Well it was a lonely figure Amy and our grandson Jessie cut as we sailed away and watched them disappear into the distance at 9.15am on Friday 24 April – finally!!! Leaving so much behind. Of course we left in a northerly which meant we were beating into the wind all the way to Mooloolaba. Wasnt too bad but the swell started to increase and there were breakers across the river entrance which wasn’t very pleasant. We were advised later to stick to the western side of the wall on approach – well we did this – didn’t really have a choice at the time as that was where we got washed!!! Anyway safely into the river which is where we stayed for Saturday just to catch our breath. Had sundowners with Les off Moonlight Dancer who we met at Lizard last year. – 43 nm
Sunday 26 April we left at 5.30am. A long and boring day with some wind but not a lot. Got to the Wide Bay Bar at 3.30 on a rising tide and were anchored at Inskip Point at 4.30pm. (60nm) The sea was like glass and it was absolutely beautiful for sundowners. We left Inskip at 7am to go through the Great Sandy Straits on a high tide. Just as we got to the really tricky shallow bit 24 Rivieras (rather large motor boats) passed us without slowing down!! We were practically dipping our gunwales (top edge of the boat) in the water swaying from side to side – a rude and arrogant bunch – and then the real estate agent rang and was a little alarmed!!!!
Anyway we got through there about lunch time and the weather was beautiful, the seas were flat so decided to continue on to Bundaberg. The weather was so lovely when we got to Bundaberg at 9pm that we decided to keep going and try a night sail. The seas actually came up a bit through the night and it was a little unpleasant. Got Peter’s tracksuit and beanie out and left it on the lounge but when I checked on him he had a towel over his legs and a winch cover on his head – couldn’t find his tracksuit and beanie!!!! The seas were pretty sloppy and we got into Cape Capricorn at 1.50pm on Tuesday 28th and had a very welcome sleep. (206nm)
Left Cape Capricorn in calm weather heading for Great Keppell. We put the jenniker out and having a lovely sail so decided to keep going (trying to make the most of the good weather). It was a beautiful day – we did 3 hour shifts through the day. Got up towards Port Clinton, took the jenniker down and put the head sail out and the seas were so lovely we just kept going and the currents were also with us. This was the section which caused us so much grief last year. We motored sailed through the night – put the autopilot on and just kept checking the radar, course and anything else that was about and sat back and enjoyed the ride!!! Everything at night is amplified. The land which looks like we could almost touch it is actually 6 miles away and the stars were so bright. We were heading for Curlew Island but got there around 9.30am and the seas were so lovely and it was a beautiful day so we just kept going!! Rounded Double Island and got the jenniker up again and had a dream run all the way to Scawfell Island arriving at 5.10pm. There were three other yachts there and it was a beautiful anchorage and we decided to stay a day. ( 208nm)
However, Friday 1st May we decided to keep going – after all what would we do all day on a beach in the middle of nowhere!!!! So left at 8.45am and arrived at Shaw Island (well and truly in the Whitsundays by now) at 4.15 pm after a wonderful sail. Still no fish – obviously Jack is not here to supervise! (40nm)
Saturday 2 May left Shaw in around 20 knot winds at 7.45 and flew along with the wind up our tails with just the headsail out. Have caught lots of fish in the past trolling but never a shark on a lure trolling. Hooked onto one going past Hamilton Island at 7.5 knots. Took a bit to stop the boat to haul it in. Arrived at Cid Harbour at 11am which is where we sit catching up on all our chores. Winds are starting to come in a bit stronger now so we are happy we moved along as quickly as we did. Will head to Montes Resort (Gloucester Passage) tomorrow and will see how we handle the winds. Hope this finds you all safe and well.
Total miles so far 575. Last year it took 5 weeks to cover what we achieved in 7 days
Fair winds
Dell and Peter
