SE 20 – 25 knots
Lois and Kel left this morning to fly back to Darwin and we decided to spend another night in the marina to prepare for the trip home and let the winds ease (we hope). Tomorrow will be a big day as the nearest anchorage is Digby Island (about 45 miles to the SE). No more updates until we get to Rosslyn Bay (Yeppoon) in a week or so.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
24 June 2008 Keswick to Mackay
SE 20 knots
After a rolly night at Keswick we motored past the large houses on the hill overlooking Egremont Passage. We are not sure what the attraction is but apparently there are plans to develop the island for 2000 people. Warren says they can have it – this was not his favourite anchorage. There was a BBQ at the marina tonight and we met quite a few interesting people – all heading north. They can’t understand why we would want to head south! Why are we again??
After a rolly night at Keswick we motored past the large houses on the hill overlooking Egremont Passage. We are not sure what the attraction is but apparently there are plans to develop the island for 2000 people. Warren says they can have it – this was not his favourite anchorage. There was a BBQ at the marina tonight and we met quite a few interesting people – all heading north. They can’t understand why we would want to head south! Why are we again??
23 June 2008 Goldsmith to Keswick Island
SE 15–25 knots
We decided to move on as we need to get closer to Mackay so headed off with a forecast of 15-20 knots. It didn’t take long for us to realise that we needed a couple of reefs in the main. It was hard going into the south easterly with a large swell. We decided to stop at Brampton for lunch to see if the wind and seas would abate with the change of the tide. Good protection and a pity we had to move on. We decided to head for Keswick Island over Scawfell Island as it is closer to Mackay.
We decided to move on as we need to get closer to Mackay so headed off with a forecast of 15-20 knots. It didn’t take long for us to realise that we needed a couple of reefs in the main. It was hard going into the south easterly with a large swell. We decided to stop at Brampton for lunch to see if the wind and seas would abate with the change of the tide. Good protection and a pity we had to move on. We decided to head for Keswick Island over Scawfell Island as it is closer to Mackay.
21, 22 June 2008 - Goldsmith Island
SE 20-30 knots
Our first visit to Goldsmith and it offers good protection from the strong winds in Roylen Bay. We spent 2 full days here reading, fishing (some bream and lots of lost gear to the sharks), exploring (more snakes) and relaxing. This is only the fourth time in 5 weeks that we have spent more than one night at an anchorage.
Our first visit to Goldsmith and it offers good protection from the strong winds in Roylen Bay. We spent 2 full days here reading, fishing (some bream and lots of lost gear to the sharks), exploring (more snakes) and relaxing. This is only the fourth time in 5 weeks that we have spent more than one night at an anchorage.
20 June 2008 - Thomas Is to Goldsmith Is
Light SE breezes
Thomas Island is described as one of the best anchorages in the Whitsundays and it did not disappoint. We spent the morning exploring the beaches and hiked up a dry creek bed to try to get to the other side of the island.
Beautiful wildflowers but only a glimpse of the southern side. As the wind is predicted to increase tomorrow we decided to head to Goldsmith Island this afternoon instead of tomorrow.
19 June 2008 – To Thomas Island
Light SE breezes
Left Whitehaven early to get through Solway Passage before the tide began to run too fast. Sailed to Lindeman Island while having breakfast and anchored at Gap Beach to climb Mt Oldfield for one of the best views of the Whitsundays. In a word – spectacular (and no snakes!). The picture at left is looking towards Shaw Island. After lunch, we had a gentle sail between Shaw and Lindeman then around to Thomas Island.
Left Whitehaven early to get through Solway Passage before the tide began to run too fast. Sailed to Lindeman Island while having breakfast and anchored at Gap Beach to climb Mt Oldfield for one of the best views of the Whitsundays. In a word – spectacular (and no snakes!). The picture at left is looking towards Shaw Island. After lunch, we had a gentle sail between Shaw and Lindeman then around to Thomas Island.
16 – 18 June 2008 – Snorkelling and more
We left Hamilton Monday morning and sailed through Solway Passage to anchor at Whitehaven Beach. We enjoyed great Gympie steaks on the BBQ and caught up with Lois and Kel’s travels in Europe by barge, bike and train over the last 6 weeks. Tuesday we sailed north to Cateran Bay on Border Island to enjoy some great snorkelling. The water was clearer than we had seen to date with colourful coral and fish. We spent the night here on a mooring. Wednesday we checked out Dumbell and Esk Islands on the way to Chalkie’s Beach. More good snorkelling – this time off a sandy beach with lots of inquisitive fish. Spent the night at Whitehaven.
14 – 15 June 2008 – Crew changeover
SE 20 – 25 knots
We hiked up the hill overlooking the anchorage at South Molle Island for a fantastic view of where we had sailed over the last week. Excitement on the descent as Warren nearly stood on a snake. We decided to try our new storm jib on the sail to Cid Harbour this morning. Len and Warren got it set and we were happy with the way it performed. Hopefully we won’t need this sail but it is nice to know it is there if required. We spent the night in Cid Harbour as Len and Isla fly home tomorrow from Hamilton and our friends Lois and Kel join us for 10 days. Seas were very rough as we motored to Hamilton on Sunday morning and Len and Isla had some anxious moments when we couldn’t get onto our berth immediately. They made their flight as Isla hitched a lift with one of the many golf buggies after they missed the airport bus. It’s nonstop excitement with us!
We hiked up the hill overlooking the anchorage at South Molle Island for a fantastic view of where we had sailed over the last week. Excitement on the descent as Warren nearly stood on a snake. We decided to try our new storm jib on the sail to Cid Harbour this morning. Len and Warren got it set and we were happy with the way it performed. Hopefully we won’t need this sail but it is nice to know it is there if required. We spent the night in Cid Harbour as Len and Isla fly home tomorrow from Hamilton and our friends Lois and Kel join us for 10 days. Seas were very rough as we motored to Hamilton on Sunday morning and Len and Isla had some anxious moments when we couldn’t get onto our berth immediately. They made their flight as Isla hitched a lift with one of the many golf buggies after they missed the airport bus. It’s nonstop excitement with us!
Sunday, 15 June 2008
13 June 2008 Seawind Rally
Last race from Stonehaven to South Molle Island. Still plenty of breeze around and a gate start to get the fleet away. Brent has done a great job organising the regatta with a good mix of sailing and socialising in fantastic locations around the Whitsundays.
Tomorrow some crews start the long trip home, some fly out to various parts of Australia and the world, and the lucky ones like us get to spend more time in this beautiful area.
12 June 2008 Seawind Rally
Race 5 - Tongue Point to Butterfly Bay. Another great sail downwind in 15 - 25 knots. We picked up a mooring in Maureen's Cove on the northern side of Hook Island and went for a snorkel on the reef. There was plenty of good coral and fish however the visibility was not great. A quiet night before the last race tomorrow.
11 June 2008 Seawind Rally
Race 4 - Shaw Island to Whitehaven Beach. Brent decided to mix things up today with a staggered start based on the boats finish times in the first 3 races. Our good results to date meant we started (and finished) second last. Luckily there was plenty of food at the BBQ lunch prior to the flipper races.
Whitehaven is a hive of activity with monohulls, multis, charter boats and seaplanes.
10 June 2008 Seawind Rally
Race 3 saw the fleet head south to Shaw Island. 20-25 knots SE again with big seas and unfortunately a couple of boats suffered sail damage and had to retire. The crowd was entertained at happy hour on the beach by a dinghy race where the skipper had to row while blindfolded while their partner gave directions. Luckily they don't sail like this.
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
7-9 June 2008 Seawind Rally
Great start to the rally so far. 17 Seawinds here and everyone keen to make new friends and enjoy the opportunity to hear about others adventures and places to visit. Saturday night saw a meet the fleet party at Shute Harbour followed by the first race on Sunday. The forecast 20 - 30 knot winds did not eventuate and we had a nice sail around Long Island to finish (in some chaos) at Happy Bay. The fickle winds and constantly changing places lead to many animated discussions at the Hawaian party that night. Royce was the best of the karaoke lineup and we all somehow found the energy to dance the night away.
Monday saw a Le Mans start where one person from each boat had to start on the beach. This is the first time I can recall a race where the prestart tactical discussion centred on the fastest way to get the dinghy on board and the sails up. It was also lady skippers day and with a steady 20 odd knots of breeze it was an exhilarating sail. Perrfection made it 2 in a row.
Hamilton Island Marina managed to fit us all in and Isla and I climbed to the top of the island for a spectacular view. We had another good night at Romano's restaurant including a trivia quiz.
Friday, 6 June 2008
1-6 June 2008 Whitsunday Cruising
We are back at Airlie Beach after a week cruising the Whitsundays. The weather has been fantastic (sorry Ben!!) Blue skies, light breezes and some of the most beautiful anchorages. But the week didn't start like that. After Ben caught his flight back to Melbourne last Sunday, we motored back to Cid Harbour as it was still raining and visibility was not good (You may have heard about one poor boatie who ended up on the rocks near Hamilton).
Monday we headed around to Whitehaven Beach where the sun came out for the first time in a week.
On the way we passed these kayakers who were no doubt happy the weather had eased.
We had a paddle in our kayaks at Whitehaven and then headed to Tongue Bay for the evening. Just 3 other boats when we got there and very quiet.........until the charter boats started arriving.
We had a paddle in our kayaks at Whitehaven and then headed to Tongue Bay for the evening. Just 3 other boats when we got there and very quiet.........until the charter boats started arriving.
By morning when Warren went to Hill Inlet for a fish there must have been 100 people on the beach. We spent Tuesday night here also and then Wednesday at nearby Esk Island (I couldn't handle another night of the backpackers).
I read while Warren fished and we both kayaked up Hill Inlet. Warren got his first mud crab and we caught enough dart and whiting for several meals.
Thursday we headed for Woodwark Bay (on the mainland north of Airlie Beach). We put our spinnaker up in the light winds. Another beautiful spot and no charter boats. We are now back at Airlie Beach getting organised for the Seawind Rally. Len and Isla join us tomorrow and we have already met a number of other sailors who are participating in the rally including 2 couples from the US. Looks like being great fun.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Saturday 31st May 2008 - Cid Harbour to Hamilton Island
We awoke to a fog and light drizzle. So far no sunshine for Ben's visit - just like Christmas 2007. Luckily he is going home tomorrow and we expect perfect weather for the next 6 weeks. We relaxed and read enjoying the quiet surroundings. Highlight of the morning was seeing a huge (1m) turtle cruise by. We motored around to Hamilton Island Marina after lunch. An easy dock, beside our next purchase if we ever decide to get a powerboat. Ben and I rode our bikes around the island. This island is where golf buggies rule... they are everywhere! Notably sulpher crested cockatoos may even outnumber the golf buggies... well maybe not.
Friday 30th May 2008 – Shaw Island to Cid Harbour
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Departed 1100, Strong Wind Warning SE 20 – 25 knotsOvercast and windy. Timed our sail to catch the last of the ebb tide down the Whitsunday Passage. Cid Harbour is very protected and we anchored off Sawmill Beach. Went ashore and hiked around to Dugong Beach. Our first exercise for a couple of weeks. No dugongs but we did see a couple of turles. Warren still promising the chocolate cake which he baked for dessert.
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Thursday 29th May 2008 – Mackay to Shaw Island
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Departed 0730, Strong Wind Warning SSE 20 – 25 knots
They are talking about a gale warning tomorrow so we have decided to head further north than originally planned as Ben is leaving Sunday from Hamilton Island. 2 reefs in the main but we still made good progress and arrived at Shaw Island about 1430. We have now officially reached the Whitsundays and we had a bottle of champagne (thanks to Suzanne and the ISAS Upgrade team) to celebrate. Warren promised to bake a chocolate cake but it didn’t appear.
Wednesday 28th May 2008 – Curlew Island to Mackay
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Departed 0715, SE 15 – 20 knots
Uneventful trip apart from having to detour around the 21 ships at anchor outside Hay Point. This is a secure pilotage area and you cannot enter we discovered. Called Ben on the way in and he did our shopping for us as he had just arrived from Melbourne. We were so happy to see him again. Ben shouted us dinner at the marina Steakhouse which we would recommend.
Uneventful trip apart from having to detour around the 21 ships at anchor outside Hay Point. This is a secure pilotage area and you cannot enter we discovered. Called Ben on the way in and he did our shopping for us as he had just arrived from Melbourne. We were so happy to see him again. Ben shouted us dinner at the marina Steakhouse which we would recommend.
Tuesday 27th May 2008 – Island Head Creek to Curlew Island
Departed 0630, SE 20 – 25 knots
As we are picking up our eldest son Ben tomorrow, we decided to try to get to Curlew Island (about 75 nm) so we have less to travel tomorrow. Seas very rough as we left the creek but we are finding Next Phase handles them well. New speed record for me 14.8 knots surfing down one of the swells. Warren was in the head (toilet) at the time and found it particularly exhilarating. The wind eased after lunch or so Warren assured me, so we hoisted the spinnaker to keep the speed up. We surfed along at 10, 11, 12 knots until we needed to gybe at Middle Percy Island and decided that the breeze was back over 20 knots so dropped the spinnaker.
As we are picking up our eldest son Ben tomorrow, we decided to try to get to Curlew Island (about 75 nm) so we have less to travel tomorrow. Seas very rough as we left the creek but we are finding Next Phase handles them well. New speed record for me 14.8 knots surfing down one of the swells. Warren was in the head (toilet) at the time and found it particularly exhilarating. The wind eased after lunch or so Warren assured me, so we hoisted the spinnaker to keep the speed up. We surfed along at 10, 11, 12 knots until we needed to gybe at Middle Percy Island and decided that the breeze was back over 20 knots so dropped the spinnaker.
Monday 26th May 2008 – Island Head Creek
After the big clean up we moved towards the mouth and the middle of the creek – as far as possible from any shore! Warren tried the fishing without success. Met Paul, another Seawind owner, who gave us a red emperor as he had found a good spot. We went over to try ourselves and Warren hooked a big one that unfortunately headed for the rocks and broke the line.
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