Tuesday 26th / Wednesday 27th October
We left our anchorage at Laurieton at around 8.30am, and by 9 am were clear of the bar and raised the mainsail before heading South. It was only a light breeze from the North and we motor sailed with and without a headsail against a current of around 0.5 knots. Our plan was to enter Port Stephens around 8 pm. By the time we got to Seal rocks it seemed it may be more like 8.30pm, and a check of the updated weather forecast showed a southerly change now forecast from around noon Wed instead of the northerlies all day we were hoping for.
We decided to sail past Port Stephens and continue on to Broken bay, as the seas conditions were light and the North Easter was building and expected to get to around 20 knots by midnight. So we headed out to sea to see if we could find the ea st Australian current which can be as strong as 4 knots going south. We ended up about 40 miles off the coast at one stage in 140m of water with little evidence of the current being found. Nevertheless, we were no longer pushing against a north flowing current, so made good time with the strong breeze. There was a period of around 2 hours abeam the top of Stockton Bight where the seas were too rough for the auto pilot and I had to steer for a few hours, otherwise it was a smooth trip.
We arrived at Barrenjoey at 7.45 am, 153 nm later. By this time the wind had gone SW but we were beyond caring, and motored around to Yeomans Bay, picked up a mooring, had breakfast and shower, and then some well earned sleep.
It was an overcast day with a bit of rain and the southerly change hit around midday making us grateful we had decided to run straight through, otherwise we would have been beating into this all afternoon.
We will take the boat back to the marina tomorrow morning and have organized for Nicole to pick us up and take us home.
Thursday 28th October
We woke early and motored around to the marina at around 6.30am. There was only a light breeze, but it looked like it would rain any minute so we were keen to get in and secure before getting wet. It was also cold. We have stopped complaining about the weather up north.
As we were backing in to the berth we could see all of our mooring lines were a mess, all but the bow line lying on the marina leg. Fortunately, we thought this would probably be the case and had set up for Carole to be able to step off and try and sort it out from the marina leg. She has had lots of practice whilst we have been away.
Everything went smoothly and once secure we had breakfast and had a shower at the marina. Nicole arrived at 11am, and after lunch we headed home.
I checked the log and we have covered around 2,700 nautical miles since leaving Sydney in June.
Hanse 400e
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Weather improving at Camden Haven
Monday 25th October
Still raining this morning but the wind has backed off and there are signs of the weather clearing.
We went ashore after breakfast to do a bit of shopping and managed not to get too wet. By midday the rain had stopped and we started to see some blue sky.
Today is Millie from Rhiannon’s birthday and we are having lunch with them at the local Chinese restaurant (Golden Inn) which is one of their favourite restaurants on the coast. We had a most enjoyable lunch and the food was very good and huge serves. During lunch I had a phonecall from Greg Goldsmith, the CCCA Port Officer for Camden Haven saying he had seen our boat in the river and just called to see if all was well and how long we were staying.
We spent the afternoon on the boat relaxing and preparing for a departure to Port Stephens tomorrow morning. We will leave around 8.30am to get the right conditions across the bar and expect to take 11-12 hours to get there.
We had dinner at the RSL on the river bank just opposite our anchorage and had an early night.
Still raining this morning but the wind has backed off and there are signs of the weather clearing.
We went ashore after breakfast to do a bit of shopping and managed not to get too wet. By midday the rain had stopped and we started to see some blue sky.
Today is Millie from Rhiannon’s birthday and we are having lunch with them at the local Chinese restaurant (Golden Inn) which is one of their favourite restaurants on the coast. We had a most enjoyable lunch and the food was very good and huge serves. During lunch I had a phonecall from Greg Goldsmith, the CCCA Port Officer for Camden Haven saying he had seen our boat in the river and just called to see if all was well and how long we were staying.
We spent the afternoon on the boat relaxing and preparing for a departure to Port Stephens tomorrow morning. We will leave around 8.30am to get the right conditions across the bar and expect to take 11-12 hours to get there.
We had dinner at the RSL on the river bank just opposite our anchorage and had an early night.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Southerly Change arrives
Sunday 24th October
This morning the sun is shining, and after breakfast we go ashore and walk up to the Fishermans Co-op, to check out if there is fuel available from the fuel wharf there. There was an antiquated diesel pump, but at $1.95 per litre I quickly lost interest and we wandered back up to town and found a service station that was close enough to walk to with my trolley, and priced at $1.29 per litre.
The temperature warmed up and pelicans were out in force.
We went back to the co-op for fish and chips for lunch, and were joined by Ken and Millie from Rhiannon. The seafood was as good as ever and tasted even better washed down with a glass of reisling that Ken had bought along. By now it was hot and we were looking for shade, not a common occurrence on this cruise.
After lunch we decided to run around to Dunbogan in the dinghy and check out the moorings that Bruce from Chilli Heat had told us about. He was right, it is a good setup, and very reasonably priced at $55 per week. Next time we are here we will give it a go.
Back on the boat, I started the generator to charge the batteries and the southerly change hit. We had intended to go ashore for dinner, but with 20 knot winds and pouring rain, we thought better of it and raided the freezer for a cook on board option.
It blew hard and rained heavily most of the evening and is expected to continue through tomorrow morning, easing in the afternoon.
On the current forecast we will head to Port Stephens on Tuesday.
This morning the sun is shining, and after breakfast we go ashore and walk up to the Fishermans Co-op, to check out if there is fuel available from the fuel wharf there. There was an antiquated diesel pump, but at $1.95 per litre I quickly lost interest and we wandered back up to town and found a service station that was close enough to walk to with my trolley, and priced at $1.29 per litre.
The temperature warmed up and pelicans were out in force.
We went back to the co-op for fish and chips for lunch, and were joined by Ken and Millie from Rhiannon. The seafood was as good as ever and tasted even better washed down with a glass of reisling that Ken had bought along. By now it was hot and we were looking for shade, not a common occurrence on this cruise.
After lunch we decided to run around to Dunbogan in the dinghy and check out the moorings that Bruce from Chilli Heat had told us about. He was right, it is a good setup, and very reasonably priced at $55 per week. Next time we are here we will give it a go.
Back on the boat, I started the generator to charge the batteries and the southerly change hit. We had intended to go ashore for dinner, but with 20 knot winds and pouring rain, we thought better of it and raided the freezer for a cook on board option.
It blew hard and rained heavily most of the evening and is expected to continue through tomorrow morning, easing in the afternoon.
On the current forecast we will head to Port Stephens on Tuesday.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Nice Weather at Camden Haven
Saturday 23rd October
We awoke to a nice sunny day at Laurieton, and noticed a 3rd boat, "Escape" had joined us at the anchorage, it must have come in after us last night. There is plenty of activity on the river as the oyster boats and weekend fishermen are out in force.
I was out on the deck tidying up some lines when there was a call from the shore, which turned out to be from a couple who are also CCCA members. Their boat “Chilli Heat” is around at Dunbogan on a mooring, something worth checking out next time we are here. Sounds like a very good deal and is probably a bit more comfortable than sitting in the strong currents in the river and always keeping a lookout for a dragging anchor. They have apparently been following our blog.
We put the dinghy in the water and went ashore to get a few groceries and something to clean up a nasty red wine spill on our upholstery that I was responsible for. We had already removed most of it using a car upholstery cleaner, but bought a product from the local hardware store (Scotts Carpet and upholstery Stain Remover) which got rid of the rest. The project extended into getting rid of all of our upholstery stains, so we had cushions scattered all over the deck drying, but the end result was impressive.
We invited Ken & Millie from Rhiannon over for pre dinner drinks, and sent the afternoon cleaning up, filling the tank with the spare diesel from the jerry cans, running the generator to charge the batteries and get some hot water etc.
The Rhiannon team arrived at 5pm and it was too windy in the cockpit, so we sat below and enjoyed a few drinks and getting to know some more like minded people.
The BBQ was fired up for dinner, cooking some lamb short loin chops were bought from the local butcher.
We are expecting a southerly change overnight and through Monday with strong wind warnings issued for Port Stephens to Point Perpendicular.
We awoke to a nice sunny day at Laurieton, and noticed a 3rd boat, "Escape" had joined us at the anchorage, it must have come in after us last night. There is plenty of activity on the river as the oyster boats and weekend fishermen are out in force.
Rhiannon anchored near us at Camden Haven
I was out on the deck tidying up some lines when there was a call from the shore, which turned out to be from a couple who are also CCCA members. Their boat “Chilli Heat” is around at Dunbogan on a mooring, something worth checking out next time we are here. Sounds like a very good deal and is probably a bit more comfortable than sitting in the strong currents in the river and always keeping a lookout for a dragging anchor. They have apparently been following our blog.
We put the dinghy in the water and went ashore to get a few groceries and something to clean up a nasty red wine spill on our upholstery that I was responsible for. We had already removed most of it using a car upholstery cleaner, but bought a product from the local hardware store (Scotts Carpet and upholstery Stain Remover) which got rid of the rest. The project extended into getting rid of all of our upholstery stains, so we had cushions scattered all over the deck drying, but the end result was impressive.
We invited Ken & Millie from Rhiannon over for pre dinner drinks, and sent the afternoon cleaning up, filling the tank with the spare diesel from the jerry cans, running the generator to charge the batteries and get some hot water etc.
The Rhiannon team arrived at 5pm and it was too windy in the cockpit, so we sat below and enjoyed a few drinks and getting to know some more like minded people.
The BBQ was fired up for dinner, cooking some lamb short loin chops were bought from the local butcher.
We are expecting a southerly change overnight and through Monday with strong wind warnings issued for Port Stephens to Point Perpendicular.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Next leg Camden Haven
Friday 22nd October
We left Coffs Harbour marina at 7 am to set out for Camden Haven. The forecast is for a little breeze in the morning freshening to a 10-15 knot NE breeze in the afternoon.
We motor sailed with the mainsail up and then also raised the headsail for a bit more speed as the wind built, originally from the SW. Finally at 2.30 pm we could give the engine a rest and sailed for 2.5 hours doing a comfortable 8 knots before the wind started dropping out and we needed to start the engine to get through the bar at Camden Haven in daylight.
We saw lots of whales and, surprisingly lots of dead mutton birds floating on the surface with their legs in the air. It was not obvious what was killing them.
We went across the bar at Camden Haven at 6.30pm (high tide was at 8.45pm), it was relatively calm but there was a reasonable swell. Once inside it was a quiet motor up the river to anchor just upriver from the RSL. Rhiannon had already arrived and was the only other boat anchored in the river (there were 3 boats tied up at the wharf).
By the time we had our anchor set it was getting dark. Carole whipped up a Thai Green Curry using some green prawns we had purchased at Mooloolaba, and we had a very peaceful night, sleeping well.
The forecast for the next few days is not good, so we will probably be here till Tuesday.
We left Coffs Harbour marina at 7 am to set out for Camden Haven. The forecast is for a little breeze in the morning freshening to a 10-15 knot NE breeze in the afternoon.
Departing Coffs Harbour in perfect conditions
We motor sailed with the mainsail up and then also raised the headsail for a bit more speed as the wind built, originally from the SW. Finally at 2.30 pm we could give the engine a rest and sailed for 2.5 hours doing a comfortable 8 knots before the wind started dropping out and we needed to start the engine to get through the bar at Camden Haven in daylight.
We saw lots of whales and, surprisingly lots of dead mutton birds floating on the surface with their legs in the air. It was not obvious what was killing them.
We went across the bar at Camden Haven at 6.30pm (high tide was at 8.45pm), it was relatively calm but there was a reasonable swell. Once inside it was a quiet motor up the river to anchor just upriver from the RSL. Rhiannon had already arrived and was the only other boat anchored in the river (there were 3 boats tied up at the wharf).
By the time we had our anchor set it was getting dark. Carole whipped up a Thai Green Curry using some green prawns we had purchased at Mooloolaba, and we had a very peaceful night, sleeping well.
The forecast for the next few days is not good, so we will probably be here till Tuesday.
Coffs Harbour next stop
Thursday 21st October
As planned, we were up at 6.30am, preparing for a 7.30am departure for Coffs Harbour. “Rhiannon” decided to leave a 7 am and go on to Trial Bay, to make the next days trip to Camden Haven shorter, allowing them to arrive earlier without the sun in their eyes. Fine if you have a catamaran, but we need to wait for the high tide. No doubt we will see them in Camden Haven.
We set out at 7.30am and were across the bar a little after 8am, with a mainsail up and a weak SW breeze. It was a nice sunny day so the lack of breeze was more than compensated for by the scenry down the coast and the normal whale sightings, a couple a bit too close. We motor sailed all the way with the assistance of an Afternoon seabreeze and arrived at Coffs at 4.30pm.
As usual the marina was tight and by now the NE breeze was above 15 knots making getting into your berth that little more challenging. Nevertheless we were all tied up about 15 minutes later.
On the opposite side of our marina leg was a Hanse 470e called Sunboy. It had jerry cans lashed to the safety rails, so looked like he had been doing some serious cruising. It turned out that they had purchased the boat in the UK and had sailed it back to Australia. They had been on the water for over a year and said they had a great trip, the worst weather being the last few days coming into Australia.
We are only overnighting here so cooked a couple of steaks on the BBQ and had an early night.
As planned, we were up at 6.30am, preparing for a 7.30am departure for Coffs Harbour. “Rhiannon” decided to leave a 7 am and go on to Trial Bay, to make the next days trip to Camden Haven shorter, allowing them to arrive earlier without the sun in their eyes. Fine if you have a catamaran, but we need to wait for the high tide. No doubt we will see them in Camden Haven.
We set out at 7.30am and were across the bar a little after 8am, with a mainsail up and a weak SW breeze. It was a nice sunny day so the lack of breeze was more than compensated for by the scenry down the coast and the normal whale sightings, a couple a bit too close. We motor sailed all the way with the assistance of an Afternoon seabreeze and arrived at Coffs at 4.30pm.
As usual the marina was tight and by now the NE breeze was above 15 knots making getting into your berth that little more challenging. Nevertheless we were all tied up about 15 minutes later.
On the opposite side of our marina leg was a Hanse 470e called Sunboy. It had jerry cans lashed to the safety rails, so looked like he had been doing some serious cruising. It turned out that they had purchased the boat in the UK and had sailed it back to Australia. They had been on the water for over a year and said they had a great trip, the worst weather being the last few days coming into Australia.
Sunboy
We are only overnighting here so cooked a couple of steaks on the BBQ and had an early night.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Last day in Yamba
Wednesday 20th October
Today we still had the hire car for the morning, so headed off to the Clarence River Fishermans Co-op in Maclean to get some fresh prawns for lunch and also called in to a place that sold frozen tiger prawns for $10 / kg, so got some to put in the freezer for emergencies. We did last minute grocery shopping for fresh items and returned the car at 11 am.
After devouring one kilo of prawns for lunch we decided we should go for a walk, so walked out to the end of the breakwater to see what conditions over the bar looked like. The seas have settled a lot and it was relatively flat even with the outgoing tide.
When we arrived back at the marina, the couple from Rhiannon, asked us over for a drink, as we had shared their bad experience in Coffs Harbour last year. We didn’t have a lot of time, as we were going out to dinner with David and Justine and family (being picked up mat 6.15pm). Nevertheless we had an enjoyable chat and drink with Ken and Millie from Rhiannon, and a couple from the marina that they had befriended in previous years. It turned out Ken and Millie had a small winery in the Hunter which the sold to buy their Leopard 46, and our now based at Soldiers Point. They also plan to set out for Coffs in the morning so we may sail in company.
David and Justine picked us up at the marina on time, and we went to a local Italian/pizza restaurant called “Sassafras”. The food was excellent and it was a family atmosphere so kids were welcome and well catered for.
We plan to leave for Coffs Harbour at 7.30am in the morning. High tide is at 8am, and the entry to the marina is shallow !
Today we still had the hire car for the morning, so headed off to the Clarence River Fishermans Co-op in Maclean to get some fresh prawns for lunch and also called in to a place that sold frozen tiger prawns for $10 / kg, so got some to put in the freezer for emergencies. We did last minute grocery shopping for fresh items and returned the car at 11 am.
After devouring one kilo of prawns for lunch we decided we should go for a walk, so walked out to the end of the breakwater to see what conditions over the bar looked like. The seas have settled a lot and it was relatively flat even with the outgoing tide.
When we arrived back at the marina, the couple from Rhiannon, asked us over for a drink, as we had shared their bad experience in Coffs Harbour last year. We didn’t have a lot of time, as we were going out to dinner with David and Justine and family (being picked up mat 6.15pm). Nevertheless we had an enjoyable chat and drink with Ken and Millie from Rhiannon, and a couple from the marina that they had befriended in previous years. It turned out Ken and Millie had a small winery in the Hunter which the sold to buy their Leopard 46, and our now based at Soldiers Point. They also plan to set out for Coffs in the morning so we may sail in company.
David and Justine picked us up at the marina on time, and we went to a local Italian/pizza restaurant called “Sassafras”. The food was excellent and it was a family atmosphere so kids were welcome and well catered for.
Dining at Sassafras
We plan to leave for Coffs Harbour at 7.30am in the morning. High tide is at 8am, and the entry to the marina is shallow !
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A sunny Day in Yamba
Tuesday 19th October
Today we woke up to a lovely sunny day with a strong southerly breeze. We decided we should have a game of golf, probably our last one before arriving back in Sydney. Around 8 am I had a call from the Coastguard enquiring about our whereabouts, apparently when I logged off on arrival last night, the guy on duty had logged us as passing, not arriving and had not notified Point Danger and Southport of our arrival, so everyone was confused. It turned out that he is a bit forgetful sometimes.
After breakfast and get things organized, I checked the Yamba Golf Club website and it said social play all day, so we set out walking to the golf club carrying our clubs.
When we arrived there seemed to be a lot of people there and we were told that there was a competition on and we wouldn’t be able to get on the course till 3pm. Normally there is social play all Tuesday except for this one day of the year !
We went back to the marina, hired a car and drove to Maclean and played there. It also allowed us to renew Carole’s drivers license at the motor registry there. Her license had expired in September and there was no way of renewing it from QLD.
Carole put in another sterling performance to win the day with 33 points vs 28 making her a clear winner of the inaugural Mica Cup by 20 points.
When we got back to the marina and had a shower, Carole got talking to a lady from a big catamaran (Leopard 46, “Rhiannon”) which arrived yesterday just after us. It turned out in the discussion that this is the same cat that got into trouble in Coffs Harbour last year when we had the Coastguard people all over our boat at 2 am in the morning throwing lines to pull them off the pile berths they were jammed up against, when they fouled one propeller with a mooring line and lost control of the boat when departing.
Tonight we had dinner with David and Justine Lovell at their new residence on the riverside. They had only moved in 3 weeks ago, but have found themselves a fantastic position, particularly of you are keen on boating.
We had a lovely dinner sitting outside overlooking the water.
Today we woke up to a lovely sunny day with a strong southerly breeze. We decided we should have a game of golf, probably our last one before arriving back in Sydney. Around 8 am I had a call from the Coastguard enquiring about our whereabouts, apparently when I logged off on arrival last night, the guy on duty had logged us as passing, not arriving and had not notified Point Danger and Southport of our arrival, so everyone was confused. It turned out that he is a bit forgetful sometimes.
After breakfast and get things organized, I checked the Yamba Golf Club website and it said social play all day, so we set out walking to the golf club carrying our clubs.
When we arrived there seemed to be a lot of people there and we were told that there was a competition on and we wouldn’t be able to get on the course till 3pm. Normally there is social play all Tuesday except for this one day of the year !
We went back to the marina, hired a car and drove to Maclean and played there. It also allowed us to renew Carole’s drivers license at the motor registry there. Her license had expired in September and there was no way of renewing it from QLD.
Carole put in another sterling performance to win the day with 33 points vs 28 making her a clear winner of the inaugural Mica Cup by 20 points.
When we got back to the marina and had a shower, Carole got talking to a lady from a big catamaran (Leopard 46, “Rhiannon”) which arrived yesterday just after us. It turned out in the discussion that this is the same cat that got into trouble in Coffs Harbour last year when we had the Coastguard people all over our boat at 2 am in the morning throwing lines to pull them off the pile berths they were jammed up against, when they fouled one propeller with a mooring line and lost control of the boat when departing.
Tonight we had dinner with David and Justine Lovell at their new residence on the riverside. They had only moved in 3 weeks ago, but have found themselves a fantastic position, particularly of you are keen on boating.
View from outside entertaining area
We had a lovely dinner sitting outside overlooking the water.
Monday, October 18, 2010
An early start to Yamba
Monday 18th October
The alarm went off at 1.15am, and we reluctantly got up and prepared to leave the marina. We cast off the lines at 1.40am and were at the seaway by 2am and had an untroubled bar crossing in the dark.
We were off Point Danger around sunrise in a lumpy sea with a light SW wind, so the motor was still running.
The further south we went, the more the seas smoothed out and by the time we were off Cape Byron, it had settled into a long rolling swell of a few metres height. We started to see more fisherman in tinnies, some of which were pretty fearless. The one in the photo below was 5 nm off Byron Bay, and the photo was taken when he was on the crest of a swell, the one below it was when he was in the trough between the swells.
The auto pilot steered most of the way and the promised NE breeze did not cut in till late and only in the last hour reached above 10 knots.
We went across the Clarence bar at 5.30pm ( daylight saving time, had forgotten about the time difference till we logged off with Marine Rescue Iluka/Yamba), and motored around to the marina at Yamba. By now the NE breeze was 15-20knots (as it was when we crossed the bar). The bar crossing was pretty bumpy and a fleet of trawlers were all powering out the other way, so it was busy in the entrance.
Our allotted berth was fully exposed to the cross wind and was very tight, so after a couple of attempts I berthed in one that I preferred the look of and will sort it out with the marina in the morning. The owner of the Riviera “White Knight” from Bobbin Head was also in the marina (they passed us at Cape Byron on the way down the coast) and he saw us coming in and came around to give us a hand with the lines.
We called Carole’s brother, David, to let him know we had arrived and will catch up with him tomorrow.
We had an early dinner on board, and no trouble getting off to sleep.
The alarm went off at 1.15am, and we reluctantly got up and prepared to leave the marina. We cast off the lines at 1.40am and were at the seaway by 2am and had an untroubled bar crossing in the dark.
We were off Point Danger around sunrise in a lumpy sea with a light SW wind, so the motor was still running.
Sunrise Off Point Danger
The further south we went, the more the seas smoothed out and by the time we were off Cape Byron, it had settled into a long rolling swell of a few metres height. We started to see more fisherman in tinnies, some of which were pretty fearless. The one in the photo below was 5 nm off Byron Bay, and the photo was taken when he was on the crest of a swell, the one below it was when he was in the trough between the swells.
One man in a tinny off Cape Byron
Here he is in the trough of the swells (you can just see his head just in from the left edge of the photo)
The auto pilot steered most of the way and the promised NE breeze did not cut in till late and only in the last hour reached above 10 knots.
We went across the Clarence bar at 5.30pm ( daylight saving time, had forgotten about the time difference till we logged off with Marine Rescue Iluka/Yamba), and motored around to the marina at Yamba. By now the NE breeze was 15-20knots (as it was when we crossed the bar). The bar crossing was pretty bumpy and a fleet of trawlers were all powering out the other way, so it was busy in the entrance.
Our allotted berth was fully exposed to the cross wind and was very tight, so after a couple of attempts I berthed in one that I preferred the look of and will sort it out with the marina in the morning. The owner of the Riviera “White Knight” from Bobbin Head was also in the marina (they passed us at Cape Byron on the way down the coast) and he saw us coming in and came around to give us a hand with the lines.
We called Carole’s brother, David, to let him know we had arrived and will catch up with him tomorrow.
We had an early dinner on board, and no trouble getting off to sleep.
Last Day in Southport
Sunday 17th October
Looks like being our last day at Southport, so after a walk in the morning we caught up with Rod and Lee for a sausage sizzle in a park across the road from the marina on main beach.
Finally it was a sunny day with a light breeze, but still a bit on the cold side. We had a very relaxing lunch and sat around soaking up the sun, (and a little bit of wine).
After lunch we went back to the marina and prepared Mica for an early morning departure tomorrow.
We had an early light dinner on Cooinda, another of Lee’s seafood feasts, and were in bed by 9 am with the alarm set for 1.15am. This was our last get together on this cruise, and we have had a great time sailing in company and sharing the experiences along the way. Nevertheless, Rod & Lee have a deadline to get back to Sydney by, and will be sailing through from Southport departing on Tuesday 19th with Steve Smith on board as crew. Since he retired Steve has found a new vocation as boat delivery crew !!!!
So we said our farewells and will catch up in Sydney , no doubt to relive it all.
Looks like being our last day at Southport, so after a walk in the morning we caught up with Rod and Lee for a sausage sizzle in a park across the road from the marina on main beach.
Finally it was a sunny day with a light breeze, but still a bit on the cold side. We had a very relaxing lunch and sat around soaking up the sun, (and a little bit of wine).
Relaxing after BBQ at Main Beach
After lunch we went back to the marina and prepared Mica for an early morning departure tomorrow.
We had an early light dinner on Cooinda, another of Lee’s seafood feasts, and were in bed by 9 am with the alarm set for 1.15am. This was our last get together on this cruise, and we have had a great time sailing in company and sharing the experiences along the way. Nevertheless, Rod & Lee have a deadline to get back to Sydney by, and will be sailing through from Southport departing on Tuesday 19th with Steve Smith on board as crew. Since he retired Steve has found a new vocation as boat delivery crew !!!!
So we said our farewells and will catch up in Sydney , no doubt to relive it all.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Another Wild Day on the "Cold" Coast
Saturday 16th October
Last night the forecast Westerly arrived, blowing around 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots. It was a bit of a wild night at the marina although the big motor cruiser next to us provided some shelter. Another boat from Bobbin Head appeared at the marina this morning, a ~50 ft Riviera powerboat, who is also based at Empire Marina. I ended up having quite a long chat with him and it turned out that a couple from the berth 2 up from us at Bobbin Head are coming up to join him on the voyage home.
Another CCCA member, Te Moana (catamaran who we sailed with last year on the trip up the Clarence) is also berthed near Cooinda . The plan to head back to Pittwater early tomorrow morning.
The strong winds continued well into the afternoon, starting to drop out by mid afternoon. It is very cold and we are still wondering when we can get the summer clothes out.
We had lunch with Mike and Joy Wesslink at the Southport Surf Club at main beach, they are driving back to Sydney tomorrow.
We caught up with Rod & Lee for dinner at the Yacht Club.
The weather is starting to improve, and if it looks good tomorrow, we will probably head off to Yamba, early (around 2am) Monday morning.
Last night the forecast Westerly arrived, blowing around 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots. It was a bit of a wild night at the marina although the big motor cruiser next to us provided some shelter. Another boat from Bobbin Head appeared at the marina this morning, a ~50 ft Riviera powerboat, who is also based at Empire Marina. I ended up having quite a long chat with him and it turned out that a couple from the berth 2 up from us at Bobbin Head are coming up to join him on the voyage home.
Another CCCA member, Te Moana (catamaran who we sailed with last year on the trip up the Clarence) is also berthed near Cooinda . The plan to head back to Pittwater early tomorrow morning.
The strong winds continued well into the afternoon, starting to drop out by mid afternoon. It is very cold and we are still wondering when we can get the summer clothes out.
We had lunch with Mike and Joy Wesslink at the Southport Surf Club at main beach, they are driving back to Sydney tomorrow.
We caught up with Rod & Lee for dinner at the Yacht Club.
The weather is starting to improve, and if it looks good tomorrow, we will probably head off to Yamba, early (around 2am) Monday morning.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Southport
Friday 15th October
We woke at 5.30am as a powerboat went speeding past the anchorage raising a considerable wake.
We decided to head off to our berth at the marina as we were unlikely to go back to sleep, so set everything up , fender, mooring lines etc and pulled up anchor to motor around. This time our berth was in closer to the shore and we had a 47 Bertram Cruiser next to us that protruded well out into the channel. There was not a lot of room to move.
The tide was running out and it was about mid tide. I can’t believe how strong the flow through the marina is.
We had 3 attempts to go in nose first, but the tide was pulling us off line quicker than we could accelerate into the berth. I gave up and decided we would reverse in against the tide, so we went back out, change everything over for a tie up on the port side and came back in and reversed in first go, into a very tight space.
I gave Rod a ring and told him to give me a call when he was coming in and I would give him a hand with his lines. Whilst I was waiting for Cooinda, another Pittwater yacht, “Patriot”, with 2 guys on board were trying to get into their berth with difficulty, so I gave them a hand, while waiting for Cooinda. The wind was starting to build and in another hour, it would be almost impossible.
We had been in contact with Mike Wesslink yesterday, and he has arranged for us to play golf with him at Southport Golf Club at 12.10 pm, so he will be here to pick us up around 10.30 am.
By the time we met up with Mike the wind was blowing hard and there was rain on the way. We played golf in very blustery conditions, but avoided the rain. Fortunately I managed to get a few points back from Carole with 32 points vs her 26, reducing her lead in the Mica Cup by 6 strokes, now back to a lead of 15 points. Still a lot of work to do !!!
We had pre dinner drinks on Mica, joined by Mike & Joy Wesslink (and of course , Rod & Lee). It was now raining solidly, but we ventured out to dinner with Mike and Joy to a Chinese restaurant in Tedder Ave, at Main Beach, quite close to the marina
We woke at 5.30am as a powerboat went speeding past the anchorage raising a considerable wake.
We decided to head off to our berth at the marina as we were unlikely to go back to sleep, so set everything up , fender, mooring lines etc and pulled up anchor to motor around. This time our berth was in closer to the shore and we had a 47 Bertram Cruiser next to us that protruded well out into the channel. There was not a lot of room to move.
The tide was running out and it was about mid tide. I can’t believe how strong the flow through the marina is.
We had 3 attempts to go in nose first, but the tide was pulling us off line quicker than we could accelerate into the berth. I gave up and decided we would reverse in against the tide, so we went back out, change everything over for a tie up on the port side and came back in and reversed in first go, into a very tight space.
Our berth at Southport
I gave Rod a ring and told him to give me a call when he was coming in and I would give him a hand with his lines. Whilst I was waiting for Cooinda, another Pittwater yacht, “Patriot”, with 2 guys on board were trying to get into their berth with difficulty, so I gave them a hand, while waiting for Cooinda. The wind was starting to build and in another hour, it would be almost impossible.
We had been in contact with Mike Wesslink yesterday, and he has arranged for us to play golf with him at Southport Golf Club at 12.10 pm, so he will be here to pick us up around 10.30 am.
By the time we met up with Mike the wind was blowing hard and there was rain on the way. We played golf in very blustery conditions, but avoided the rain. Fortunately I managed to get a few points back from Carole with 32 points vs her 26, reducing her lead in the Mica Cup by 6 strokes, now back to a lead of 15 points. Still a lot of work to do !!!
We had pre dinner drinks on Mica, joined by Mike & Joy Wesslink (and of course , Rod & Lee). It was now raining solidly, but we ventured out to dinner with Mike and Joy to a Chinese restaurant in Tedder Ave, at Main Beach, quite close to the marina
Finally a Break in the Weather
Thursday 14th October
We left the marina at 8 am to head south to Southport. Low tide was at 6 am , so we waited until the bar had settled down a bit. We raised the mainsail in the river before going out. It was a bit rolly going out and there was still a reasonable swell as we headed off to Cape Morton, but the forecast is for a 10-15 knot NE breeze, so hopefully we might get to have a sail.
We motor sailed until 11.30am, when the breeze started to pick up and we cut the engine and sailed for the next 2.5 hrs getting along nicely at 6-7 knots. Cooinda and Kyeema also left at the same time so we had each other in sight most of the way down. The wind dropped around 2 pm so we motor sailed again for a few hours until we passed Point Lookout and with a 1.5 knot current running with us we were going to arrive at the Gold Coast Seaway too early with the tide there still running out, so we stopped the engine and sailed the rest of the way on a mainsail with the wind right behind us.
We saw lots of dolphins on this leg, more than we had seen anywhere in QLD waters.
We arrived at the waypoint off the seaway at dead low tide, around 8.30pm. There was a good sized swell still rolling in at the Gold Coast so we waited till 9.30 pm to cross the bar, figuring that the tidal flow would be pretty neutral at this time. The wind was now up to 20 knots and getting the sail down in the rolling seas was a bit uncomfortable, so it was a pretty rough job that we tidied up when we got in.
Approaching the bar on the southern leads, was very rolly going in and there was still a good swell going across the bar but no breaking waves, so the crossing was a bit uncomfortable but otherwise uneventful. I don’t think I would have liked to have been doing it in a power boat.
We were anchored at the spit, just off Seaworld by 10.30 pm, had dinner and had no trouble going to sleep. We will head into the Southport Yacht Club Marina first thing in the morning, as there is a gale warning for tomorrow and the wind is expected to come up early from the North.
We left the marina at 8 am to head south to Southport. Low tide was at 6 am , so we waited until the bar had settled down a bit. We raised the mainsail in the river before going out. It was a bit rolly going out and there was still a reasonable swell as we headed off to Cape Morton, but the forecast is for a 10-15 knot NE breeze, so hopefully we might get to have a sail.
We motor sailed until 11.30am, when the breeze started to pick up and we cut the engine and sailed for the next 2.5 hrs getting along nicely at 6-7 knots. Cooinda and Kyeema also left at the same time so we had each other in sight most of the way down. The wind dropped around 2 pm so we motor sailed again for a few hours until we passed Point Lookout and with a 1.5 knot current running with us we were going to arrive at the Gold Coast Seaway too early with the tide there still running out, so we stopped the engine and sailed the rest of the way on a mainsail with the wind right behind us.
We saw lots of dolphins on this leg, more than we had seen anywhere in QLD waters.
We arrived at the waypoint off the seaway at dead low tide, around 8.30pm. There was a good sized swell still rolling in at the Gold Coast so we waited till 9.30 pm to cross the bar, figuring that the tidal flow would be pretty neutral at this time. The wind was now up to 20 knots and getting the sail down in the rolling seas was a bit uncomfortable, so it was a pretty rough job that we tidied up when we got in.
Approaching the bar on the southern leads, was very rolly going in and there was still a good swell going across the bar but no breaking waves, so the crossing was a bit uncomfortable but otherwise uneventful. I don’t think I would have liked to have been doing it in a power boat.
We were anchored at the spit, just off Seaworld by 10.30 pm, had dinner and had no trouble going to sleep. We will head into the Southport Yacht Club Marina first thing in the morning, as there is a gale warning for tomorrow and the wind is expected to come up early from the North.
Sightseeing on the "Sunshine" Coast
Wednesday 13th October
We still have the car and head off to the Eumundi Markets with Rod and Lee at around 8 am. The Wednesday Market does not seem quite as big as the Saturday Market, but there is a lot there.
We spent a good 3 hours wandering around, picking up a few bargains and stocking up on fresh fruit and veg, before heading off to the Ginger Factory at Yandina.
We stocked up on all things ginger and couldn’t resist a vistit to the nut factory across the road where we also picked up some macadamia nuts.
It was then off to the Spirit House in Yandina for lunch. It has been some year since we have been there, (I think the last time was with Mark and Sue Hollingsworth when we stayed with them at Noosa some years ago), but the food is still sensational. We ate too much and were there for a few hours, before we had to head back to the marina to prepare for a possible departure to Southport tomorrow.
We filled up the diesel tank, got more groceries, a few essentials from BWS and we are ready to go. The river bar appears to be settling down. I called the Gold Coast Seaway to check on the conditions across the bar there which they described as rough but improving. I will check again in the morning, but it looks like we will go.
We still have the car and head off to the Eumundi Markets with Rod and Lee at around 8 am. The Wednesday Market does not seem quite as big as the Saturday Market, but there is a lot there.
We spent a good 3 hours wandering around, picking up a few bargains and stocking up on fresh fruit and veg, before heading off to the Ginger Factory at Yandina.
Carole at Eumundi Markets
We stocked up on all things ginger and couldn’t resist a vistit to the nut factory across the road where we also picked up some macadamia nuts.
It was then off to the Spirit House in Yandina for lunch. It has been some year since we have been there, (I think the last time was with Mark and Sue Hollingsworth when we stayed with them at Noosa some years ago), but the food is still sensational. We ate too much and were there for a few hours, before we had to head back to the marina to prepare for a possible departure to Southport tomorrow.
Desert at the Spirit House
We filled up the diesel tank, got more groceries, a few essentials from BWS and we are ready to go. The river bar appears to be settling down. I called the Gold Coast Seaway to check on the conditions across the bar there which they described as rough but improving. I will check again in the morning, but it looks like we will go.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Weather in Mooloolaba Slowly improving
Monday 11th October
Rained all day, wind 30-40 knots SE.
Tuesday 12th October
The weather is showing some signs of letting up but there is still a very strong SE breeze. E wandered out and had a look at the bar, and surf skis were having a great time surfing the breaking swell across the entrance to the river, so we will be here for a couple more days till the seas settle down. We decide to hire a car and have a game of golf.
We picked up the car at 11am, and headed off to Horton Park Golf Club in Maroochydore. It is located just behind the shopping centre, not that far from the beach and is prime land. It seems Lend Lease has put forward a proposal to buy the course and build them a new one elsewhere.
It was a surprisingly good course and Carole continued her winning run, beating her handicap with 39 points to Mike’s 31, giving her a now almost insurmountable lead of 21 points in the Mica Cup.
We had a seafood dinner on Cooinda with the team from Kyeema also joining us. The availability of quality fresh seafood here is amazing, and once again we had a veritable feast. Thanks Lee.
Rained all day, wind 30-40 knots SE.
Tuesday 12th October
The weather is showing some signs of letting up but there is still a very strong SE breeze. E wandered out and had a look at the bar, and surf skis were having a great time surfing the breaking swell across the entrance to the river, so we will be here for a couple more days till the seas settle down. We decide to hire a car and have a game of golf.
Surfing across the bar
We picked up the car at 11am, and headed off to Horton Park Golf Club in Maroochydore. It is located just behind the shopping centre, not that far from the beach and is prime land. It seems Lend Lease has put forward a proposal to buy the course and build them a new one elsewhere.
It was a surprisingly good course and Carole continued her winning run, beating her handicap with 39 points to Mike’s 31, giving her a now almost insurmountable lead of 21 points in the Mica Cup.
We had a seafood dinner on Cooinda with the team from Kyeema also joining us. The availability of quality fresh seafood here is amazing, and once again we had a veritable feast. Thanks Lee.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Another Day in "Paradise"
Sunday 10th October
Today it just gets worse. The weather forecast issued by BOM at 3.00pm today says it all.
“ Southeast Coast Waters, Double Island Point to Point Danger:
A gale warning is current.
Sunday until midnight: Wind: SE 30/40 knots, tending more E'ly late afternoon
and evening. Sea: 3 to 4 metres. Swell: E/SE 2.5 to 3 metres. Rain areas and
isolated thunderstorms with squalls to 50 knots.
Monday: Wind: E/SE 34/40 knots, easing to 25/33 knots during the evening. Sea:
3.5 to 4 metres. Swell: E/SE 3 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms
with squalls to 50 knots. “
Suffice to say no-one has ventured too far from their boat today. I have doubled up all of the mooring lines.
The forecast was pretty accurate. We were onboard most of the day watching the Bathurst 1000, Commonwealth games and a DVD.
We heard on the news that they had measured winds of 106 km/hr and 9 m seas off Cape Morton, so it will be a few days more before we leave here, Thursday looks most likely.
Today it just gets worse. The weather forecast issued by BOM at 3.00pm today says it all.
“ Southeast Coast Waters, Double Island Point to Point Danger:
A gale warning is current.
Sunday until midnight: Wind: SE 30/40 knots, tending more E'ly late afternoon
and evening. Sea: 3 to 4 metres. Swell: E/SE 2.5 to 3 metres. Rain areas and
isolated thunderstorms with squalls to 50 knots.
Monday: Wind: E/SE 34/40 knots, easing to 25/33 knots during the evening. Sea:
3.5 to 4 metres. Swell: E/SE 3 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms
with squalls to 50 knots. “
Suffice to say no-one has ventured too far from their boat today. I have doubled up all of the mooring lines.
The forecast was pretty accurate. We were onboard most of the day watching the Bathurst 1000, Commonwealth games and a DVD.
We heard on the news that they had measured winds of 106 km/hr and 9 m seas off Cape Morton, so it will be a few days more before we leave here, Thursday looks most likely.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
More Foul Weather in Mooloolaba
Friday 8th October
Today the southerly change arrived. It rained all day and by evening the winds were well up in the 20 knot plus range.
We walked into town in the late morning to get a few essential groceries and had to dodge the rain coming home. Our initial plan was to go back down the road for some seafood for dinner, but the weather was so foul, no-one was interested in leaving the comfort of their boats so we ate on board our individual boats.
The rain looks set in for the next few days, as does the strong winds.
Saturday 9th October
More strong winds and isolated showers. In between rain patches, in the morning, we walked to Alexandra Headland and back.
On the way back we went to the seafood market and bought some fresh prawns a bread rolls and had lunch on the boat.
This evening we caught the courtesy bus to the Mooloolaba Surf Club, and had a roast dinner.
Tomorrows weather forecast looks worse than today
Today the southerly change arrived. It rained all day and by evening the winds were well up in the 20 knot plus range.
We walked into town in the late morning to get a few essential groceries and had to dodge the rain coming home. Our initial plan was to go back down the road for some seafood for dinner, but the weather was so foul, no-one was interested in leaving the comfort of their boats so we ate on board our individual boats.
The rain looks set in for the next few days, as does the strong winds.
Saturday 9th October
More strong winds and isolated showers. In between rain patches, in the morning, we walked to Alexandra Headland and back.
On the way to Alexandra Headland
On the way back we went to the seafood market and bought some fresh prawns a bread rolls and had lunch on the boat.
Prawns for lunch
This evening we caught the courtesy bus to the Mooloolaba Surf Club, and had a roast dinner.
Tomorrows weather forecast looks worse than today
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sailing ! to Mooloolaba
Thursday 7th October
We were up at 5 am getting ready to leave and discovered most of the boats had left and were on there way to cross Wide Bay Bar. We were both ready to go by 5.30am, so decided to head off.
The forecast for today “promises” a 10-15 knot NE breeze from late morning with variable winds 5-10 knots before that ( why don't they just say SE). Anyway we trust the forecast and raisee our mainsails before heading out of the bay, at least the light SE breeze will give us some stability crossing the bar.
We motored into the main chaneel and were immediately pushing into a 3 knot current, soon to become 4 knots, so progress was slow on the first leg out to the Inskip Point leads, where you then turn to the NE, across what is known as the Mad Mile. There was a reasonable swell, but as we were near the top of the tide the seas were not terribly confused and it was a reasonably comfortable crossing, as the effect of the current was now much less.
To get into clear water you then need to turn SE to go through the shoals and then keep going towards Double Island Point. Not much help from the wind as we were pretty much going straight into it. By 11 am there were signs that the Ne breeze may become a reality and by 11.30 am, we had turned off the engine and were having a lovely sail in 10-12 knots of breeze, which took us all of the way to Mooloolaba. We had our usual whale sightings, apparently there were some at the Wide Bay bar entrance which we didn't see, we saw some off Noosa and had a very close encounter with one off Coolum. I swerved to avoid it as I could see it was going to cross directly in front of us and it came up only a few metres from the side of our boat as we passed on the altered course.
It was a perfect day on the water, sunny, a nice sailing breeze and long rolling swell.
We went through the heads at Mooloolaba at 4 pm, and after a bit of a struggle with the strong incoming tide in the marina, mangaged to get secure around 4.30pm. We have booked in for 4 days as the forward forecast looks terrible. 25-30 knot SE winds and 4m seas at least till Monday.
We all went down to the seafood market for dinner, quickly becoming our favourite dining spot in Mooloolaba.
We have heard from Steve Smith that the Riviera he is going back to Sydney on is holed up at Yamba, where they decided to give up and wait for better conditions going South.
Sunrise at Inskip Point
We were up at 5 am getting ready to leave and discovered most of the boats had left and were on there way to cross Wide Bay Bar. We were both ready to go by 5.30am, so decided to head off.
The forecast for today “promises” a 10-15 knot NE breeze from late morning with variable winds 5-10 knots before that ( why don't they just say SE). Anyway we trust the forecast and raisee our mainsails before heading out of the bay, at least the light SE breeze will give us some stability crossing the bar.
We motored into the main chaneel and were immediately pushing into a 3 knot current, soon to become 4 knots, so progress was slow on the first leg out to the Inskip Point leads, where you then turn to the NE, across what is known as the Mad Mile. There was a reasonable swell, but as we were near the top of the tide the seas were not terribly confused and it was a reasonably comfortable crossing, as the effect of the current was now much less.
To get into clear water you then need to turn SE to go through the shoals and then keep going towards Double Island Point. Not much help from the wind as we were pretty much going straight into it. By 11 am there were signs that the Ne breeze may become a reality and by 11.30 am, we had turned off the engine and were having a lovely sail in 10-12 knots of breeze, which took us all of the way to Mooloolaba. We had our usual whale sightings, apparently there were some at the Wide Bay bar entrance which we didn't see, we saw some off Noosa and had a very close encounter with one off Coolum. I swerved to avoid it as I could see it was going to cross directly in front of us and it came up only a few metres from the side of our boat as we passed on the altered course.
It was a perfect day on the water, sunny, a nice sailing breeze and long rolling swell.
We went through the heads at Mooloolaba at 4 pm, and after a bit of a struggle with the strong incoming tide in the marina, mangaged to get secure around 4.30pm. We have booked in for 4 days as the forward forecast looks terrible. 25-30 knot SE winds and 4m seas at least till Monday.
We all went down to the seafood market for dinner, quickly becoming our favourite dining spot in Mooloolaba.
Dinner at Seafood Market
We have heard from Steve Smith that the Riviera he is going back to Sydney on is holed up at Yamba, where they decided to give up and wait for better conditions going South.
Through Sheridan Flats to Inskip Point
Wednesday 6th October
We raised anchor at 6 am to head off through the shallowest part of the straits, Sheridan Flats. We should reach the shallowest part around 1 hour before full tide.
We crossed the shallow area with about 1.2m under the keel , the 3m plus tides are a big help.
We had the current with us nearly all the way down to Pelican Bay, as the tide floods South to Sheridan Flats after which we picked up the outgoing tide from there on.
We arrived at Pelican Bay (Inskip Point) at around 10.30 am and anchored in one of the few deep areas with the outgoing tide running at about 3 knots through the anchorage, pushing the boat around a fair bit in the process.
Also at the anchorage was Kyeema, another CCCA member whom we have seen on and off since the Whitsundays. Rod and Lee touched base with them, and a sausage sizzle was organised on Cooinda for lunch. By lunch time the current had died down as low tide was around 1 pm, so it was easier to put the dinghy over and motor over to Cooinda without getting washed out to sea.
After lunch we went ashore on the sand spit that is only exposed at low tide and had a walk over to near where the vehicle ferries run between the mainland and Fraser Island. The tide comes in pretty rapidly so, we didn't stay there for too long.
By the end of the afternoon there were 8 boats at anchor, presumably all with the same plan to cross the bar during the morning high tide. I can't see any other reason why you would anchor here.
After such a big lunch we had toasted sandwiches for dinner and had an early night in anticipation of an early start in the morning to cross the bar. Kyeema decided to go overnight and pulled up anchor and headed out just after 4pm. He radioed in around 6pm after crossing the bar saying it was a bit lumpy and confused seas but they were finally through and heading south. No doubt we will see them in Mooloolaba.
We agreed we would pull up anchor at 5.45 am.
We raised anchor at 6 am to head off through the shallowest part of the straits, Sheridan Flats. We should reach the shallowest part around 1 hour before full tide.
We crossed the shallow area with about 1.2m under the keel , the 3m plus tides are a big help.
We had the current with us nearly all the way down to Pelican Bay, as the tide floods South to Sheridan Flats after which we picked up the outgoing tide from there on.
We arrived at Pelican Bay (Inskip Point) at around 10.30 am and anchored in one of the few deep areas with the outgoing tide running at about 3 knots through the anchorage, pushing the boat around a fair bit in the process.
Also at the anchorage was Kyeema, another CCCA member whom we have seen on and off since the Whitsundays. Rod and Lee touched base with them, and a sausage sizzle was organised on Cooinda for lunch. By lunch time the current had died down as low tide was around 1 pm, so it was easier to put the dinghy over and motor over to Cooinda without getting washed out to sea.
Lunch on Cooinda with Romul and Nellie from Kyeema
After lunch we went ashore on the sand spit that is only exposed at low tide and had a walk over to near where the vehicle ferries run between the mainland and Fraser Island. The tide comes in pretty rapidly so, we didn't stay there for too long.
Boats at anchor in Pelican Bay taken from the sand spit at low tide
By the end of the afternoon there were 8 boats at anchor, presumably all with the same plan to cross the bar during the morning high tide. I can't see any other reason why you would anchor here.
Vehicle ferry going back to base past Kyeema
After such a big lunch we had toasted sandwiches for dinner and had an early night in anticipation of an early start in the morning to cross the bar. Kyeema decided to go overnight and pulled up anchor and headed out just after 4pm. He radioed in around 6pm after crossing the bar saying it was a bit lumpy and confused seas but they were finally through and heading south. No doubt we will see them in Mooloolaba.
We agreed we would pull up anchor at 5.45 am.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
South White Cliffs
Tuesday 5th October
Today the weather is very pleasant, we are going to have a lazy day finally soaking up some decent weather. We put a fishing line out with little success, Carole caught an undersized flathead and I caught a Giant Toad. I decided to take advantage of the strong current to run out my trolling line and get a few twists out of it. I put a plastic squid lure on it and played it out in the current for a few hundred metres before reeling it back in. To my surprise when I finally got it back in, most of the lure was missing. I suspect the giant toadfish, as we have had several lines cut off by them.
Cooinda arrived at around 4.30pm after an easy trip across Hervey Bay in similar conditions to those we experienced yesterday. We had a chat on the VHF when they arrived and agreed to leave the anchorage at 6 am tomorrow morning to catch the high tide through Sheridan Flats and then on to Pelican Bay at Inskip Point.
Today the weather is very pleasant, we are going to have a lazy day finally soaking up some decent weather. We put a fishing line out with little success, Carole caught an undersized flathead and I caught a Giant Toad. I decided to take advantage of the strong current to run out my trolling line and get a few twists out of it. I put a plastic squid lure on it and played it out in the current for a few hundred metres before reeling it back in. To my surprise when I finally got it back in, most of the lure was missing. I suspect the giant toadfish, as we have had several lines cut off by them.
Remains of the lure
Cooinda arrived at around 4.30pm after an easy trip across Hervey Bay in similar conditions to those we experienced yesterday. We had a chat on the VHF when they arrived and agreed to leave the anchorage at 6 am tomorrow morning to catch the high tide through Sheridan Flats and then on to Pelican Bay at Inskip Point.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Leaving Bundaberg at Last
Monday 4th October
At last we are leaving Bundaberg. We pulled out of the marina at 5.45 am, in what looks like being a very calm sea with not a lot of wind and plenty of sunshine.
We motored all the way across Hervey Bay in very pleasant conditions. We had the usual whale sightings, and also saw some type of ray jumping across the surface of the water. We also strated to see a bit of bird life on the water which has been missing in the strong winds and rough seas.
We pushed against a 1 to 1.5 knot current until we entered the Great Sandy Straits when began to pick up the incoming tide and had about 1.5 knots behind us.
We put down the anchor at South White Cliffs around 4 pm, by which time the current was up to 2.5 knots through the anchorage. We will stay here and wait for Cooinda who plan to set out from Bundaberg tomorrow and should arrive here tomorrow afternoon.
We can then set out through the shallowest part of the straits on the high tide Wednesday morning. We only have about 3 nm to reach that section, so won't have to get up too early.
A few other boats arrived after us and there are now 4 of us anchored here.
At last we are leaving Bundaberg. We pulled out of the marina at 5.45 am, in what looks like being a very calm sea with not a lot of wind and plenty of sunshine.
We motored all the way across Hervey Bay in very pleasant conditions. We had the usual whale sightings, and also saw some type of ray jumping across the surface of the water. We also strated to see a bit of bird life on the water which has been missing in the strong winds and rough seas.
We pushed against a 1 to 1.5 knot current until we entered the Great Sandy Straits when began to pick up the incoming tide and had about 1.5 knots behind us.
We put down the anchor at South White Cliffs around 4 pm, by which time the current was up to 2.5 knots through the anchorage. We will stay here and wait for Cooinda who plan to set out from Bundaberg tomorrow and should arrive here tomorrow afternoon.
We can then set out through the shallowest part of the straits on the high tide Wednesday morning. We only have about 3 nm to reach that section, so won't have to get up too early.
A few other boats arrived after us and there are now 4 of us anchored here.
Balmy night at South White Cliffs
Hopefully our last day in Bundaberg
Sunday 3rd October
By now we are pretty much over Bundaberg, but continue to find things to do to fill in time. This morning we caught the marina courtesy bus to the local markets (Shalom Markets at a Catholic College of the same name). We wished we hadn't bought fresh vegies yesterday, but bought some more anyway. For fresh produce it was quite a good market.
We had received a call from Steve Smith saying he was on his way to Bundaberg helping a mate bring his Riviera back to Sydney. It was only a short time ago he was on a Maritimo doing the same thing. He arrived at the marina to refuel at 10.30am, we were on the bus back from the markets, but he was still there when we arrived, as the girl driving the bus, also manned the fuel wharf, so they had to wait.
There was not much wind today, so I took the opportunity to put the repaired headsail back up, as we hope to head south tomorrow.
The NRL Grand Final is on the afternoon and as I have reasonable reception on channel 9, Rod came around and we watched the game on Mica.
We had a BBQ dinner and after a quick check of the weather forecast, we decide that we will head off to the Great Sandy Straits in the morning. Lee is still in Ipswich, but expected back tomorrow, so Cooinda will probably follow on Tuesday.
The is some more nasty weather on the way, so the current plan is to cross the Wide Bay bar on Thursday and get to Mooloolaba ahead of the change on Friday.
By now we are pretty much over Bundaberg, but continue to find things to do to fill in time. This morning we caught the marina courtesy bus to the local markets (Shalom Markets at a Catholic College of the same name). We wished we hadn't bought fresh vegies yesterday, but bought some more anyway. For fresh produce it was quite a good market.
Buying some fresh fruit and veg at the Shalom Markets
We had received a call from Steve Smith saying he was on his way to Bundaberg helping a mate bring his Riviera back to Sydney. It was only a short time ago he was on a Maritimo doing the same thing. He arrived at the marina to refuel at 10.30am, we were on the bus back from the markets, but he was still there when we arrived, as the girl driving the bus, also manned the fuel wharf, so they had to wait.
There was not much wind today, so I took the opportunity to put the repaired headsail back up, as we hope to head south tomorrow.
The NRL Grand Final is on the afternoon and as I have reasonable reception on channel 9, Rod came around and we watched the game on Mica.
We had a BBQ dinner and after a quick check of the weather forecast, we decide that we will head off to the Great Sandy Straits in the morning. Lee is still in Ipswich, but expected back tomorrow, so Cooinda will probably follow on Tuesday.
The is some more nasty weather on the way, so the current plan is to cross the Wide Bay bar on Thursday and get to Mooloolaba ahead of the change on Friday.
Running out of things to do in Bundaberg
Saturday 2nd October
Carole and I decided to catch the local bus into town, Rod chose to continue on his list of boat jobs. We needed to get a new battery for Carole's watch, so first stop was Mr Minit at Hinkler Plaza, he couldn't do it, so we tried Prouds, they also weren't equipped, but recommended a jeweller at the other end of the main business centre. By the time we walked there, had the battery fitted and walked back to where we would catch the return bus to the marina, we only had a spare hour to do anything.
We did a bit of food shopping, mainly fresh things, and caught the bus home. We bought fish and chips from the local seafood place at the marina for lunch which we enjoyed on the boat.
Today is AFL Grand Final Day (again), so Rod and I were interested in finding a TV so we could see the game. Neither of us could receive channel 7 on our TV.
We ended up walking to the Lighthouse Hotel in Burnett Heads, where we shared a large room with very few other interested parties to see the game, interspersed with a few beers.
Dinner tonight was a pork roast dinner on Mica.
Carole and I decided to catch the local bus into town, Rod chose to continue on his list of boat jobs. We needed to get a new battery for Carole's watch, so first stop was Mr Minit at Hinkler Plaza, he couldn't do it, so we tried Prouds, they also weren't equipped, but recommended a jeweller at the other end of the main business centre. By the time we walked there, had the battery fitted and walked back to where we would catch the return bus to the marina, we only had a spare hour to do anything.
We did a bit of food shopping, mainly fresh things, and caught the bus home. We bought fish and chips from the local seafood place at the marina for lunch which we enjoyed on the boat.
Today is AFL Grand Final Day (again), so Rod and I were interested in finding a TV so we could see the game. Neither of us could receive channel 7 on our TV.
We ended up walking to the Lighthouse Hotel in Burnett Heads, where we shared a large room with very few other interested parties to see the game, interspersed with a few beers.
Dinner tonight was a pork roast dinner on Mica.
Weather still keeping us in Bundaberg
Friday 1st October
The weather is still pretty ordinary, so it looks like another day in Bundaberg.
Rod picked up his repaired hot water heater this morning, so I filled in a bit of time helping him reinstall it.
Carole and I went for a walk to Burnett Heads and the seas still looked very uninviting. After lunch we watched a DVD, and read for a while.
Friday night is happy hour at the marina restaurant, so we wandered up there at 5pm and had a few drinks and met up with some other couples who were also sitting out the weather at the marina.
We decided to go to the Bluewater Sports Club for dinner, about 1.5 km from the marina. We called the courtesy bus and he was at the marina in an instant. When we arrived at the club, it was almost empty. We had an OK meal, and the courtesy bus driver just sat at the bar and said let me know when you want to go back and I will run you back. I don't think we would rush back there.
He did comment that things had been quiet the last month, a bit of an understatement, I suspect.
The weather is still pretty ordinary, so it looks like another day in Bundaberg.
Rod picked up his repaired hot water heater this morning, so I filled in a bit of time helping him reinstall it.
Rod reinstalling the heater
Carole and I went for a walk to Burnett Heads and the seas still looked very uninviting. After lunch we watched a DVD, and read for a while.
Friday night is happy hour at the marina restaurant, so we wandered up there at 5pm and had a few drinks and met up with some other couples who were also sitting out the weather at the marina.
We decided to go to the Bluewater Sports Club for dinner, about 1.5 km from the marina. We called the courtesy bus and he was at the marina in an instant. When we arrived at the club, it was almost empty. We had an OK meal, and the courtesy bus driver just sat at the bar and said let me know when you want to go back and I will run you back. I don't think we would rush back there.
He did comment that things had been quiet the last month, a bit of an understatement, I suspect.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Looks like an extended stay in Bundaberg
Thursday 30th September
The southerly change has arrived and looks like the forecasts about the intensity of the winds is spot on. I check the wether forecast and it looks like the bad weather could be with us well into next week
I decide to top up the fuel tank with Diesel and do a few jerry can runs to the bowser nearby to fill us up, and have the usual 40 litres in reserve.
We have extended our stay at the marina now until next Tuesday. We may leave earlier if the wind abates, but this currently appears unlikely. Lee has decided to go to Ipswich for a few days to catch up with her mother and come back when the weather looks favourable for departure from Bundaberg.
We decide we may as well have a game of golf, so we rent a car and drive to Coral Cove Golf Course near Elliott Heads. It is now blowing about 25 knots from the SE and the course is right on the coast, so it should be challenging. Carole revelled in the windy conditions, I just watched the balls picked up by the wind in the air and blown into the nearest water hazard. She won the day convincingly with 34 points versus 28 points given her a very strong 13 point lead in the Mica Cup. The greens had just been renovated, so putting was a bit of a challenge.
After golf we drove to Elliott Heads to get some lunch, and by this time the seas are really rough whipped up by the strong SE wind.
When we got back to the marina, I went over to see how the sailmaker had fared and the repair was complete and the workmanship appears very good. I will have to wait for a break in this weather to get the sail back up again, but saw it all laid out in the loft where he took me through the work he had done.
We caught up with Rod for drinks before dinner. Lee had already arrived in Ipswich in a hire car. We had dinner on board and watched a couple of DVDs.
It is now blowing 20 – 30 knots and looks like this will be the case till early next week at the least.
The southerly change has arrived and looks like the forecasts about the intensity of the winds is spot on. I check the wether forecast and it looks like the bad weather could be with us well into next week
I decide to top up the fuel tank with Diesel and do a few jerry can runs to the bowser nearby to fill us up, and have the usual 40 litres in reserve.
We have extended our stay at the marina now until next Tuesday. We may leave earlier if the wind abates, but this currently appears unlikely. Lee has decided to go to Ipswich for a few days to catch up with her mother and come back when the weather looks favourable for departure from Bundaberg.
We decide we may as well have a game of golf, so we rent a car and drive to Coral Cove Golf Course near Elliott Heads. It is now blowing about 25 knots from the SE and the course is right on the coast, so it should be challenging. Carole revelled in the windy conditions, I just watched the balls picked up by the wind in the air and blown into the nearest water hazard. She won the day convincingly with 34 points versus 28 points given her a very strong 13 point lead in the Mica Cup. The greens had just been renovated, so putting was a bit of a challenge.
After golf we drove to Elliott Heads to get some lunch, and by this time the seas are really rough whipped up by the strong SE wind.
The entrance bar at Elliott Heads
When we got back to the marina, I went over to see how the sailmaker had fared and the repair was complete and the workmanship appears very good. I will have to wait for a break in this weather to get the sail back up again, but saw it all laid out in the loft where he took me through the work he had done.
We caught up with Rod for drinks before dinner. Lee had already arrived in Ipswich in a hire car. We had dinner on board and watched a couple of DVDs.
It is now blowing 20 – 30 knots and looks like this will be the case till early next week at the least.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Maintenance day in Bundaberg
Wednesday 29th September
First task this morning is to get the headsail down and in it's bag to take it across to the sailmaker for repair. Carole and I managed to get it down and loosely in the bag. Then we settled in to bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Rod came around at 9.30 to give me a hand to lug the sail across the road to the sailmaker. He gave it good going over and commented that it was a very well made sail, but they appear to have not used a good quality fabric. I will take this up with North Sails when I return to Sydney. It looks like the sail was made in Turkey from the markings in the sail bag. To repair the tear in the leech he recommends running a 75mm reinforcing take pretty much the length of the sail where to double thickness of the UV protection strip meets the single thickness of the sail. He will also permanently patch the area I repaired with tape.
Next job is to remove Rod's hot water heater and get it across to the stainless steel fabricator across the road so he can fix the leaking weld. This was fiddly and time consuming, but the heater is now sitting in the workshop awaiting repair.
The weather has been a bit overcast but the strong southerly change is yet to arrive and it is raining on and off. A few more yachts arrive at the marina, one we have seen on and off since Port Clinton, and a 54 ft Hanse “Moksha” from Pittwater also arrived late in the day.
As the weather is miserable we end up watching a DVD in the afternoon, before calling the courtesy bus to take us to the Lighthouse Hotel in Burnett Heads for dinner. We also caught the courtesy bus home with another patron. The bus was driven by a kid who had never driven anything like it before, and after a colourful trip home, we left him and the other patron in the marina car park, trying to work out how to get the bus to co-operate so they could complete their journey.
First task this morning is to get the headsail down and in it's bag to take it across to the sailmaker for repair. Carole and I managed to get it down and loosely in the bag. Then we settled in to bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Rod came around at 9.30 to give me a hand to lug the sail across the road to the sailmaker. He gave it good going over and commented that it was a very well made sail, but they appear to have not used a good quality fabric. I will take this up with North Sails when I return to Sydney. It looks like the sail was made in Turkey from the markings in the sail bag. To repair the tear in the leech he recommends running a 75mm reinforcing take pretty much the length of the sail where to double thickness of the UV protection strip meets the single thickness of the sail. He will also permanently patch the area I repaired with tape.
Sailmaker inspecting the tear in the headsail
Next job is to remove Rod's hot water heater and get it across to the stainless steel fabricator across the road so he can fix the leaking weld. This was fiddly and time consuming, but the heater is now sitting in the workshop awaiting repair.
The weather has been a bit overcast but the strong southerly change is yet to arrive and it is raining on and off. A few more yachts arrive at the marina, one we have seen on and off since Port Clinton, and a 54 ft Hanse “Moksha” from Pittwater also arrived late in the day.
As the weather is miserable we end up watching a DVD in the afternoon, before calling the courtesy bus to take us to the Lighthouse Hotel in Burnett Heads for dinner. We also caught the courtesy bus home with another patron. The bus was driven by a kid who had never driven anything like it before, and after a colourful trip home, we left him and the other patron in the marina car park, trying to work out how to get the bus to co-operate so they could complete their journey.
On to Bundaberg
Tuesday 28th September
Up early and motoring out of Pancake Creek at 6am. Once again it is low tide, a bit lower than when we came in last night, and to stay in the deep water the GPS shows us travelling across the land. When we got up there were only 3 boats in the anchorage, it looks like everyone is off to an early start. We could see 4 of them just going out of the entrance.
When we get outside the sea is like glass, only a very light NE breeze and a strong current against us. Kyeema made radio contact with Cooinda, and it seems they are about an hour ahead of us, also headed for Bundaberg. Everyone is motoring.
As we approach Cape Capricorn a thick sea fog rolled in and visibility was very limited. We had a couple of hours of this, so the radr got a bit of a workout, and then the breeze picked up to around 10 knots and we put up the mainsail and motor sailed the rest of the way. When I pulled the main up, a couple of bits of metal rained down , fortunately they didn't go overboard. Carole spotted one on the deck, and I could see it was part of the coupling that connects the barrens to the slide car in the mast track. I had a hasty search in the sail bag and found the other half, but the pin that secures it must have gone overboard. Fortunately it was off the very top short batten, so being unsecured in a light breeze wasn't of great concern.
We passed Kyeema along the way, they were doing about a knot less than us and expected to be in Bundaberg by 6pm.
We arrived at the marina a 3.30pm, just before it started to rain. I went up and checked it, went to the chandlery to get a new pin to secure the wayward batten, and wandered over to the sailmaker to see if I could organise a repair on my headsail. Weather permitting, I should be able to get it down in the morning and take it over to his loft.
We are going to be here for a few days, as tomorrow a strong southerly change is expected and it looks like a few days of 20-30knots before it settles down again.
Up early and motoring out of Pancake Creek at 6am. Once again it is low tide, a bit lower than when we came in last night, and to stay in the deep water the GPS shows us travelling across the land. When we got up there were only 3 boats in the anchorage, it looks like everyone is off to an early start. We could see 4 of them just going out of the entrance.
When we get outside the sea is like glass, only a very light NE breeze and a strong current against us. Kyeema made radio contact with Cooinda, and it seems they are about an hour ahead of us, also headed for Bundaberg. Everyone is motoring.
As we approach Cape Capricorn a thick sea fog rolled in and visibility was very limited. We had a couple of hours of this, so the radr got a bit of a workout, and then the breeze picked up to around 10 knots and we put up the mainsail and motor sailed the rest of the way. When I pulled the main up, a couple of bits of metal rained down , fortunately they didn't go overboard. Carole spotted one on the deck, and I could see it was part of the coupling that connects the barrens to the slide car in the mast track. I had a hasty search in the sail bag and found the other half, but the pin that secures it must have gone overboard. Fortunately it was off the very top short batten, so being unsecured in a light breeze wasn't of great concern.
We passed Kyeema along the way, they were doing about a knot less than us and expected to be in Bundaberg by 6pm.
We arrived at the marina a 3.30pm, just before it started to rain. I went up and checked it, went to the chandlery to get a new pin to secure the wayward batten, and wandered over to the sailmaker to see if I could organise a repair on my headsail. Weather permitting, I should be able to get it down in the morning and take it over to his loft.
We are going to be here for a few days, as tomorrow a strong southerly change is expected and it looks like a few days of 20-30knots before it settles down again.
Heading to Pancake Creek
Monday 27th September
Up early , and at 6 am, Cooinda headed out of the marina. We waited another 20 minutes to get a little bit more tide under us to clear the entrance shoal.
It was a calm day with light SE winds ( less than 10 knots), so it was a motor all the way job (again !). We pushed against a 1 to 1.5 knot current most of the way. It was a pretty uneventful trip and we arrived at Pancake Creek and had the anchor down at 5.45 pm. We came it at low tide so had to be a bit careful coming in. It was quite crowded in the first bay where we anchored, last time there were 3 boats , including us, this time 8. There wasn't much room for anyone else.
Another CCCA member, Kyeema, was already there. Rod and Lee know them, but it was late so didn't make contact.
We ate on board and got an early night as tomorrow we intend heading to Bundaberg (another 60nm) so it will be another early start. The forecast says we can expect a NE breeze. I'll believe it when I see it !
Up early , and at 6 am, Cooinda headed out of the marina. We waited another 20 minutes to get a little bit more tide under us to clear the entrance shoal.
It was a calm day with light SE winds ( less than 10 knots), so it was a motor all the way job (again !). We pushed against a 1 to 1.5 knot current most of the way. It was a pretty uneventful trip and we arrived at Pancake Creek and had the anchor down at 5.45 pm. We came it at low tide so had to be a bit careful coming in. It was quite crowded in the first bay where we anchored, last time there were 3 boats , including us, this time 8. There wasn't much room for anyone else.
Another CCCA member, Kyeema, was already there. Rod and Lee know them, but it was late so didn't make contact.
We ate on board and got an early night as tomorrow we intend heading to Bundaberg (another 60nm) so it will be another early start. The forecast says we can expect a NE breeze. I'll believe it when I see it !
Still in Yeppoon
Sunday 26th September
Today the weather was a bit better, so I decided to re furl the headsail as it was a bit untidy. When I pulled it out I discovered a couple of tears in the sail, one I could reach and repaired temporarily with a bit of sail repair tape, but there was a larger one along the leech of the sail hear the top. So I decided to furl it back up and wouldn't use it till I could get it repaired, probably in Bundaberg.
We had organised to have the marina courtesy car for a few hours this afternoon from 12.30 pm, so headed off into town to do the usual shopping run. Once again we didn't seem to have trouble filling the boot with food between the 4 of us. After shopping we returned to the boats and the girls packed the groceries on board whilst Rod and I wandered off to the local service station with our jerry cans to get some diesel. I did a second run and the tank is topped right up again.
We had the courtesy car for a couple more hours so did some sightseeing.
We decided to go into town for dinner and caught the local bus into the Sailing Club and had a good meal, before getting a taxi back to the marina. The sailing club was packed, as obviously the Sunday buffet is a bit hit with the locals.
The weather forecast for tomorrow looks favourable, so it is likely we will head off for a long trip to Pancake Creek (72nm)
Today the weather was a bit better, so I decided to re furl the headsail as it was a bit untidy. When I pulled it out I discovered a couple of tears in the sail, one I could reach and repaired temporarily with a bit of sail repair tape, but there was a larger one along the leech of the sail hear the top. So I decided to furl it back up and wouldn't use it till I could get it repaired, probably in Bundaberg.
We had organised to have the marina courtesy car for a few hours this afternoon from 12.30 pm, so headed off into town to do the usual shopping run. Once again we didn't seem to have trouble filling the boot with food between the 4 of us. After shopping we returned to the boats and the girls packed the groceries on board whilst Rod and I wandered off to the local service station with our jerry cans to get some diesel. I did a second run and the tank is topped right up again.
We had the courtesy car for a couple more hours so did some sightseeing.
We decided to go into town for dinner and caught the local bus into the Sailing Club and had a good meal, before getting a taxi back to the marina. The sailing club was packed, as obviously the Sunday buffet is a bit hit with the locals.
Dinner at the Sailing Club
The weather forecast for tomorrow looks favourable, so it is likely we will head off for a long trip to Pancake Creek (72nm)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
A wet day in Yeppoon
Saturday 25th September
Today it rained all day, quite heavy at times, so any outdoor activity was out of the question.
I went up to the marina office to check in and was pleased to see that my depth sounder transducer had arrived in the mail, so at least there was something indoors I could do. Replacing the transducer was relatively straight forward, but when I put power on the system to see it was working the screen came up blank. After a bit of fiddling around I realised that I had to reinstall the data input sources on the computer so it recognised the new transducer. The keel depth offset had also been lost so had to be reset. After this it worked and at this stage the problem appears to have been solved.
Carole went off to do the laundry, and I set the TV up as it looked like we may be sitting around watching it. I then found out the AFL Grand Final was on this afternoon, so Rod & Lee came around and watching it filled in the afternoon.
We decided on having seafood on board for dinner, so Rod & Lee went off to the local (frozen) seafood shop not far from the marina, and returned with oysters, prawns, calamari, a mud crab, scallops and fish which formed the basis of a veritable feast. Carole cooked the fish, scallops and calamari and we had a great meal, followed by more football – the League match between the Tigers and St George (the girls played scrabble).
Today it rained all day, quite heavy at times, so any outdoor activity was out of the question.
I went up to the marina office to check in and was pleased to see that my depth sounder transducer had arrived in the mail, so at least there was something indoors I could do. Replacing the transducer was relatively straight forward, but when I put power on the system to see it was working the screen came up blank. After a bit of fiddling around I realised that I had to reinstall the data input sources on the computer so it recognised the new transducer. The keel depth offset had also been lost so had to be reset. After this it worked and at this stage the problem appears to have been solved.
Carole went off to do the laundry, and I set the TV up as it looked like we may be sitting around watching it. I then found out the AFL Grand Final was on this afternoon, so Rod & Lee came around and watching it filled in the afternoon.
We decided on having seafood on board for dinner, so Rod & Lee went off to the local (frozen) seafood shop not far from the marina, and returned with oysters, prawns, calamari, a mud crab, scallops and fish which formed the basis of a veritable feast. Carole cooked the fish, scallops and calamari and we had a great meal, followed by more football – the League match between the Tigers and St George (the girls played scrabble).
Friday, September 24, 2010
Finally at Yeppoon
Friday 24th September
We were up early and the wind was already approaching 15 knots from the SE, but the forecast remained unchanged, so we decide we have seen enough of Port Clinton and agree to head off to Yeppoon, despite the possibility of an uncomfortable day at sea.
We leave at 8.30 am as we want to arrive at Rosslyn Bay marina at around 5.30pm to have a few hours of the rising tide with us as went enter the shallow entrance.
The motor out of Port Clinton was comfortable enough, but once we crossed the entrance shoal we were back into a lumpy sea. It gave us a good opportunity to check the antifouling on each others boats as a good part of both of them were out of the water at times.
Four other boats also decided to leave but only one of them was going South and he left about early.
After a couple of hours we could alter our course more south as we would clear all of the headlands and other obstacles along the way, and we were able to carry a headsail for the rest of the way which gave us a bit more speed ( and used less diesel) and greatly reduced the rolling. From then on it was a reasonably comfortable trip motor sailing.
We got quite a surprise anong the way when a large whale suddenly appeared behind our boat , only about 20 m behind us swimming in the direction we were sailing. We can only assume we went straight over the top of it, as we were moving much faster than it was.
We passed the yacht that had left over an hour earlier than us, as he was sailing on his headsail. We found out later talking to him at Rosslyn Bay, that he was desperately low on fuel and wanted to save it to get into the marina. He arrived in the dark an hour or so after us.
A couple of hours out from the marina we were well ahead of Cooinda, who can't sail quite as high as us, so couldn't carry a headsail with any success, and had a rolly ride under motor only for most of the way. We were going to arrive at the marina too early, so slowed down to wait for Cooinda to catch up. We turned the motor off and sailed for a while until they passed us, as were are still dependent on following them through the shallow water until our depth sounder is fixed.
We arrive at the marina right on 5.30pm and go straight in to our berth as there should be enough water under us now to get in.
We tied up next to a 44ft Island Gypsy and after they helped us secure our lines, had a bit of a chat to the couple on board. They had come up from Hervey Bay with a plan to spend some time in the Whitsundays. They abandoned that idea given the poor weather and have based themselves here to explore the nearby islands, if the weather ever improves. Brian de Boos may know this boat, it originally came from Sydney and has been heavily modified as you can see below. Apparnetly the modifications were done at Woolwich dock
Rod and Lee are on the other side of the marina, so we catch up for drinks on Mica after a well earned shower, and head up the road to Beaches restaurant, where we ate with Kathy and David last time we were here, as there was a wedding on at the restaurant at the marina.
We were up early and the wind was already approaching 15 knots from the SE, but the forecast remained unchanged, so we decide we have seen enough of Port Clinton and agree to head off to Yeppoon, despite the possibility of an uncomfortable day at sea.
We leave at 8.30 am as we want to arrive at Rosslyn Bay marina at around 5.30pm to have a few hours of the rising tide with us as went enter the shallow entrance.
The motor out of Port Clinton was comfortable enough, but once we crossed the entrance shoal we were back into a lumpy sea. It gave us a good opportunity to check the antifouling on each others boats as a good part of both of them were out of the water at times.
Four other boats also decided to leave but only one of them was going South and he left about early.
After a couple of hours we could alter our course more south as we would clear all of the headlands and other obstacles along the way, and we were able to carry a headsail for the rest of the way which gave us a bit more speed ( and used less diesel) and greatly reduced the rolling. From then on it was a reasonably comfortable trip motor sailing.
We got quite a surprise anong the way when a large whale suddenly appeared behind our boat , only about 20 m behind us swimming in the direction we were sailing. We can only assume we went straight over the top of it, as we were moving much faster than it was.
We passed the yacht that had left over an hour earlier than us, as he was sailing on his headsail. We found out later talking to him at Rosslyn Bay, that he was desperately low on fuel and wanted to save it to get into the marina. He arrived in the dark an hour or so after us.
A couple of hours out from the marina we were well ahead of Cooinda, who can't sail quite as high as us, so couldn't carry a headsail with any success, and had a rolly ride under motor only for most of the way. We were going to arrive at the marina too early, so slowed down to wait for Cooinda to catch up. We turned the motor off and sailed for a while until they passed us, as were are still dependent on following them through the shallow water until our depth sounder is fixed.
We arrive at the marina right on 5.30pm and go straight in to our berth as there should be enough water under us now to get in.
We tied up next to a 44ft Island Gypsy and after they helped us secure our lines, had a bit of a chat to the couple on board. They had come up from Hervey Bay with a plan to spend some time in the Whitsundays. They abandoned that idea given the poor weather and have based themselves here to explore the nearby islands, if the weather ever improves. Brian de Boos may know this boat, it originally came from Sydney and has been heavily modified as you can see below. Apparnetly the modifications were done at Woolwich dock
Our neighbour at Yeppoon
Rod and Lee are on the other side of the marina, so we catch up for drinks on Mica after a well earned shower, and head up the road to Beaches restaurant, where we ate with Kathy and David last time we were here, as there was a wedding on at the restaurant at the marina.
Another Day at Port Clinton
Thursday 23rd September
We are staying at Port Clinton another day, as the weather forecast has not improved 15 to 20 knots from the SE and isolated showers.
No one else has moved other than a catamaran that has gone further downstream.
It is still a bleak day, so Carole decides to bake some bread, and as there will be plenty of residual heat in the Cobb, make pizzas for lunch.
After lunch we finally get the dinghy off the foredeck and go ashore to stretch our legs on the beach. After about 30 minutes it looks like it is going to rain, so we head back to the boat.
We went across to Cooinda for predinner drinks and had BBQ pork ribs back on Mica for dinner.
Tomorrow the forecast is for SE winds 10 to 15 knots, so we will head to Yeppoon if it is true.
We are staying at Port Clinton another day, as the weather forecast has not improved 15 to 20 knots from the SE and isolated showers.
No one else has moved other than a catamaran that has gone further downstream.
It is still a bleak day, so Carole decides to bake some bread, and as there will be plenty of residual heat in the Cobb, make pizzas for lunch.
Carole baking bread at Port Clinton
After lunch we finally get the dinghy off the foredeck and go ashore to stretch our legs on the beach. After about 30 minutes it looks like it is going to rain, so we head back to the boat.
Erosion from the heavy rain
Port Clinton at low tide looking from the beach (Mica & Cooinda on the right)
We went across to Cooinda for predinner drinks and had BBQ pork ribs back on Mica for dinner.
Tomorrow the forecast is for SE winds 10 to 15 knots, so we will head to Yeppoon if it is true.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Slow Progress, but a new anchorage
Wednesday 22nd September
We have had no luck getting a weather forecast, but the last one we saw said 10-15 knots SE/NE. It is blowing around 10 knots in Pearl Bay which is reasonably sheltered, so we decide to head to Yeppoon, but expect it might be a bit rough.
We left at 8.30am, and as soon as we got away from the coast the wind was blowing 15 knots plus, in lumpy seas. Over the next half hour it increased to 20-30 knots and the seas were steep and very uncomfortable. We were making little forward progress, so after an hour or so decided to head for Port Clinton, the next anchorage down the coast only about 5nm from Pearl Bay. It took us 2 hours to cover this distance and after clearing the entrance shoal into the Port, we found ourselves in relatively calm, deep water. There was not a great deal of relief from the wind but at least it was comfortable.
We anchored in the South arm of the port in 14 m of water. We still have no depth sounder, so followed Cooinda over the shoal and used our portable unit, and some advice from Cooinda on the depth they anchored in, to establish the depth at the anchorage.
It continued to blow up top 30 knots all day and there is a 1.5 to 2 knot tidal flow where we are anchored. At last count there were 10 boats in here waiting for better conditions. It has been raining on and off all day.
At least here we have mobile phone, internet and VHF reception so have now seen the forecast for the next few days, and it looks like we might be here till Saturday.
Port Clinton is part of the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and is often closed for exercises which includes firing live rounds and bombing. The exercises start again on 26th September, but as far as we can ascertain the area we are in is not included in this exercise.
Hopefully we will be on our way to Yeppoon on the 25th.
We have had no luck getting a weather forecast, but the last one we saw said 10-15 knots SE/NE. It is blowing around 10 knots in Pearl Bay which is reasonably sheltered, so we decide to head to Yeppoon, but expect it might be a bit rough.
We left at 8.30am, and as soon as we got away from the coast the wind was blowing 15 knots plus, in lumpy seas. Over the next half hour it increased to 20-30 knots and the seas were steep and very uncomfortable. We were making little forward progress, so after an hour or so decided to head for Port Clinton, the next anchorage down the coast only about 5nm from Pearl Bay. It took us 2 hours to cover this distance and after clearing the entrance shoal into the Port, we found ourselves in relatively calm, deep water. There was not a great deal of relief from the wind but at least it was comfortable.
We anchored in the South arm of the port in 14 m of water. We still have no depth sounder, so followed Cooinda over the shoal and used our portable unit, and some advice from Cooinda on the depth they anchored in, to establish the depth at the anchorage.
Anchorage at Port Clinton
It continued to blow up top 30 knots all day and there is a 1.5 to 2 knot tidal flow where we are anchored. At last count there were 10 boats in here waiting for better conditions. It has been raining on and off all day.
At least here we have mobile phone, internet and VHF reception so have now seen the forecast for the next few days, and it looks like we might be here till Saturday.
Port Clinton is part of the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area and is often closed for exercises which includes firing live rounds and bombing. The exercises start again on 26th September, but as far as we can ascertain the area we are in is not included in this exercise.
Hopefully we will be on our way to Yeppoon on the 25th.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Continuing South to Pearl Bay
Tuesday 21st
Just had a look outside at 6.30am. It is overcast with about a 9 knot SE breeze. Seas don't look too bad at this stage. We head out at 8 am and as soon as we round Hexham Island and head south the wind is already 15 knots from the SE , once again it is futile putting up a sail as we are heading due SE, and it would take us forever to get to our destination tacking. We saw so many whales along the way we lost count
For the first half of the trip the sun is out and the seas are only around 1.2m. Then it started to rain and visibility reduced to a few hundred metres at best. We arrived at Pearl Bay around 2.30pm, with the help of a strong current for the last 2 hours, and as we were entering the bay we had to contend with a whale slowly swimming across the entrance.
Our depth sounder wasn't working and it is quite a shallow anchorage, so we followed Cooinda in and chose a spot roughly where we were before. I used the portable depth sounder I had bought as a backup to check the the depth before anchoring.
Once settled, we changed into dry clothes and had lunch.
Today is Mike's birthday, so Carole is cooking a baked lamb roast on the cobb and has made an apple pie for the occasion. We have invited Rod & Lee to dinner to join us. The rain is still coming down steadily. They arrive just after 5pm in full foul weather gear.
We had an excellent meal and soon forget about the rain, until it was time for Rod & Lee to go back to Cooinda, once again in full foul weather gear.
We plan to go to Yeppoon tomorrow. We cannot get a weather forecast as there is no mobile, internet or VHF reception in Pearl Bay. Rod is going to try on HF. All we can be certain of is that it will be wet and blowing strongly from the SE.
Just had a look outside at 6.30am. It is overcast with about a 9 knot SE breeze. Seas don't look too bad at this stage. We head out at 8 am and as soon as we round Hexham Island and head south the wind is already 15 knots from the SE , once again it is futile putting up a sail as we are heading due SE, and it would take us forever to get to our destination tacking. We saw so many whales along the way we lost count
Cooinda motoring to Pearl Bay
For the first half of the trip the sun is out and the seas are only around 1.2m. Then it started to rain and visibility reduced to a few hundred metres at best. We arrived at Pearl Bay around 2.30pm, with the help of a strong current for the last 2 hours, and as we were entering the bay we had to contend with a whale slowly swimming across the entrance.
Our depth sounder wasn't working and it is quite a shallow anchorage, so we followed Cooinda in and chose a spot roughly where we were before. I used the portable depth sounder I had bought as a backup to check the the depth before anchoring.
Once settled, we changed into dry clothes and had lunch.
Today is Mike's birthday, so Carole is cooking a baked lamb roast on the cobb and has made an apple pie for the occasion. We have invited Rod & Lee to dinner to join us. The rain is still coming down steadily. They arrive just after 5pm in full foul weather gear.
Roast Lamb for dinner
We had an excellent meal and soon forget about the rain, until it was time for Rod & Lee to go back to Cooinda, once again in full foul weather gear.
We plan to go to Yeppoon tomorrow. We cannot get a weather forecast as there is no mobile, internet or VHF reception in Pearl Bay. Rod is going to try on HF. All we can be certain of is that it will be wet and blowing strongly from the SE.
Off to the Duke Islands
Monday 20th September
Once again we planned to set off at 6 am and we awoke to fairly still conditions, no significant breeze and menacing skies. Nevertheless we decided to head off and motored for the first few hours with a bit of light rain, but the seas were not up, so it looked promising. The breeze picked a bit from the SW and we put out the headsail to save some diesel. We saw a few more whales along the way.
An hour or so later the story had changed significantly. We found ourselves in 15 -20 knot SW winds, torrential rain and some thunder and lightening. Visibility was about 100m. Our progress steadily slowed from around 6 knots to less than 3 knots.
To approach Hunter Island we had to cross a large area of shoals, which looked less and less like a good idea, given the foul conditions and poor visibility. Cooinda who were leading, the way, ( they have a reliable depth sounder), called in on the VHF, suggesting we abandon any thoughts of going to Hunter Island and head back out into deep water and head to Hexham Island, where we had anchored before and was reasonably comfortable in a howling southerly.
The torrential rain continued most of the way to Hexham, where we arrived at around 2.30pm, saturated and ready for a hot shower and change of clothes.
Listening to the radio after we arrived, we discovered that heavy rains right up the coast started last night and continued most of today. Mackay had 140 mm, the Bruce Highway is closed near Proserpine due to flooding and we must have had more than 100mm ourselves. It was later confirmed that yesterdays rainfall broke all previous records.
It rained lightly for most of the rest of the afternoon after we anchored, appearing to fine up at sunset.
We stayed on board and had pizzas for dinner, which were very good, cooked in the gas oven with home made base.
Tomorrow the forecast is currently SE/NE winds at 10-15 knots with possible isolated showers. The reality could be anything but that, although the showers look assured. If it half reasonable we will head further south to Pearl Bay.
Conditions overnight were bumpy with a persistent NE swell, not a great night for sleeping.
Once again we planned to set off at 6 am and we awoke to fairly still conditions, no significant breeze and menacing skies. Nevertheless we decided to head off and motored for the first few hours with a bit of light rain, but the seas were not up, so it looked promising. The breeze picked a bit from the SW and we put out the headsail to save some diesel. We saw a few more whales along the way.
An hour or so later the story had changed significantly. We found ourselves in 15 -20 knot SW winds, torrential rain and some thunder and lightening. Visibility was about 100m. Our progress steadily slowed from around 6 knots to less than 3 knots.
Looks like we might get some heavy rain !
To approach Hunter Island we had to cross a large area of shoals, which looked less and less like a good idea, given the foul conditions and poor visibility. Cooinda who were leading, the way, ( they have a reliable depth sounder), called in on the VHF, suggesting we abandon any thoughts of going to Hunter Island and head back out into deep water and head to Hexham Island, where we had anchored before and was reasonably comfortable in a howling southerly.
The torrential rain continued most of the way to Hexham, where we arrived at around 2.30pm, saturated and ready for a hot shower and change of clothes.
Listening to the radio after we arrived, we discovered that heavy rains right up the coast started last night and continued most of today. Mackay had 140 mm, the Bruce Highway is closed near Proserpine due to flooding and we must have had more than 100mm ourselves. It was later confirmed that yesterdays rainfall broke all previous records.
It rained lightly for most of the rest of the afternoon after we anchored, appearing to fine up at sunset.
Sunset at Hexham Island
We stayed on board and had pizzas for dinner, which were very good, cooked in the gas oven with home made base.
Tomorrow the forecast is currently SE/NE winds at 10-15 knots with possible isolated showers. The reality could be anything but that, although the showers look assured. If it half reasonable we will head further south to Pearl Bay.
Conditions overnight were bumpy with a persistent NE swell, not a great night for sleeping.
Finally leaving Mackay
Sunday 19th September
We planned to head off at 6 am, if the weather was OK. The promised NE breeze had not arrived but it had moved to the east, so we decided we would head out. The plan was to head to the Percy Islands.
The breeze was light so a bit of motor was required to keep us moving at a reasonable speed as we had 62 nm to cover. We soon left Cooinda behind and took a long tack out to sea to lay a line for the Percy's. At around midday we received a message from Cooinda that they were heading for Curlew Islands as they weren't making sufficient way to get to the Percy's before dark.
We altered course back to Curlew Island and anchored there for the night. We saw several whales along the way. The wind never got above 12 knots and it was due east tending South in the afternoon.
We caught up with Rod that afternoon to discuss plans for tomorrow, and it was decided to move further South to the Duke Islands and if conditions were suitable, anchor off Hunter Island for the night. The current forecast is NE/SE winds 10-15 knots.
Curlew was a much more comfortable anchorage onernight than we experienced on the way up. Whilst there was a bit of rolling, we slept well
Overnight there was some rain and a big thunderstorm on the mainland.
We planned to head off at 6 am, if the weather was OK. The promised NE breeze had not arrived but it had moved to the east, so we decided we would head out. The plan was to head to the Percy Islands.
George the autopilot having a sail out of Mackay
The breeze was light so a bit of motor was required to keep us moving at a reasonable speed as we had 62 nm to cover. We soon left Cooinda behind and took a long tack out to sea to lay a line for the Percy's. At around midday we received a message from Cooinda that they were heading for Curlew Islands as they weren't making sufficient way to get to the Percy's before dark.
We altered course back to Curlew Island and anchored there for the night. We saw several whales along the way. The wind never got above 12 knots and it was due east tending South in the afternoon.
We caught up with Rod that afternoon to discuss plans for tomorrow, and it was decided to move further South to the Duke Islands and if conditions were suitable, anchor off Hunter Island for the night. The current forecast is NE/SE winds 10-15 knots.
Cooinda at anchor at Curlew Island
Curlew was a much more comfortable anchorage onernight than we experienced on the way up. Whilst there was a bit of rolling, we slept well
Overnight there was some rain and a big thunderstorm on the mainland.
Another Day in Mackay
Saturday 18th September
We were up early to check the weather forecast, and it wasn't good, 15 to 20 knots from the SE and 1.7 m seas. After a quick discussion with Rod and Lee we all decided to stay another day at the marina.
Steve Smith sent us an SMS that he was on his way in the Maritimo and they expected to be in Mackay at 9.30am. They plan to refuel and keep going, even though conditions are pretty unpleasant. We caught up with Steve and Kim at the fuel wharf, and they had a pretty rough trip down, Kim was seasick and just wanted to go and sit on some solid ground for a while. We were glad we hadn't bothered to go out.
Carole and Lee have gone into town to wander around the shops, whilst Rod and I are doing a bit of maintenance work on our boats.
The girls arrive back laden with bargains, and Rod and I had polished the stainless steel, and lunch at the pub.
We had the usual evening drinks (on Mica this time) to discuss tomorrows plans, and what we would do for dinner. We ended up back at the Yacht Club.
Tomorrows forecast looks encouraging, so hopefully we move on.
We were up early to check the weather forecast, and it wasn't good, 15 to 20 knots from the SE and 1.7 m seas. After a quick discussion with Rod and Lee we all decided to stay another day at the marina.
Steve Smith sent us an SMS that he was on his way in the Maritimo and they expected to be in Mackay at 9.30am. They plan to refuel and keep going, even though conditions are pretty unpleasant. We caught up with Steve and Kim at the fuel wharf, and they had a pretty rough trip down, Kim was seasick and just wanted to go and sit on some solid ground for a while. We were glad we hadn't bothered to go out.
Carole and Lee have gone into town to wander around the shops, whilst Rod and I are doing a bit of maintenance work on our boats.
The girls arrive back laden with bargains, and Rod and I had polished the stainless steel, and lunch at the pub.
We had the usual evening drinks (on Mica this time) to discuss tomorrows plans, and what we would do for dinner. We ended up back at the Yacht Club.
Tomorrows forecast looks encouraging, so hopefully we move on.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Still in Mackay, time for Golf
Friday 17th September
Today is another day at Mackay, so we decide it is time for a game of golf.
We caught a taxi out to Mackay Golf Club, and whilst it was pretty windy, it was a good day for golf – not too hot. Carole immediately got off to a strong start with 4 points on the par 5 first hole ( she did the same on the par 5 tenth). The end result was a 2 point win to Carole (34 points vs Mike's 32), to increase her lead in the Mica Cup now to 7 points. We had a sandwich at the golf club and caught a taxi back to the marina.
Carole went up to the laundry to do some washing and met up with Lee and Kathy from Mee Too, which resulted in an invite for predinner drinks on Mee Too. We had already planned to have a roast dinner on Cooinda, so only stayed an hour.
Lee had prepared Roast Duck and Carole had baked some veggies in our over. We had a great meal washed down with a wine or two.
As usual we discussed plans for the next few days and the current weather forecast looks a bit marginal, so a few more days in Mackay may be on the cards.
We also had a call from Steve Smith, who is currently in the Whitsundays on a mate's Maritimo 50 foot motor cruiser. They are bringing it south and expect to be in Mackay tomorrow. If we are still here we may catch up with him.
Today is another day at Mackay, so we decide it is time for a game of golf.
We caught a taxi out to Mackay Golf Club, and whilst it was pretty windy, it was a good day for golf – not too hot. Carole immediately got off to a strong start with 4 points on the par 5 first hole ( she did the same on the par 5 tenth). The end result was a 2 point win to Carole (34 points vs Mike's 32), to increase her lead in the Mica Cup now to 7 points. We had a sandwich at the golf club and caught a taxi back to the marina.
Carole went up to the laundry to do some washing and met up with Lee and Kathy from Mee Too, which resulted in an invite for predinner drinks on Mee Too. We had already planned to have a roast dinner on Cooinda, so only stayed an hour.
Lee had prepared Roast Duck and Carole had baked some veggies in our over. We had a great meal washed down with a wine or two.
Roast Duck on Cooinda
As usual we discussed plans for the next few days and the current weather forecast looks a bit marginal, so a few more days in Mackay may be on the cards.
We also had a call from Steve Smith, who is currently in the Whitsundays on a mate's Maritimo 50 foot motor cruiser. They are bringing it south and expect to be in Mackay tomorrow. If we are still here we may catch up with him.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Off to Curlew, then back to Mackay
Thursday 16th September
The plan is to head off to Curlew Island. The forecast looks favourable but the wind appears to be building from the SE, which is not what has been forecast.
Nevertheless, Cooinda headed off to the fuel wharf, and we left left our berth soon after (around 8.45am) and headed out to wait for them. It transpired that they were going to be delayed as Rod had left his credit card at the Yacht Club last night , so we decided to go ahead.
After about 30 mins the wind was passing through 15 knots on its way to 20 knots, from the SE. As always dead on our nose. It wasn't long before we had a radio call from Cooinda, suggesting we head back to the marina. We didn't need much convincing, as bashing into this for 10 hours had a low level of attraction.
A tug pulling an oil rig created a bit of an obstacle as we headed back as it occupied most of the space around the entrance leads, but there is deep water everywhere so it was not such a big issue.
By now my depth sounder had given up completely, and after a few phone calls, I have a new transponder on its way to Rosslyn Bay, which will be our next stop. I have also had a long discussion with Navico about a few issues with the wind instruments and auto pilot, hopefully I can rectify them when we are next under way, based on some suggestions from one of their engineers. Tomorrows forecast is worse than today, so we book in for 2 nights and now hope to leave on Saturday. When we went up to pay for the extra night we were told 4 boats, including us, had turned back and there were probably a few more later.
“Mee Too” arrived in the afternoon from a nearby island.
We had a lazy lunch of seafood at a cafe on the marina, and had a BBQ on Mica for dinner.
The plan is to head off to Curlew Island. The forecast looks favourable but the wind appears to be building from the SE, which is not what has been forecast.
Nevertheless, Cooinda headed off to the fuel wharf, and we left left our berth soon after (around 8.45am) and headed out to wait for them. It transpired that they were going to be delayed as Rod had left his credit card at the Yacht Club last night , so we decided to go ahead.
After about 30 mins the wind was passing through 15 knots on its way to 20 knots, from the SE. As always dead on our nose. It wasn't long before we had a radio call from Cooinda, suggesting we head back to the marina. We didn't need much convincing, as bashing into this for 10 hours had a low level of attraction.
A tug pulling an oil rig created a bit of an obstacle as we headed back as it occupied most of the space around the entrance leads, but there is deep water everywhere so it was not such a big issue.
By now my depth sounder had given up completely, and after a few phone calls, I have a new transponder on its way to Rosslyn Bay, which will be our next stop. I have also had a long discussion with Navico about a few issues with the wind instruments and auto pilot, hopefully I can rectify them when we are next under way, based on some suggestions from one of their engineers. Tomorrows forecast is worse than today, so we book in for 2 nights and now hope to leave on Saturday. When we went up to pay for the extra night we were told 4 boats, including us, had turned back and there were probably a few more later.
“Mee Too” arrived in the afternoon from a nearby island.
We had a lazy lunch of seafood at a cafe on the marina, and had a BBQ on Mica for dinner.
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