. We have washed, cleaned, provisioned and now just need the wind to ease a bit so we can continue our northern adventure.

Panorama stitch a bit short but you get the idea - beautiful GKI

Thanks to Ian and Dawn and their many helpers for another memorable Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally.

Northern Adventure begins

Raby Bay to Sandy Straits - Tuesday to Friday, 22- 25 July 2014


We are heading North again this year with the RQ Keppel Cruising Yacht Rally so Tuesday we sailed up to Manly for the farewell cocktail party. It was great to again see Mum there to say goodbye as she does each trip.

19 boats in total including 11 from last year. The weather was looking good so most headed off Wednesday for either Mooloolaba or straight through to the Sandy Straits.


Hot chocolate and Mum's biscuits

It was cold as we left the bay but a south-wester going south then south east gave a good spinnaker run.










We were anchored in the Mooloolaba pond before 1600.


Thursday we had an early start and with the breeze right up our stern we had to tack the spinnaker downwind in the predominately light winds. Started an engine as we got to Double Island Point to make sure we were across the bar before dark. Little swell and an uneventful  crossing - the best kind. Overnight at Pelican Bay then to Kauri Creek Friday morning on the high tide.  Nice spot though the entrance is quite shallow (only 2.1m at high tide)

Today we are at the Tin Can Bay marina for the Blue Lagoon party (The rally this year has a Castaways theme).

GoPro video

Here is a new video I made using the GoPro camera the boys bought us for Christmas. Can't wait to get some good sailing and underwater footage.

Home again, home again......

Tuesday, 19 November to Thursday, 28 November 2013

We had 4 nights at Pancake Creek waiting for some more northerlies. We climbed to the lighthouse again and Warren did some serious fishing. We did get a meal but it seemed the fish were just not biting.  

Looking across Jenny Lind Creek to Pancake Creek

On Friday, we had a leisurely 2 sail reach to Bundaberg in a light to moderate ENE wind. On Saturday we had a 0500 start as we wanted to get through the shallows at Sheridan Flats before the tide dropped too low. The day started with a fast 2 sail reach, then the breeze died and we resorted to the motor for 2 hours before we got the spinnaker up just before the Hervey Bay Fairway Beacon. We had a great run from here in company with Waterfront and were anchored in Garrys Anchorage by 1600 after covering 70nm.

Waterfront

With the weather looking good we set off at 0500 on Sunday to cross the Wide Bay Bar just after low tide. We left Garry's in company with Zoo and Waterfront and after an uneventful crossing of the bar (the best kind!) we set spinnakers for the 74nm to Mooloolaba.

The wind gradually built so when our snapshackle on the spinnakler sheet opened during a gybe we decided it was time to sock the spinnaker. We made good progress in the first hard running of the trip. Approaching Mooloolaba, we could see storms building in the west. A couple went safely past before it became clear one was coming our way. Luckily, Warren decided to drop the main before it hit with heavy rain and over 40 knots of wind. It didn't last long and we motored the last couple of miles into Mooloolaba.

We had a great 3 days in Mooloolaba, surfing and long walks every day. The south easterly eventually blew itself out and we decided to complete the trip back to Raby Bay on Thursday before the next SE change came through. We had a early surf before leaving at 0900 and setting the spinnaker for the final leg home. It was great to see Mum at the entrance to our canal to once again welcome us home.

Farewell to the Tropics

Monday, 11 November to Tuesday, 19 November 2013
On Monday we continued our trek south hoping to take advantage of the north easters forecast for the week to get down to the Keppels. Light breezes initially meant some motoring but we managed to sail most of the way to Plantation Bay on Lindeman Island.

Cosy at Curlew Island

An early start Tuesday as we had 80nm to cover to get to Curlew Island. A good 2 sail reach all day had the anchor down by 1730 in the small bay on the western side of Curlew. Lucky we were the only yacht there as there was not a lot of room. A bit rolly but tolerable. We awoke to find tracks on the beach that Warren thought was a croc at first before we decided it was a turtle that had laid it's eggs ashore overnight.

Another long day on Wednesday, 82nm to Port Clinton. Light winds and the notorious Shoalwater Bay tides meant the engines ran most of the day. By comparison, Thursday was an easy 44nm to Great Keppel Island under spinnaker most of the trip. Anchor down in time for lunch. Weather was very unsettled with storms around and multiple wind changes.

On Friday we celebrated Warren's birthday with sundowners with Len and Isla (Waterfront) whose youngest son Warren shares "big Warren's" birthday.

Beautiful GKI

On Saturday we upped anchor to motor to Rosslyn Bay Marina just as a large storm cell hit. We got a steady 40 knots for about half an hour. We were glad to tie up in the marina and looked forward to a couple of quiet nights. We caught up with John from Hadja and also had dinner with Trevor and Jan from Nefertiti while here. 

Monday, we left at 0600 again for the 73nm to Pancake Creek. a reach early, a few hours motoring and then a northerly for a spinnaker run in the afternoon. 10 boats here when we arrived with all but 2 leaving this morning while we decided to have another day at one of our favourite anchorages.

Bound for Curtis Island?

Melbourne Cup at Maggie

Sunday, 3 November to Sunday 10 November 2013
We caught a cab to the airport to drop off Ben for the flight to Melbourne and pickup a hire car for the day. We wanted to catch up with friends Marie and Rob at Forrest Beach (near Ingham) and see their new home. Last year we were there for the wetting of the roof and we wanted to see the final result.

It looks great - right on the waterfront, it has views across Halifax Bay to Great Palm Island. Beautiful lunch including an impressive upside down potato salad.

On Monday, Barry from Navcom came and installed the new AIS, a Raymarine 650. All good until we realised after he had left that it did not have the latest software installed. Tip of the week - if you have a 650 and your vessel appears in the AIS list then you need to update the software. Of course this is not an easy task so the rest of the day was sorting this out.

Tuesday was Melbourne Cup so we left the marina before 1000 to get to Horseshoe Bay for the BBQ lunch on the beach with Wirraway, Thalassa and New Horizons. The outlook was as beautiful as ever and I got second in the sweep.

With south-easters for the rest of the week, we enjoyed another stay here. Warren caught 3 crabs and nearly lost a toe while practising his crab tying skills. Boules and a BBQ lunch on Thursday with everyone was a fun way to fill in the day. The ladies had a win 13-11 in a close fought and very competitive match.

Saturday, we headed south in company with Thalassa with a forecast of ENE that stayed in the east most of the day (which of course was where we were headed). 10 hours to cover the 30nm to Cape Bowling Green tells the story. Luckily the breeze went NE after that and we had a good reach to Cape Upstart where we dropped anchor at 2030.

Thalassa

On Sunday, we sailed to Bona Bay in light winds. Final sundowners on board Phase2 with Gary and Bev of Wirraway as they are staying in Airlie for a while, and Kate, Graham and Rob (Thalassa). Fresh fish for dinner.

Wirraway at Bona Bay

Cairns to Townsville - 3 POB

Sunday, 27 October to Sunday, 3 November 2013
Our eldest son Ben flew into Cairns on Saturday from Melbourne. On Sunday we tacked down to Fitzroy Island in a moderate SE breeze. As more south easters were predicted for Monday we decided to stay 2 nights and wait for more favourable winds on Tuesday. The water was very clear and we enjoyed a long snorkel off the resort. Patches of good coral and fish to be seen.

On Tuesday, with an easterly forecast, we headed off early to sail the 60nm to Dunk Island. The resort is still closed however there is a new jetty so boats can bring day trippers and the National Park camp ground is also open.

After checking out the resort on Wednesday morning we raised the spinnaker and headed for Zoe Bay in a welcome northerly. We chalked up a milestone on this leg - 10,000 nm in Phase2 since her launch in May 2011. Bubbles at Zoe Bay to celebrate!

Thursday morning we climbed to the top of the waterfall before breakfast to escape the worst of the heat.

Then on to Little Pioneer Bay on Orpheus Island.

Scrambled eggs on the go

Sad sight at Horseshoe Bay

On Friday we sailed the 35nm to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island in a 15-20kn north easter.

Saturday we headed across to Breakwater marina. Dinner at Summerie's Thai restaurant was a great way to finish the week with Ben. He caught a flight back to Melbourne where the forecast for Monday was a chilly 6-14 degrees!!

South to Cairns

Monday, 14 October to Saturday, 26 October 2013
We had a good trip back from Lizard to Cairns. 35nm to Cape Bedford on Monday and we were lucky to sail the whole way in a light easterly/south east breeze. As it was very overcast when we left we decided to leave our visit to the Cod Hole for our next trip.

Ship loading silica at Cape Flattery

Tuesday we sailed 81nm to windward to Low Isles arriving at 1930. Warren caught 2 good sized school mackeral on the way. We had 3 nights here and enjoyed the snorkelling and sundowners ashore with Wirraway and Nefertiti. Our stay was extended to allow Warren to replace the water pump that stopped working properly. Luckily we carry a spare for all pumps so we replaced it and got a new pressure switch in Cairns to fix the old one.

On Friday we sailed to Cairns where we anchored in Trinity Inlet. Saturday morning we moved into the marina which we had booked for the next week. We had quite a few jobs on the list including trying to fix a flutter in the luff of the mainsail. This turned out to be a snapped bolt rope that we had to replace. Not an easy job as it required loosening batten cars, and pushing the new bolt rope down the luff at about 1.5m at a time, cutting the stitching at each point as we progressed (and resewing by hand). We'll see how it goes tomorrow!

We were lucky to see the start of the Crocodile Trophy mountain bike race. This is a 9 day race over 850km which includes 15000m climbing! Not for the faint hearted especially in the heat we have had this week. 116 starters this year including a lot of internationals. http://www.crocodile-trophy.com

The recently relaunched ex racing catamaran Bagatelle was our neighbour for a few days. Bagatelle was lost on Scott Reef off Cairns in May, 2004. She was salvalaged and sold by the insurance company to Rex and Steve who have spent the last 9 years rebuilding her. Now that is a project!

We have enjoyed being in the heart of Cairns and went to aqua aerobics classes at the lagoon and walks along the esplanade. Lots of boats left during the week when some northerlies appeared.

Our eldest son Ben joined us today and he is sailing south to Townsville with us over the next week.

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.