Sail to Bona Bay

Tuesday 8^th August 2017

Finally we depart from Abell Point Marina, under very light conditions. It was time to put the Code Zero up again (this time in the marina), and the halyard unclipped again requiring another trip up the mast. Brian from Dalwhinnie volunteered to help, so I hoisted him up the mast as he is a lot lighter than I am.

We sailed about half way to our destination, Gloucester Island, with a combination of motor sailing and just motoring. The wind was light and variable and we only had the code zero up, but made good time when it came at a consistent angle.

There were lots of whale sightings and a large one came to within about 50 metres of us. Of course, the camera was down below and by the time it was retrieved the whales had moved on. Nevertheless we saw a number of others including one breaching in front of Grassy Island.

Whale breaching, followed by a big splash

A large whale just passing by

 

Having reached Gloucester Passage in good time, we were a bit concerned that low tide was approaching and there is one narrow and shallow part of the passage. Fortunately we still had 0.9m under us when we went through.

As we entered the passage the wind began to pick up and by the time we were through it was blowing 15-20 knots, a bit different from the 5-10 knots we had all of the way up.

Once through the passage we motored around to Bona Bay to anchor for the night. It is expected to blow up to 25 knots tonight, but the anchorage is well protected from swell and reasonably protected from strong winds. When we arrived, one of our other Hanse mates, Imagine, were already here, and Dalwhinnie and Jo-De 7 are just behind us. Soon all 4 of us were anchored at Bona Bay in pretty gusty conditions.

Imagine and Jo-De 7, and Dalwhinnie (below)  at anchor 

It was not particularly inviting to go ashore, so we will do so in the morning. Most of the others did a late afternoon run, but getting the dinghy in the water in the wind and so late in the day didn’t persuade us, even though it did look pretty nice once you got ashore.

Another great sunset.