Palm Bay, Long Island

Sunday 26^th July 2015

As forecast, it is a sunny morning with only a very light breeze at the marina. We have changed our marina bookings to maximize the next 2 days out before the strong winds arrive early Tuesday morning. Steve and Kim Smith are also planning to head out today, also planning to get back to the marina by Monday evening, so we agree to sail to Long Island and see what the options are there.

Wilparina enjoying the conditions

It is perfect sailing conditions, around 10 knots of breeze from the SE and flat water. Whilst it is an upwind sail down to Long Island, we have a great sail, and along the way hear that the moorings at Happy Bay have had their ropes removed, as the resort is undergoing renovation and it is getting a bit deep to anchor, given the strong tidal current.

Luckily, Palm Bay resort has 2 moorings available, a bit offshore, but in good depths. After a bit of discussion with the resort we agree to hire the moorings for the night (the biggest problem was getting them to answer the phone). The resort appears to run with very few staff and is remarkably well kept, however it was not busy. It is the only resort currently open on Long Island, and with all of the others in the area that have closed for renovations (or just closed), I thought there would be more people here. We were the only day visitors.

Wilparina on one of the 2 moorings

Palm Bay Resort

Nevertheless, it is a pretty place and had a small number of guests enjoying the tranquility, and the privilege of cooking their own meals. It is now a self catering resort with a large communal kitchen.

Whilst we were ashore having a walk, a small helicopter arrived at their helipad and we later saw the passengers at the bar, being the only other people there having a drink.

A few guests arrive by helicopter 

Looking out from the shore to our boats on the moorings

Kim, Carole and Steve having a quiet drink at the "resort"

Back on board we ran the water maker for an hour to top up, and invited Steve and Kim to join us for a BBQ dinner on Mica. It was a very calm night and by 9pm, condensation was already forming over everything. It was good to catch up with the Smithy’s for dinner. It was an early night and we are all hopeful to have a great sail back to Airlie tomorrow.