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!

Home to Raby Bay

Sunday, 25 November 2012

We cruised home under spinnaker in company with many of the Seawind fleet.

We arrived at Raby Bay to be greeted by my Mum and good friends Maureen and Kev. 

Warren tooted the horn as we entered the channel to Raby Bay and suddenly it was over. 

We had been gone nearly 6 months, covered over 4000nm, made lots of new friends and experienced a lifestyle far removed from our own.

Seawind Moreton Bay Regatta

Friday, 23 November to Saturday, 24 November 2012
We had a nice spinnaker run down from Mooloolaba on Friday to join the other 12 Seawinds in the Moreton Bay regatta run out of the Moreton Bay Boat Club at Scarborough.

The race on Saturday was a handicap start with 1000s first then 1000XLs, 1160s and Wind of Change (the only 1250 in the fleet) last to start. As usual there was very close racing throughout the fleet.

1160s tussle

We weren't sure how we would go given all the cruising gear on board Phase2, however a good start put us ahead of the other 1160s Talisker and Scarlett and we managed to hold them and Windy off to the finish.

Black Diamond

Winner was the 1000XL Black Diamond, followed by the 1000 Balakera with Phase2 third. It was a fun weekend and a great way to finish our 2012 cruise.

Balakera

Using the Northerly

Thursday, 15 November 2012 - GKI to Pancake Ck
It was a motorsail most of the day with the emphasis on motor in the light northerly breeze. It was nearly 1600 before we could get the spinnaker up for the final hour to Pancake Creek. We went into the inner anchorage and were happy to catch up with Kool Sid who we met at Lizard last year. They circumnavigated Tasmania earlier this year and spoke very highly of the experience.

Friday, 16 November 2012 - Pancake Ck to Fraser Is
The forecasters got it right today with a light NW early that built throughout the day. We had a great spinnaker run until we dropped it at 1500 when we were getting 25kn gusts. Top speed of 14.8kn but the spinnaker repair held together beautifully.

We had a wonderful dolphin experience where a large male was showing off beside the boat leaping out of the waves. We anchored at 2315 behind Bookar Island after an exciting trip in the dark through the northern Sandy Straits doing 8-10 knots with assistance from the tide. 116nm in the day.

We awoke Saturday morning to find Waterfront anchored nearby. We moved to Garry's Anchorage to meet Lois and Kel on Seatime. We were joined by Thalassa, also sitting out more southerlies.

Monday, 19 November 2012 - Fraser Is to Mooloolaba
Up at 0430 to ride the ebb tide down to the Wide Bay Bar in company with Waterfront. A light NW wind meant a good crossing and then a great reach as the wind increased. The breeze died around 1100 so motored for an hour until it filled in again and we could raise the spinnaker. 68nm to the Yacht Club marina for 4 nights to sit out more southerlies.

We have made the most of our time here with walks on the beach and swims everyday. Tomorrow we are going to Scarborough to join the Seawind Moreton Bay Regatta before finally heading home on Sunday.

Brampton Island to GKI

Saturday, 3 November to Tuesday, 6 November 2012
We spent a relaxing 4 nights at Brampton Island sitting out the south easterly. We got some much needed exercise in the kayaks and even saw the Melbourne Cup where I saved a few dollars by not having a bet on my picks.

Looking towards the closed resort on Brampton Island

Wednesday, 7 November 2012 - Brampton Is to Curlew Is
The breeze started out as forecast - ESE 15-20 decreasing and moving more to the east through the day. So we headed east to be ready for the shift only to have the breeze shift to the south. Sailing can be frustrating at times. It was ideal conditions for our genoa, however by 1530 we had had enough and started an engine. We dropped anchor at Curlew Island after 2000. Highlight of the day was a double hook up of mackeral (one spotted and one school). Lowlight was discovering chaffing on the main halyard near the top of the mast.

Thursday, 8 November 2012 - Curlew Is to Hunter Is
Our anchorage had quite a swell in the morning so Warren didn't fancy a trip up the mast to check the halyard. Instead we put in the first reef and headed out into the forecast 10-15knot E-NE wind. Conditions were a bit more boisterous than that and with a nasty sea, our plans for the day were amended from Island Head Creek to the beautiful Hunter Island. It was calm in the easterly and Warren went up the mast, cut off the chaffed section of the halyard and tied off the end.

View from the top

Friday, 9 November 2012 - Hunter Island to Port Clinton
Our overnight at Hunter meant we had the tide with us in the morning across the top of Thirsty Sound. As the tide here can run over 3 knots, this is an important consideration. The northerly eased by 0900 so more motoring off and on until the NE settled in after lunch and we had a great reach to Port Clinton.

During the afternoon a drama unfolded over the VHF radio as a small runabout from Yeppoon started taking on water. A rescue boat and helicopter were sent and a trawler and other boats nearby rushed to the sinking boat's location. The Coastguard boat arrived first and used a pump to try to keep the boat afloat however the runabout soon went down. The couple and their child were safe but the semi-submerged boat was sighted again the next day and was a hazard to boats in the area.

Saturday, 10 November 2012 - Port Clinton to Rosslyn Bay
Light breeze early, some motoring, reaching and finished with a spinnaker run. 41 miles to the marina as a strong SE change is expected overnight. We stayed 3 nights and caught up with Gail and John from Hadja. We swapped Louisiades stories with them as they had gone on the first rally in 2008.

Tuesday, 13 November 2012 - Rosslyn Bay to Great Keppel Is
We left the marina and sailed the short distance to GKI. The breeze is still SE so we will spend a couple of nights here until the wind goes more to the north east.

This beautiful area is under threat from proposed coal ports in the Fitzroy delta region. Click below to find out more and have your say.

http://protectkeppelbay.good.do/deltabayreef/email-tony-burke-campbell-newman-anthony-albanese/

Final Louisiades updates

I have added the final updates to the blog for Louisiades. Click below to view.

PNG - The Home stretch

Phase2 gets creative

Magnetic Island to Brampton Island

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 to Saturday, 3 November 2012

After 2 days at Horseshoe Bay waiting for a good breeze to head south and allowing our colds to run their course, we leave early on Wednesday morning for the 76nm sail to Cape Upstart. We sailed most of the day in perfect conditions for our genoa only needing to motor for a few hours at lunchtime when the breeze died.

Thursday was a repeat for the 54nm to Montes Resort - a bit quieter than the last time we were here for the Shaggers Rendezvous.

From here we had a pit stop at Airlie Beach to fill the water tanks and buy a few essentials before a brisk sail to Dugong Inlet to escape the northerly. The anchorage was much more picturesque than we expected and had plenty of room for the 20 yachts here.

Saturday we left the Whitsundays and sailed to Brampton Island for a few days as another SE change is expected.

View from Carlisle Island

Louisiades photos

I'm sitting at Horseshoe Bay with a cold so have taken the opportunity to update some blog entries below and add photos. Click on the links below to view.

Bagaman Island and Beach Party Time

Island hopping

The trip home begins

Friday, 19 September to Sunday, 28 September 2012
Cairns to Magnetic Island

We spent a week at the Marlin Marina, waiting for an easing of the strong south easterlies and doing a few jobs. We restocked fresh fruit and veggies but have enough cans etc. for months I suspect. Warren cleaned Phase2 and traded tips with Brett from Wind of Change who keeps this yacht immaculate also.

Seawind 1250 and 1160

The marina is well located with daily walks along the Esplanade a highlight.

On Friday 26 September we headed off in a light south westerly that was predicted to go to the east during the day. We sailed to Fitzroy Island then with an easing breeze we motored to Russell Island where we picked up a mooring. The other 3 rally yachts who had left a bit before us pushed on to Zoe Bay, arriving at 2300.

Cruise ship Volendum entering Cairns as we leave

Saturday we left early under motor but by 1100 had the spinnaker up as we passed the North Barnard Island group. The spinnaker is going well after being repaired in Bwagoia Harbour by Kate and Graham from Thalassa who had a sewing machine on board. We blew it apart on a tight reach from Kamataal to Misima.

Head and luff resewn

We carried it passed Dunk Island in perfect conditions that made us change our mind from an anchorage at nearby Garden Island to continuing on to Orpheus Island.  A fast reach under genoa most of the way so we arrived at 1900 having covered 83nm in the day.

Another early start on Sunday to get to Horseshoe Bay before the south easterlies pick up in the afternoon. We plan to spend a few days here waiting for a more favourable breeze and as we both have colds. It could be worse, as one rally member was admitted to Townsville hospital with malaria on his return to Australia. We still have another couple of weeks of anti-malarials to go.

Amazing Louisiades Adventure

Tuesday, 16 October to Friday, 19 October, 2012 
Louisiades to Mission Bay, Cairns

We dropped the anchor at 0145 on Friday morning after covering the 503 nm from the Louisiades to here in 64 hours - an average of 7.8 knots. The rally was an amazing experience that we both thoroughly enjoyed. I will update the earlier posts with photos and more detail over the coming days (weeks??).

The trip home was a more typical Coral Sea crossing than our trip over. We left Duchateau with 6 other rally yachts (5 going to Cairns with us and 1 to Townsville).

Nestasea leaving Duchateau

The first 2 days we had winds of up to 35 knots and large, confused seas. We put in our second reef at 1500 on Tuesday, the third reef an hour later and half furled our self tacker jib another hour later as the squalls continued to roll past. We sailed like this all night and I did not enjoy the conditions at all.

Warren was left to do most of the sailing with a couple of hours sleep when I could stand a watch around midnight. Conditions improved during Wednesday and Thursday was a fantastic sail in perfect conditions. I was back on deck and enjoying some food again and we had full main and self tacker all day. We averaged 8.8 knots during the day and covered 193 nm in 24 hours. This was a great way to finish the rally.

Friday morning we moved to Marlin Marina in Cairns where we cleared customs and quarantine after getting the all clear from Wallace.

Warren loved Wallace's booties

Nearly Home

Left PNG on Tuesday. Now we're about 130nm from Cairns. Should arrive tonight and clear customs tomorrow. Trip rougher than going over but Phase2 handling it well.

PNG: The home stretch

Thursday, 11 October to Monday, 15 October 2012
Nimowa and Wanim Islands

We motored most of the 21 nm from Sabera Island to Nimowa Island where we anchored in 20m of water. Once we would have thought this very deep however after 4 weeks in these waters we consider it average. We went ashore Thursday afternoon for a welcome from the local elementary school.

The spelling looked right from where the teacher stood

On Friday we all piled into banana boats for a trip up the Fieori River, Sudest Island to swim in the waterfall.

This is a popular swimming place for the local kids and safer than the river where some boats sighted a large croc.

After the river trip, some of us visited the local elementary school to pass on some donations. They had prepared some dances for us and had prepared a very generous afternoon tea.

On Saturday we visited the local clinic where we gave our major donation for the trip to support their work and in particular the Clinic Ambulance that had been donated by a previous rally participant. Sister Sarah proudly stated they are now rated the best of the 40 regional clinics in PNG - partly due to rally donations. While at the clinic, John from Allikat lead a team that rigged up a solar light system for the waiting house for expectant mothers.

Salvaged ex RPAYC start boat now does service as the Clinic Ambulance

After visiting the clinic we played soccer with the local school kids. Warren was manager of the team and had to be careful with team substitutions to ensure that the kids won. All the kids got a gift at the end. We gave some bags that Ben had given us to any kids that had been bowled over by an overly enthusiastic dimdim.

After the game we had lunch prepared by the local ladies. It rained off and on most of the day but this did not dampen any spirits.

On Sunday we motorsailed 10nm to Wanim Island for our last night together and the planned pirate party. Unfortunately the rain had set in and our BBQ on the beach was changed to drinks on Nalukai (50 foot cat).

The Nalukai girls had prepared a great documentary of the trip which everyone loved, Guy gave out certificates to all and I read a poem we had written using the yacht names (see below). It was a great way to finish the rally.

Hope to start trip home on Tuesday.