Whitsunday Wanderings

Monday 22, September to Friday, 3 October 2014
We spent 4 nights at Bona Bay where we caught up with RQ and Tasmanian friends.

Big flathead from Bona Bay

On Wednesday, we headed back to Airlie Beach via a night at Olden Island which turned out to be a surprisingly good anchorage in the easterly breeze.

On Friday, Josh and Jo arrived at Hamilton and we motored around to Whitehaven Beach for their first night with us. A morning walk on the beach was followed by a quick trip to Windy Bay for a snorkel and lunch.

We then headed to Betty's Beach to climb to the lookout for the iconic Whitsunday photo of Hill Inlet.

Saturday night was spent in the beautiful Nara Inlet. On Sunday we walked up to the cave with Aboriginal art before heading to Black Island for some more snorkelling.

Sunday afternoon we sailed across to Airlie Beach marina so Josh and Jo could catch their morning flight from Proserpine back to Brissie. With perfect weather we packed a lot into their 3 days with us. Josh and Warren took lots of GoPro footage so keep an eye out for the movie.

Josh's newest toy - a GoPro gyro mount

Since leaving Airlie we have spent our nights at Stonehaven enjoying the sunsets while we snorkelled during the day. Blue Pearl Bay is still a good spot while Maureen's Cove has some good bombies but also a lot of dead coral, no doubt as a consequence of the last cyclone in this area.

We will stay in the Whitsundays until we get some northerlies so we can start to slowly head south.

Townsville and back

Monday, 8 September to Sunday, 21 September 2014
We were pleased when our new spinnaker arrived on Monday in Airlie as promised by John Penfold Sails in Brisbane. We got a great opportunity to see how it looked the next day for most of the 72nm to Cape Upstart.

Big Red is back

On Wednesday we had to motor/motor sail most of the way to Magnetic Island. Thursday was spent fixing the fridge which was losing power intermittently. After finding the switch was not the problem we eventually pulled the whole fridge out (not easy as there was not enough slack in the wiring) and cleaned the power terminals. This seemed to fix the proiblem (I am touching wood as I type this!).

On Saturday, friends Marie and Rob joined us in Townsville for the weekend. We had dinner at the Seaview pub on the Strand (watching the Broncos lose to the Cowboys in the background) and then had a good sail Sunday over to Nelly Bay for lunch. Rob showed that his skills as a pilot could quickly be adapted to sailing.

On Monday after doing the chores we went for a bike ride along the Ross River bikeway. We rode over 20k but this was only about half way so we'll have to save the rest for next time.

Tuesday we headed up to NE Bay on Palm Island after hearing it was worth the visit in the light conditions expected for the next few days. Great advice as we enjoyed the crystal clear water, snorkelling, white sandy beach and only 1 other boat for 2 of the 3 nights we were there.

Its hard to capture the beauty in the perfect conditions we experienced. The last night was a bit rolly as the breeze went to the north and we did hear that the other couple had sighted a large shark amongst the coral so I was glad we had finished our snorkelling.

On Friday with a E - NE breeze forecast we left Palm Island to begin the trek south. Warren caught a 90cm Spanish Mackeral before we had left the bay to top off a great spot.

Our plan to go to Cape Bowling Green was changed once the NE breeze filled in late in the afternoon and we decided to try for Gloucester Island. Unfortunately the 10-15 NE became a 15-20+ E breeze which was very uncomfortable so we altered course for Cape Upstart where we arrived at 2320. It had been a long day which included some great sailing, a marlin jumping out of the water metres away from us, and 2 close encounters with trawlers at night.

Saturday we motorsailed/sailed to Bona Bay on Gloucester Island where we arrived at the same time as a 25 knot easterley. We will stay here until the winds drop early next week before heading back to the Whitsundays to pick up our son Josh and his girlfriend Jo for a few days.

Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous 2014

Monday, 1 September to Sunday, 7 September 2014
Another great week in the Whitsundays enjoying the company of 5 other boats. We had such a good time on this rally last year that we signed up again with Multihull Solutions.

The weather was kinder this year and we enjoyed some good sails with Blue Spirit (Lightwave 45), Lickity Split Take 2 (Prescott 14.2), the mothership Saba (Salina 48) and Cut Snake (Stealth 12) who broke a forestay on the second day which slowed them down somewhat. Also along was the 40 foot power cat Retirn who saved the day when an injured participant had to be rushed to an ambulance at Shute Harbour with a dislocated shoulder. Paul showed true spirit to make it back to Long Island for the final party.

Blue Spirit

We sailed from Airlie Beach to Macona Inlet where we had sundowners on Saba and showed what bad artists we are in a Pictionary type game. A good sail to Cid Harbour for lunch before moving to Hamilton Island for dinner with a party animal theme.

Warren trying to keep the party animals under control

From there it was on to Whitehaven Beach in perfect conditions for prawns and punch and a walk to Chance Bay. Then on to Lindeman Island where we enjoyed sundowners on the beach and fresh mackeral on Retirn.

The final nights dinner was held at Long Island resort and we were very excited to receive the major award for the Rendezvous - a beautiful trophy designed, crafted and donated by Jo Wooler. Check out Jo's amazing work at mojocreations (All stainless steel Lynne!)

Jo engraved our smaller replica on Lickity Split

Thanks to all participants for a great week and a special thank you to Rachel, Katie and the multi talented Condor from Multihull Solutions.

Friends and SICYC Rendezvous 2014

Friday, 22 August to Sunday, 31 August 2014
Our friend Christine had a good view of the race yachts finishing in Dent passage as she flew into Hamilton Island. The next flight had to abort its landing after a maxi yacht got too close to the end of the runway.

We had a great few days, including the challenging climb up Whitsunday Peak. The wind did not get as bad as predicted but we stayed on the inside of the Whitsunday islands and enjoyed calm anchorages and a couple of good sails in the Passage.

Sadly we only saw one whale in the distance and no fish. We didn't quite finish the jigsaw Christine bought as a present although we did give it a good try. I was left with all the black bits which tested my patience!

After Christine flew out of Hamilton we headed off to Double Bay and joined the many yachts headed towards the SICYC Rendezvous at Montes resort. It was another great 4 days - about 170 boats, hundreds of people and over $68000 raised for Prostate Cancer research.

Tai Chi on the beach

It is always a great opportunity to catch up with cruising friends and talk about what people have been doing and have planned for the coming year. The Parrot Head party was a highlight with a great Jimmy Buffet band "Montserrat" which kept the dance floor full all evening.

My TAFE friends might remember Kay from Southbank with her husband Brian who won the best dressed award on the night.

Blue Horizon put in a big effort for the best dressed boat

 On Sunday we sailed back to Airlie to get ready for our next activity - the Multihull Rendezvous.

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