Port Stephens next stop

12/11/11


We cast off at the NYC marina just after 7.30 am and passed through the heads at 8 am. As usual; it was a light NE breeze to we decided to motor sail east and await the breeze to build before we set course for Port Stephens.

Just after 10am we were able to stop the engine and sail for the next few hours, but were not going to clear Point Stephens, so eventually  had to tack back out to sea for about 45 mins during which the wind started to really build and when we tacked back we were facing 20 knots on the nose, so reluctantly pulled in the headsail and motor sailed the rest of the way with a reefed main. Other than a few dolphin sightings, we saw no other wildlife in the water, just a few fish traps.

We went through to heads at Port Stephens with a reefed main and a touch of engine doing 8.5 to 9 knots through a very rough and confused sea. It was a reach all the way to Nelson Bay where we picked up a mooring to have lunch. It was now close to 3pm.

Steve Smith had gone to Fame Cove for lunch, and was returning to the marina whilst we were having lunch. He had booked a berth for us at D'Albora, and we went in after lunch (around 4pm).

It would have to be the most expensive marina on the East Coast of Australia ($125 for an overnight stay for a 12 m boat). The most we have ever paid anywhere else was $90 at Hamilton Island in the middle of Hamilton Island race week. We won't be back !

We had a few drinks on Wilparina and headed into town to a local Indian restaurant which had very good food and was good value.

The forecast for a tomorrow night departure to Camden Haven does not look promising. Monday night looks good. We will reassess in the morning.