Gloucester to Stonehaven

Monday 28^th August 2017

We left the anchorage at Cape Gloucester at just before 7am, so we could get through the Gloucester channel before low tide at 9.30am. We are not expecting to have a great sail but are hopeful there might be a bit of breeze to take us to our destination at Stonehaven on Hook Island.

The Smoke in the Gloucester Passage is still a problem, we are pleased to be away form it, as is Imagine on the right hand side of this photo

Once through the channel there is a bit more breeze than expected, and sails are up and we look like we may be able to sail. Sadly, the wind never really developed, so it was a motor sail pretty much all of the way, except for the last half hour when we were moving along very nicely past Hayman Island towards Stonehaven.

Arriving at Stonehaven, the moorings are all taken, so we drop the anchor. Imagine is 10 minutes behind us, and just as they arrive, a backpacker cruise boat is leaving and they coasted straight up to the mooring and took it.

Imagine on her mooring

To our great surprise, Kite Runner appeared At Stonehaven, after their campaign in the Hamilton Island Race Week. They came by to say hello, and I went over in the dinghy to have a chat once they were anchored. It sounds like they had frustrating time during race week.

Kite Runner at Stonehaven

Conditions at Stonehaven were perfect and we were invited on board Imagine for a curry dinner. Another couple that they knew were also in the anchorage and they also joined us for an enjoyable dinner.