Finally the wind is abating and it looks like we are in four a nicer day. We still have the rental car until 10.45 am, so decide to go for a drive after breakfast to see what is happening at Shute Harbour. It is a short drive, around 12 km, but getting through Airlie is a bit busier as their is a lot if preparations in the main street for the launch of the Reef Festival later today. It is a 10 day event staring off today with fireworks tonight and music in the streets, as well as a carnival atmosphere along the beach front with show rides and markets.
Shute Harbour has not come a long way and s now the home for a couple of charter companies, a small fishing fleet, a few tourist industries (including Ocean Kayaking) and is still a ferry base, but that appears to be moving to the Port of Airlie, just South of Abell Point.
On the way back to Airlie we dropped in to the marina near the port of Airlie and saw a good collection of deep keel yachts there including a Hanse called "Lunacy" from Melbourne.
We returned the car and walked back to the marina, and because the tide was still reasonably high, I got the trolley out and dragged the jerry cans around to the fuel wharf to get our backup fuel supplies, before the angle on the marina ramps got too steep.
After a tasty salad on board for lunch I went for a walk into town to stretch my legs and on the way back ended up talking to the owner of the big Hanse 575 "Jo De 7" which is on an adjoining marina arm.
Tonight there is a function at the Whitsunday Sailing Club to welcome the "Shaggers" with raffles etc to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness and research (the shaggers chosen charity).
It was a good night and all shaggers were made honorary members of the club so we could enjoy members discounts on all food and drinks. The Whitsunday Sailing Club are one of the official sponsors for the coming rendezvous.
We met up with some more nice people and a few old friends and it was a good night, and an ideal venue to see the fireworks from.
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