There was a mass exodus from Shaw Island this morning, as soon as it was light, as the tide is running in the right direction until 9.30am, and getting a knot of extra advantage is certainly worth it as well as the flat water that is an added benefit of the wind and tide running in the same direction.
We had the anchor up at 7 am with a plan to sail to Cid Harbour. Etre Jeune, the other Hanse at the anchorage had left before us, and were well on their way before we left.
Once the anchor was up, we motored out and set the mainsail, in about 13 knots of breeze. Once we pulled away, we were doing a comfortable 5 knots, using just the main, and a bit of current assistance.
As the wind picked up a bit, it was clear we could carry a headsail and we wound the self tacker out. Soon we were doing around 7 knots and having a great sail in relatively flat water.
The Admiral on the helm, with Shaw Island in the background
As we passed Hamilton Island, and around the outside of Dent Island, the attraction of going toCid Harbour diminished and we decided to stay on our current course and anchor a bit closer to Airlie.
The 7 knot speed continued until we reached the top of Long Island, and as we went through the channel between Long and South Molle Islands, we felt the tidal flow starting to work against us. We had already thought we would try Happy Bay at the NW corner of Long Island as a possible anchorage.
It turned out to be a very good choice, despite the fact that we have to overlook yet another failed QLD Island Resort,The Long Island Resort.Like most of them, there is great hope for the future, nothing happening, and cyclone Debbie has added a few finishing touches.
Cyclone Debbie's impact is pretty obvious
Two other boats are anchored here and all of the moorings have been removed, nevertheless you need to anchor in deeper water and it s well protected.
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