We left Coasters Retreat at around 5.45 am, with just enough light to make out our immediate surroundings. Very heavy rain showers around 4 am didn't leave us waking up with great confidence that the rain had gone.
The wind was very light, but nevertheless we raised the mainsail before reaching the entrance to Broken Bay, and we amazed how much the sea had calmed down. There were a few light showers and the usual memorable sunrise.
Sunrise as we left Broken Bay
There was insufficient wind to progress with sails alone, so we motor sailed hoping for a freshening breeze. In the meantime, we had a light shower of rain and a stunning rainbow that seemed connect Sydney to the Central Coast.
The Admiral was at the Helm at the time
From here on we motor sailed in a weak SW breeze, unfortunately dead square behind us, and 5-10 knots for the first half of the trip until a short period of about 40 minutes when we were able to turn off the engine and sail along at around 7 knots. After that the wind dropped to 0-10 knots, but mostly less than 5 knots, so we motored the rest of the way.
There seem to be a lot more ships sitting of Newcastle than the last few times we have been past here, hopefully it is a sign of things picking up.
We watched this one on our AIS as he crossed our course.
Arrival at Port Stephens was just at sunset, and we anchored at Shoal Bay in the twilight. It is a pretty rolly anchorage, but we are settled and not moving.
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