Monday, 25 October 2010

I got back to Port Macquarie about 15:00 on Friday after a really good trip down from Coffs Harbour. Left there at 03:30, there was a full moon and it was good weather, not much wind until late in the morning when a good north-easter came in and with that plus the east coast current running at about a knot and a half, I was making 7 – 8 knots over the ground. I tried putting the blooper up instead of the jib, but it wasn’t successful. It is far too big to get a spinnaker pole on and sailing downwind without a pole meant it was all over the place. I have used it once before when the wind was just abaft the beam and it worked very well then.

I was a bit concerned about the bar at Port as my ETA was just on the end of the run out tide, the worst time to cross. I made the boat ready, stowed everything that was loose and put the washboard in. The wind was just on my starboard beam when I lined up for the bar, so I left the sails up to help go against the outgoing current which can be around 3 – 4 knots. It was a bit frisky again, but not too bad, she tried to broach a couple of times, but with the extra speed from the sails, she responded well to the helm.

Chez was on the sea wall waiting for me and Nicole cadged a ride in the sea rescue RHIB and came out and meet me just inside the break wall. She took some photos on her phone and I will put a couple on to this blog. Chez had quite a long walks from the wall around to the marina, but was there to help me berth. Nicole transferred on to Paragon and took the helm for the trip up the channel to the marina while I took the sails down. Couldn’t get Paragon to back into my berth due to the fresh nor-easter, so had to put her in bow first, but turned her around yesterday morning before the wind came up.

Sad, but this is my last blog, until next time. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. The weather wasn’t too good and sometimes the winds weren’t as I would have wanted, but you’ve got to take the bad with the good. Over 400 hours underway and logged over 2000 nautical miles.

Thank you to all my loyal readers and I will let you know when we’re off again.

Friday, 22 October 2010

In Coffs Harbour tonight after a really good run down from Iluka. Left there at first light, the bar was quite flat. Wind came in from the north east about mid morning and I was able to sail right down to Coffs doing between 6 and 7 knots.

There were large numbers of shearwaters (mutton birds) all around and I had to laugh at them. When flying they are superb, skimming the water with their wings only a couple of centimetres above the water, but when they come in to land they just do a belly flop; their head goes under the water and they look quite funny. When on the water they are completely oblivious to the boat and do not move out of the way, they just get pushed out of the way by the bow wave, then give me a dirty look as I pass them.

Today’s piece of succinct advice – “When in trouble or in doubt, sail in circles, scream and shout!”

Tomorrow’s winds look really good and I intend leaving here at about 3:30 and be in Port by about 15:00.

My trip is almost at an end quite sad, but there will be more.

Thursday, 21 October 2010

Unlike Tuesday, today was a good day. Started off with a light southerly and about half way it freshened and backed to the north east, so I was able to make good time. I consider anything above a VMG of 5 knots to be good and today it was 5.1. The bar was a bit frisky coming in, but not as bad as some I’ve done.

I’m now at anchor in Iluka Harbour and intend leaving here at day break for another 12 hour trip to Coffs Harbour. Hope tomorrow is as good as today.

Have just checked weather for next 2 days and it is superb, north/north easterlies both days up to 15 knots; great sailing conditions.

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

I am now in Byron Bay, at anchor and sheltering from strong southerlies. I went over to Runaway Bay Marina on Sunday afternoon, there was still a fairly strong wind blowing and I had difficulty in getting the anchor up. I had to keep driving forward a few meters, dashing up to the bow, pull in a few meters of chain, then go back to the cockpit and start again. I did this 4 times before the anchor was up. It was good to get into the calm of the marina. Walked down to the shopping centre and did some shopping then it was a very early night as I hadn’t got much sleep the night before.

On Monday morning I rang Raymarine and got the tracking number for the part, then rang Toll Priority who said it would be here by 13:00. Exactly at 13:00 I rang Toll again and was told it would be with me in 15 – 20 minutes. I was getting concerned because I had set 14:00 as my deadline for getting away. The part turned up just before half past and I only took about 15 minutes to fit and test it. I was away just before 14:00. It was good to have “Charlie” back and working, though not as good as a live Chez.

It was a good run down to Byron Bay, with light SE winds, motor sailing all the way. Got in about 22:00. Byron anchorage was a bit rolly, but not as bad as some I have had. I departed here about 5:30 yesterday and was having a good trip down to about Lennox Head when a 20 knot southerly came up. The seas and swell also were high and I was only making about half a knot. I knew I would never make it to the Clarence before high tide to get over the bar. I made the decision to turn around and head back to Byron Bay. Got the main up, turned around got the head out on the spinnaker pole and gull winged all the way back to Byron. First sail I’ve had for a few weeks and it was glorious. 6 – 7 knots and very smooth.

This time, in the bay, I kept away from the recommended anchorage and headed over towards a trawler that was at anchor. They usually know the best place to anchor. Closer in to shore here and more sheltered by the cape. I also but down a “bird”, as trawler men call it. A weight hanging from the spinnaker pole into the water which acts as a damper against rolling. Seems to work as, although the wind was stronger last night than the night before, I had a more comfortable night.

Have just checked weather and both Seabreeze and BOM are indicating good winds for tomorrow and Friday, so I’ll be getting an early start for Iluka tomorrow, then its Coffs on Friday. That’s the plan anyway!

Gale Force Winds

Saturday, 16 October 2010

A horrible night last night at anchor. The wind started just after 18:00 and quickly got up to gale force; 30 to 35 knots. I was too worried about dragging the anchor to go to my bunk and instead went out on deck in the wind and rain checking anchor, putting down second anchor and making contingency things in case of dragging. I got out ropes to extend the anchor rode if necessary. I pulled the second anchor in on two occasions when I was concerned that the 2 anchor rodes would entwine. I had my wet weather gear and lifejacket on even during the times I was down below watching the GPS to pick up anchor drag quickly. I had several false alarms which necessitated more trips up forward.

It died down to nothing about 00:30 and finally about 01:00 I went to bed. Two hours later it started again and I was up and ready should anything happen. About 05:00 it died again and I was able to get another hour in bed before it started again. Its now blowing about 25 – 30 knots, but I’m not as concerned now as I know we were able to survive 35 knots continuous wind. However, I intend taking shelter back in the marina once the tide starts to flood and I have enough water to get up there. At least the rain has finished and we have blue skies this morning. The winds are forecast to abate around lunch time, so I shall delay going over to marina until this afternoon.

On a brighter note, I heard from Raymarine yesterday, they were unable to fix my auto pilot unit, so are sending me a new one by express delivery; it will be here Monday.

I have just checked the 7 day wind forecast and it looks good from Tuesday until, at least, next Saturday for heading south.

Thursday, 14 October 2010

Nothing much has happened since I last wrote, (Sunday). I took Chez out to the airport on Tuesday, about an hour and a half bus trip. I'm missing her already, she did a great job helping me bring the boat down here after the auto pilot failed, especially as she had injured her shoulder badly.She got into Port about 18:00 and our neighbour, Gwen, picked her up. Thanks Gwen.

Wednesday morning Barry Middleton from Raymarine looked at my auto pilot and confirmed that the gearbox had gone. He said it would be quicker for me to pack it up and send it down to Sydney myself rather than let him do it. I sent it off express delivery and Raymarine should have received it this morning.

After some last minute grocery shopping, I left the marina and am now anchored just off of the channel opposite the entrance into Runaway Bay shopping centre, so that I can take my dinghy over to do the shopping and pick up auto pilot when it returns.

Bad Weather

Sunday, 10 October 2010

Still stuck in Runaway Bay, the weather has been atrocious, torrential rain and gale force winds. There has been a lot of flooding around the Sunshine Coast, where we were last week.

Chez really has to get back to Port Macquarie because of commitments and has booked a flight for this coming Tuesday, she was only supposed to be with me for three weeks and it is now eight. She has been an absolute boon, I would never have been able to cope without her. She says it has been more of a learning curve rather than a holiday.

I’m stuck here until the weather improves which, probably, won’t be till end of this week, so I’m going to get the auto pilot fixed, even if it means sending it down to Sydney and awaiting its return.

Our fridge has now packed in so we went out and bought an esky and are now relying on buying a bag of ice every day. I’ll wait til I get back to Port to get that fixed. We’ve had to run down most of the stuff we kept in fridge and now have to go shopping every day for perishables. Have to brave the wind and rain, but we’ll catch a bus today.

The winds this afternoon were absolutely terrible, up to 45 knots, according to the internet. The long range forecast on “seabreeze.com” indicate that Thursday and Friday there is going to be good northerlies. Hope the auto pilot is fixed by then.

Bad Weather

Sunday, 10 October 2010

Still stuck in Runaway Bay, the weather has been atrocious, torrential rain and gale force winds. There has been a lot of flooding around the Sunshine Coast, where we were last week.

Chez really has to get back to Port Macquarie because of commitments and has booked a flight for this coming Tuesday, she was only supposed to be with me for three weeks and it is now eight. She has been an absolute boon, I would never have been able to cope without her. She says it has been more of a learning curve rather than a holiday.

I’m stuck here until the weather improves which, probably, won’t be till end of this week, so I’m going to get the auto pilot fixed, even if it means sending it down to Sydney and awaiting its return.

Our fridge has now packed in so we went out and bought an esky and are now relying on buying a bag of ice every day. I’ll wait til I get back to Port to get that fixed. We’ve had to run down most of the stuff we kept in fridge and now have to go shopping every day for perishables. Have to brave the wind and rain, but we’ll catch a bus today.

The winds this afternoon were absolutely terrible, up to 45 knots, according to the internet. The long range forecast on “seabreeze.com” indicate that Thursday and Friday there is going to be good northerlies. Hope the auto pilot is fixed by then.

Thursday, 7 October 2010

We are now in Southport after a pleasant trip down through the channels and islands at the south end of Moreton Bay. We started off on a rising tide, so that we could get the current behind us, and also, more importantly, we could get to Jacobs Wells about high tide. This is the shallowest part and the channel is only about 2 meters at high and impassable at low. We got through there OK, very gingerly. VMR Jacobs Wells have their radio base right by the channel, and we were called up by them to let us know that we were straying from the channel. Another confusing part is the “W”, so called because it zig zags. There were so many channel markers that it became quite confusing, but we got through OK. I did go aground once during the trip when I strayed from the channel, but with a bit of reverse and help from the rising tide we were soon afloat and back in the channel.

We are now in Runaway Bay Marina, small but nice, and we might be here for a few days as there is a strong wind warning as a southerly front moves through. Hopefully it will subside over the weekend.

Am including 3 photos taken today. One is of a large ferry overtaking us in the “W” and very close in the narrow channel. The next is the buoys, also in the “W” and the last is of an osprey nest on top of a port marker. Rather than disturb it they have put in another marker next to the nest

Moreton Bay

We are finally in Moreton Bay and heading for Southport. We got away from Mooloolaba yesterday morning after having paid up until Thursday; I asked if we could get a credit for the 3 days, but it doesn’t look like we are going to, or I would have been contacted by now.
Yesterday’s trip was very good, we even got some northerly winds to help us along, and the swell was about 2 meters, but virtually no sea. Chez was pretty anxious at the start, thinking it would be the same as last Friday, but she soon settled down when she realised conditions were pretty reasonable. Last night we anchored at the south end of Bribie Island, there was about a 2 knot current running and we were dragging our anchor very slowly, so we pulled it up and found a vacant mooring which we borrowed for the night.

Today has also been a good day even though it was a 5:00 start. Nor’easter came in again after lunch, so even though we had the current against us when the tide turned, we made good time. Today we didn’t bother dropping anchor, but picked up another mooring at the south side of Coochiemudlo Island. Hopefully another quiet night like last night, and sunshine, again, for tomorrow.

Monday, 4 October 2010

We’re still here in Mooloolaba. After we came back in last Friday we decided to bite the bullet and book in here for a week at a slightly reduced rate. The weather forecast indicated that the winds and seas would not abate until at least Friday, but of course the bureau were just being pessimistic and the weather cleared a lot earlier than expected. We could have gone today, but still had a few things to do, so we’re off early tomorrow morning.

On our walk yesterday we came across a memorial to HMAS Brisbane, she is scuttled just off of Mooloolaba as an artificial reef for fish and diving on. The memorial points directly to where she is lying, 2 miles off shore. The memorial includes her mast and I am putting on a couple of photos that I took of it

Hopefully my next blog will be from well south of here.

Stuck in Mooloolaba

Friday, 1 October 2010

We’ve been in Mooloolaba since Monday and today we really thought we might be able to get away. We booked out of the marina and headed out, but after only about 15 minutes outside in the bay, we realised that the seas were just too big to go out in. The swell was about 3 meters and with up to 20 knots headwind it would have been too uncomfortable. Chez was petrified, it was about the worst conditions she had ever been out in, so we decided to come back in and wait for the winds and the sea to die down a bit.

Looks like another couple of days here and I shall try to get a few jobs done around the boat.

Monday 27 September 2010

We were up early and prepared to cross the bar, it is one of the largest bars on the east coast and takes about an hour. The passage through the sand banks has a 90 degree turn half way across. There are leads for both legs; the first, on the mainland, are 2 triangular boards and are easy to follow right out to the turning point. The second set of leads are on 1 large white board on Frazer Island and it has 3 lights on it. You are supposed to be able to see a green if right of track, a red if left and a white if on track. In practice, during daylight, none of them can be seen and you have to use the GPS way points.

Today, luckily the bar was fairly benign, not like it was when I came in. This is my 7th crossing of it and it is the calmest that I have seen it. After crossing the bar we set course for Mooloolaba and had a pretty good run down with a 8 – 10 knot following wind. I was beginning to think that we would get there before dark but it was not to be. The sun set at 17:50 and we went into the river about half an hour later when it was quite dark. I haven’t been in after dark before, always preferring to anchor in the bay and wait for morning, but with the nor’easter there was quite a swell in the bay and it would have been too uncomfortable. The channel up river is well lit and we were able to find our way to the fuel wharf to tie up for the night. There are large signs all along the wharf saying no berthing at any time, trespassers will be prosecuted, etc, but we decided to chance it, there being nowhere else, that I knew of, that we could go.

The pub overlooks the fuel wharf so we went up and had a meal there, on the veranda overlooking the wharf where we could keep an eye on Paragon.

The next morning at 7 the wharf attendant arrived and we told him we had just arrived and were waiting for him to re-fuel. After re-fuelling he directed us to the passenger wharf where the whale watching boat had just left from. We spent a couple of hours there waiting for the marina to open and go in there. We got lots of black looks from the smaller tour operators as we were in the way. One of them even tried to hamper us by mooring a boat right across our bows, which I had to move before we could leave.

Yesterday was spent catching up on all the chores and, today, (Wednesday), we are catching a bus over to a big shopping centre and also visiting Whitworths, a large discount boat parts store.

Sandy Strait 2

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Another easy trip today, only 13.5 miles down to Pelican Bay which is at the southern end of Sandy Strait and just near where the Wide Bay Bar is, which we shall be crossing tomorrow morning early to continue our trip south. Hopefully we shall get to Mooloolaba by tomorrow evening.

I went over to Frazer Island this morning and went for a walk along one of the trails. Chez stayed on the boat as her shoulder is still hurting and she didn’t want to risk further damage getting in and out of the dinghy.

Very pleasant on the island, and sunny for a change; took a picture of Paragon from the trail which I shall include in this post.

We started off towing the dinghy, but realised how much of a drag it was, so heaved to and got it up on to the deck. We were here by lunch time and I have spent the afternoon doing the navigation for tomorrow. It is a distance of 61 miles and will take approximately 12 hours. Also prepared the boat for crossing the bar. Everything has to be tied down or stowed.

The Great Sandy Strait

24 September 2010

We left Burnett Heads about 09:00, but once again the wind and the current were both against us and we didn’t get into the Sandy Strait until after dark. I found, what I thought was the first suitable place to anchor, between two islands, Wood Island and Picnic Island, but the current was pretty fierce and I ended up putting about 45 meters of rode out to prevent the anchor dragging. Apart from that it was a very peaceful night. A few light showers of rain, but no wind.

25 September 2010-09-25

For once we had the current behind us, but no wind, but a very pleasant trip down the strait. Navigation is made quite easy with plenty of buoys, but you have to be on the ball looking out for each one as they twist and turn down the channel.

Tonight we are in Garry’s Anchorage, which is about two thirds down the strait. It is a small inlet between Stewart Island and Frazer Island. Very sheltered, good holding, but a bit shallow. Some light rain again today, we are wondering how Queensland came to be known as the “Sunshine State”

23 September 2010

We have cooled our heals here in Burnett Heads since Sunday and are itching to be on our way. Hope to get away tomorrow morning as the winds have finally decided to drop and swing around to east and north, so looks good.

Have spent the time here doing some work on boat, oil and filters change and fixing a few things. Had to go into Bundy 3 days in a row, shopping, and then getting a few things we had forgotten, then yesterday to get oil filters which I thought I had.

Rain seems to have lessened somewhat, the rain on Monday was an absolute down pour, similar to monsoon rains I experienced in Singapore.

Nothing much else to report as static here. Hopefully there will be more interesting reports going through Sandy Straits and on south from there. If weather holds we should be back in Port in about 2 weeks.

Monday, 20 September 2010

This marina runs a courtesy bus into Bundaberg, so after finishing the washing we caught it into Bundy to do our shopping. What a day to pick to go shopping! It is absolutely teeming down with rain. Talk about sunny Queensland! We came home soaked, we’re not even game to go over to the amenities for a shower, it’ll be our usual wash down in the boat tonight.

We are booked in here for a couple of nights and if the weather clears have made a decision to leave Wednesday. There is no way now that we can get to Brisbane by Friday for Chez to catch her flight, but anyway she might come all the way home to Port with me on the boat as I think I will have great difficulty in getting back on my own with no auto pilot. There are a couple of 10 – 12 hour trips to do.

Just put a few photos on, 3 from from Roslyn Bay. One is of a rock just off of Digby Island which, to us looked a bit like a dog's head with a big toothy smile. We named it Digby's puppy.

Saturday 18th September 2010

Lance came over mid morning and said that bad weather was on the way and unless we got away fairly quickly we would be stuck there for several days. His intention was to leave mid afternoon, sail all night and reach Bundaberg early Sunday morning. He invited us to follow him if we wished and we decided that that would probably be the best thing to do.

We departed about 15:00 and followed Lance most of the way to the Burnett River. It was a very long, tiring and cold trip with headwinds all of the way. We got in about 08:00 this morning. Up until midnight we did hourly turns at the wheel, but then the wind got up and the boat became very hard to handle and Chez’s bad shoulder didn’t allow her to be on the helm for very long. She was able to go on for short periods of time when I needed a break. I was getting very tired and falling asleep at the wheel, but still, somehow or other, managed to keep it approximately on course. While we could see Lance we followed his stern light. He was slightly faster and for the last few hours of dark I had to follow a compass bearing. I was pretty glad when, about 8 miles out, we picked up the Burnett River entrance light and was able to head straight for it.

We went into Burnett harbour and dropped anchor, but Chez was having difficulty getting in and out of dinghy with bad shoulder, so I found out the availability of a berth in marina just up river from harbour and we came up here and have booked in for 2 nights or until this bad weather passes.

Lazy day to day recuperating from last night and catching up on the washing.

Friday, 17 September 2010

Lance came over in the morning to give me information about transiting through Moreton Bay, some very useful information as there are numerous channels through the islands and they twist every way imaginable. Also have to wait for tide to change direction when going through Jacob’s Wells.

Asked him a simple question about sailing and he then spent the next hour or so going through all my rigging, changing it where necessary and giving me huge amounts of tips on how to get the best out of a sailing boat, the correct way to reef and other handling tips.

We packed a lunch with the intention of walking up to the lighthouse from the beach, got about ¾ of the way, but turned back. Trail very overgrown and we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes and midges, so came back to the boat for a relaxing afternoon.

However, Chez pulled her shoulder badly when transferring from dinghy to boat.
Still hurting badly when we went to bed.

Thursday, 16 September 2010

Had a terrible night, very rolly and lots of mosquitos. At about 4:00 we had had enough and decided to get an early start and try and get to Burnett Heads in one hop, about 75 miles and I estimated we would be there by 19:00. Unfortunately, we didn’t look like making that; what with dodging around cargo ships leaving their anchorage to go into Gladstone and virtually no wind it was seeming very likely that we wouldn’t get to Burnett Heads before about midnight and with no auto pilot that was just too long. We were opposite the entrance to Pancake Creek about midday and we decided to go in there, though I had been under the impression that it was difficult to get in. However it proved to be very easy once we found the right channel. It is a beautiful spot, very smooth waters and well sheltered. Lots of other boats in here as well.

After a bit of a rest tried out some fishing, but I have never been patient enough to be a fisherman. The next boat to us said he had caught several mackerel, but I never got a bite. However about 15:30, Lance, from the next boat brought us over a lovely mackerel and also invited us over to his boat for sundowner’s.

We spent a very pleasant couple of hours on Lance and Roz’s boat, they have lived on it for a few years and she is a beauty, even though she is made of ferro. Professionally built about 40 years ago, 40 feet long and very roomy. We both fell in love with her and she is also for sale at $49500; if we could raise the money we would consider it.

We had run out of fuel going over in the dinghy, so had to row back in the dark and slightly tipsy, couldn’t see paragon, Lance was yelling directions from the back of his boat until we were safely on board.

Had our green Thai curried prawns for tea that we were supposed to have had last night at Conner’s Bluff but too rolly to cook.

Wednesday, 15 September 2010

We filled up with fuel before leaving Roslyn Bay. We both love it here and would even consider moving here, it is a delightful spot.

We had intended to anchor over night at the bay behind Cape Capricorn, but even though we saw other vessels anchored there, they were all shallow drafted and it was just too shallow for us, we would have been aground at low tide. A decision was made to continue south and we decided to anchor opposite Conner’s Bluff just north of the entrance into Gladstone. I anchored here on the way north and it isn’t too bad, but Chez says it is too rolly and you can rock and roll sitting at the dinette table.

We saw two large green turtles mating, they were quite oblivious to us and we were able to circle back and take some pornographic photos!
Also a few humpbacks breaching.

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Tonight we are anchored in a little bay on the north side of Digby Island, which is part of the Beverly group.

We left Mackay this morning at 04:25, hoping to get to Percy Middle Island before dark, but the wind and the currents were against us and the way things were going we would not have been there before about 20:30 this evening. We had noticed a couple of yachts anchored where we are now as we passed the island, but we continued on past them and then said “let’s go back there, its 16:00 and we could do with a drink of wine and relax”. So we did a 180 and came into this little bay which is quite calm.

Saw several whales on the way over, most heading north. One pair we had to alter course slightly to avoid, but generally speaking, when we have our engine running, they hear us and dive until we are well past. Unlike the time I nearly collided with a pair off of Point Danger when I was under sail. Also passed about 30 coal carriers at anchor off of Mackay, waiting to go into Port Mackay to load. They stretched for about 30 miles and we passed a few of them at about 30 meters. At that distance they look huge!

We shall leave here early in the morning and try to get to Pearl Bay in one hop. If not we shall stop off at Hexham Island about half way. There might even be a Hungry Jacks there!


10th September 2010

We departed Digby at 06:05, and there was absolutely no wind, so it was motoring all the way again.

We passed a naval vessel no long after departing; it was a landing vessel, L126. We quickly put up the Australian flag when we saw him so that he didn’t think we were an Indonesian fishing boat,

We approached Hexham Island about 15:00 and decided that the area between the reefs just wasn’t long enough to accommodate us as we would have to put out a fair amount of chain and there wouldn’t be enough swing room.

A quick decision was made and we decided to go on to Pearl Bay, even though our ETA wouldn’t be until about 22:00.

Just before reaching Hexham Island our auto pilot decided to stop working, this is the first trip I have done with it. It has been marvellous up until today. Must get it fixed as soon as possible. Going on to Pearl Bay was extremely difficult with out it, especially after dark.


Just after dark we heard a vessel reporting a man over board about 2 miles north of Scawfell Island. Many vessels responded to start searching, including the naval landing craft we had passed earlier. They were still searching when we ran out of radio contact approaching Pearl Bay. We still don’t know if he was found

The sun set about 18:00 and the nearly new moon set about half an hour later, so we were completely in the dark.

It was a case of watching the compass and GPS very closely. Luckily there is a light house on Clara Island, which was situated about 2 miles beyond our first turning point. When that came into range we were able to head straight for it. After the turn it was a 6 mile run down between the mainland and a string of islands into the bay. We just had to trust in the GPS as we couldn’t see a thing. Eventually we saw some anchor lights of vessels in the bay and we were able to head for them, but anchored well clear of them as it is difficult to judge distance at night.

Dropped anchor at 22:55 after departing Digby at 06:05, Chez’s longest day yet and we were both very tired; a couple of glasses of wine and we slept like babies.

Saturday, 11 September 2010

We weren’t up until almost 09:00 and after breakfast we moved closer into the bay nearer the other anchored vessels, more sheltered here. I had a look at the auto pilot, but couldn’t fix it; have to get someone to look at it in Roslyn Bay. There is quite a strong southerly blowing today after a southerly change went through early this morning, hope it calms down by tomorrow.

We spent the day recovering from yesterday and generally relaxing
Sunday 12th September.

Today proved to be another harrowing day. We were unable to get any radio coverage in Pearl Bay, so couldn’t get an up to date weather report. Two other yachts left about 7 heading south, so we decided to chance it. Another day of 15 - 20 knot south easterly wind. Also we had about one to one and a half knot northerly current. Even with the motor going all day we had to tack and use the wind as much as possible to make any headway. Once we got around cape Clinton and turned south west we had the wind 60 degrees off our bow, so were able to make good time. The seas were up especially on our starboard tack which took us quite a way to seawards each time. What should have been a 45 mile, 9 hour trip turned out to be a 65 mile 13 hour trip and we didn’t get to Roslyn Bay until 20:00. The darkness wasn’t so bad this time as it was a straight run down to the harbour entrance and we were able to pick up the port and starboard lights from about 5 miles. It was a bit confusing going in though as there is a dog leg in the entrance, followed by a sharp right turn down to the marina. We had arranged a berth and were allocated red 35, unfortunately at night we couldn’t see the different coloured tops on the poles. I just pulled onto the first pontoon end that I saw was empty. Luckily there were 2 chaps there who were able to help us tie up as not only was there still a strong wind blowing which was trying to take us off of the pontoon, but we were also quite knackered.

A couple of glasses of wine, spaghetti and fried egg on toast for tea and we were ready for bed.

Monday 13th September

We arranged the courtesy car for 12:30 to go into Yeppoon to do our shopping. This service is fantastic and is the only marina that I know of that does it. We went over to the Coast Guard and spent an hour there. They were extremely hospitable and were very interested to learn as much as possible about how MRNSW is working in NSW. Got the weather forecast and the winds are tuning north easterly tomorrow for a few days.

Had a beer in the very small yacht club, and later went and had a meal at the restaurant attached to the marina. Very nice but quite pricy. Came home a bit tight after 2 bottles of wine.

Heading towards Mackay

Saturday, 4 September 2010

Departed S Molle resort this morning and had a very pleasant run down to Genesta Bay. It’s a lovely bay with long sandy beaches and appears to be very sheltered, though if we get a strong southerly it would be a bit rolly. At the moment north-east winds are forecast, but today we hardly had anything and motored all the way.

We enjoyed our stay at S Molle, the staff are excellent, they are all young girls from UK, Ireland and Canada on work visas and they went out of their way to be helpful. Same couldn’t be said for the resort itself. Very tired and in need of a lot of money spent on it. Plumbing was atrocious and rooms a bit archaic. It caters mainly for young back-packers and they will pout up with anything.

Yesterday was spent doing all the chores both domestic and on the boat.

We want to get down to Mackay before this very strong southerly change comes through, forecast here for Wednesday. It is causing havoc in the southern states; we hope it is not so strong when it goes through here.

Chez made the decision yesterday to stay on an extra 2 weeks. She now flies from Brisbane to Port on Saturday 25th September.

No phone or internet coverage here, probably have to wait til Mackay to post this.

Sunday, 5 September 2010

Father’s Day today and Chez has looked after me, lovely breakfast and good weather, though not enough wind to sail. The water was like a mill pond all day.

We saw 2 sea snakes in Genesta Bay, swimming on the surface, but when they saw us they quickly dived down. Pale greenish/yellow with bands and about a meter long. Also a pod of dolphins came over to us to check us out. Last evening an army helicopter came over and spent about an hour doing practice landings and manoeuvres on the beach near us.

Another rewlaxing day

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Another relaxing day today, not quite as warm. We went for an 8 km walk to Sandy Beach and return. It wasn’t that sandy, mostly coral pieces along the beach.

Not really much to report, except that its very relaxing here and a good way to spend a holiday. Tomorrow is going to be our work day, last day here so have to get the washing done and go out and give the boat a clean and get it ready for sailing away on Saturday.

Another rewlaxing day

Thursday, 2 September 2010

Another relaxing day today, not quite as warm. We went for an 8 km walk to Sandy Beach and return. It wasn’t that sandy, mostly coral pieces along the beach.

Not really much to report, except that its very relaxing here and a good way to spend a holiday. Tomorrow is going to be our work day, last day here so have to get the washing done and go out and give the boat a clean and get it ready for sailing away on Saturday.

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

Woke up to blue skies and a light breeze, makes a change from the past week or so.

Had a lovely day. I went out to Paragon this morning and did an oil and filter change, then we went for a hike up to the top of Mount Jeffries, some wonderful views and I will put on a couple of photos I took. Had lunch and a beer up there before coming back to lounge around the pool and work on our Whitsunday tans.

Last night was a bit of a disappointment, because it is so quiet here the restaurant is closed and meals are served in the bar, but the food is very down market. They cater here, mostly, for backpackers, so the food is aimed at them – fast food style, but, at least, it is reasonably priced. Chez says she will take me to a proper restaurant when we reach Mackay.

The good news is that as we are enjoying it so much up here and sailing in general, Chez has almost agreed to staying on with me for an extra 2 weeks. That means she will sail back with me to Brisbane and fly home from there.

The photos are paragon at mooring in front of resort; Chez and I going out for dinner and a couple taken on Mt Jeffrries.

South Molle Resort

We left Airlie Beach about 8 this morning. Had a really good sail across to Pioneer Rocks, 20 knots on our beam and the water lapping at the gunnel. Once around Pioneer Rocks had to tack a few times to get lined up with the leads to the channel between North and South Molle Islands. The leads are very good, two bright lights above the resort on Day Dream Island. The channel is aptly named “Unsafe Passage”, but on the chart after the name it says “:Safe enough for yachts” At the narrowest part it is only about 100 meters wide, sand bar to sand bar. The deep part is probably only 50 meters wide.

We have a mooring just off the beach at the resort and we brought all our stuff over in two goes in the dinghy, mainly because we brought half the galley and larder with us. Rooms are pretty basic. Chez complained after we had moved in and we were transferred to a cabin next door, which was a little better. The boss is away at the moment, but when she returns in the morning the receptionist is going to ask her if we can upgrade to a more expensive room at no extra cost. It is very quiet here at the moment with only a few other guests, which is very nice. On Sunday after we leave they are having an influx of 360 guests!

Had a lazy afternoon getting used to land again; Chez is taking me out to dinner tonight for my birthday.

3 days of blog

Saturday 28th august 2010

Non Barbeque at Montes

Had a lazy morning, cleaning up and doing a few chores before going over to Montes for the BBQ. It was very crowded, but we managed to get seats with our friends from Hobart.

Spent the afternoon chatting with them and listening to the live music and wondering when we were going to get fed. Eventually we found out that it had been postponed to a dinner and would be served at 6:30, neither us nor our friends wanted to spend the evening there, then go back to our boats in the dinghies after having had a few drinks, in the dark and with quite a strong wind blowing. So we called it a day and went back to Paragon and fired our own BBQ up.

The weather has been rather poor since we left Cid Harbour, with strong south easterly winds and overcast every day. Hope the SE wind drops before we head back to Airlie Beach on Monday as we will be heading SE most of the way.

Sunday, 29 August 2010

Non Seafood Lunch at Dingo Beach

Today the SICYC has organised a seafood lunch for us at Dingo beach, with a bus to take us around there. I checked the forecast for tomorrow for our trip to Airlie Beach and found that this south easterly is going to increase from 10 – 15 today to 20 – 25 tomorrow, so we thought it best if we got the worst part of the trip, Montes to Double Bay over today and forgo the seafood lunch. Which is what we did. We had the wind on the bow all the way and it took us almost 5 ½ hours to do the 17 miles, and quite bumpy. It was worse today than the trip we did from Newry to Goldsmith, Chez hated that, was sick and almost gave up to go home. Today she took it in her stride and actually enjoyed it, so I would say she has found her sea legs.

Now anchored in Double Bay East, still blowing at about 20 knots, but no swell.

Monday, 30 August 2010

The wind howled all night, but there was very little swell and Double Bay has good holding in mud.

Little better trip today than yesterday, had wind on the beam for about half the trip. Had difficulty getting around Grimstone Point against the wind and current, had to tack out into the bay.

Picked up fuel and water at Abel Point Marina before going out into the small craft mooring area and picking up a mooring.

Went over to the boat launching ramp in the dinghy twice, once to do our shopping and once to do the washing at the laundrette. Also walked about a kilometres to a service station to get a swap gas bottle. Quite heavy to carry when full for that distance.

By the time we had put the groceries and washing away it was time to sit down and have a glass of wine and contemplate dinner. Also celebrating the very last day I can call myself 70, tomorrow I’ll have to say 71!!

Going to a resort on South Molle Island tomorrow, booked in there for 4 nights. Imagine sleeping on a bed that doesn’t rock!. First time for me for over 7 weeks.

Sunday, 22 August 2010

Another cloudy day and a southerly blowing, about 15 knots. Sailed most of the way across to Goldsmith Island as the wind was on the beam. Bit of a swell and sea so poor Chez felt a bit queasy and ended up giving her breakfast to the fish!

Roylen Bay, Goldsmith is a beautiful little bay with a nice beach. Put the dinghy in the water with the intention of going over to the beach for a walk, but every time I put outboard into gear it stalled, don’t know what’s wrong with it. Didn’t fancy rowing against the strongish off shore breeze, so ended up having a beer instead.

We will be going to Hamilton Island tomorrow.

Monday, 23 August 2010

Goldsmith to Cid Harbour

Last night was a bit rolly. Chez, being un-used to it, found it quite uncomfortable.

Saw a large turtle while we were there, it hung around for a while.

Left about 8 this morning with the intention of going to Hamilton Island, but when I rang them up to book a berth I found that they were full up until the end of the month. The Hamilton Island races are on at the moment. Thought I had better ring up Airlie Beach marina now in case they are full, and the first question I was asked was “have you got fully comprehensive insurance” I only have third party and public liability, but this isn’t good enough so Airlie Beach is out unless we can find somewhere to anchor.

After being denied Hamilton Island we decided to go to Cid Harbour, not a harbour as such, but a very sheltered bay between Cid Island and Whitsunday Island. Very popular, there are about 30 vessels here at anchor this evening. It appears to be much more sheltered and comfortable than Goldsmith.

Saw a few whales on the way up here, one was playing and slapping the water.

No internet service here, so won’t be posting these last 2 blogs until we get closer to the mainland again on Wednesday

Walk to Whitsunday Peak

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Lovely day today after a very calm night. We were both very tired and slept well. Chez did some hand washing and I tried out the outboard in the dinghy, as it had played up at Goldsmith. This time it was OK, probably played up before because another yacht was taking a great deal of interest in our futile attempts to keep it going, especially as I had cast off and we were being blown out to sea. Quite a hard row back to the boat.

We went over to the beach and walked up to Whitsunday Island Peak, about 470 meters high. It was quite a steep climb, but the path was fairly good, with rough stone steps on the very steep parts. The view at the top is absolutely magnificent there are views both to the west and the mainland, and to the south to Hamilton Island and beyond. It took us about 3 hours round trip with a 45 minute lunch and beer break at the top.

We had a swim at the beach when we returned. The tide had gone out and it was quite a carry of the dinghy back to the water’s edge.

Back home to Paragon for a few chores and to take it easy for a while.

We need to get a few stores, water and fuel so we are going over to Airlie tomorrow. A couple we met on the walk said we would be OK to anchor near the VMR building and use their pontoon to leave the dinghy while we went to the local shopping centre. Probably go around to Double Bay to overnight.

Shag Island Picnic

Friday, 27 August 2010

Shag Island

Finally arrived at Shag Island about 8:30 this morning. Lots of boats already here.

We did set off for Shag Island yesterday morning from Airlie beach, but the wind blew up and we sheltered in Double Bay, very quiet and peaceful anchorage.

Left Double Bay at 5:00 this morning in order to make the 12:00 picnic lunch on Shag Island today. I went over to the resort and found out that we can use the showers and the laundry there. First person I ran into was Liz Franklin who hails from Port Macquarie, she left Port about 5 years ago. She was in Sea Rescue for a while and also worked as a deck hand on the Port Venture. Also the barman in the resort is from port, went to Port High, about 3 years behind Nicole.

The afternoon picnic on Shag island went very well, though there was a cool wind blowing and we only stayed for a couple of hours. There were over 150 “Shaggers” there out of a membership of about 600, so it was a good turnout. We were talking to 1 family who had sailed up from Hobart, and there were also members from USA and NZ.

I will add a couple of photos that I took.

I must apologise as I have found there are a couple of blogs that I have written out on computer and forgotten to post them, so they will be out of order.

Airlee Beach

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

We had a pleasant evening last night and a quiet night, no wind or swell.

Arrived over at the marina at Airlie Beach about lunch time, motored all the way across because, again, no wind. Moored up on the fuel wharf only to find that you have to book a time slot to re-fuel and we were holding up 2 vessels, the attendant was very obliging and after moving around a couple of times to let other boats in to re-fuel, we managed to fill up ourselves.

We had intended just to get fuel and stores and then go about 10 miles up the coast to anchor in Double Bay, but we were so long getting fuel that we decided to stay here the night. We found an un-occupied mooring and commandeered it, then took the dinghy across to get our stores. Only about 400 meters from the boat ramp to a shopping centre with a Cole’s super-market. Unfortunately in getting the dinghy in correct position on ramp to get the stores on board, I slipped off of the concrete ramp into deep water, got soaked, but what was worse, my phone was in my pocket and it didn’t like a soaking in salt water. Have rinsed it in fresh and am drying it; hope its OK, I’ve only had it a couple of weeks.

Adding a couple of photos taken on our walk up to Whitsunday Peak yesterday

Chez first trip

21^st August 2010-08-21

Chez arrived OK on Thursday afternoon, she had a good flight and I picked her up and we went into the shopping centre to get a few things I had forgotten

We went out to dinner that evening at the yacht club, very quiet.

Next day Chez did her own cleaning and what I thought was a clean and tidy boat, wasn’t!! and even I noticed the difference after Chez’s female touch.

Thursday and Friday were very hot and humid, but today it has come over a bit cloudy, but there is a southeaster blowing which should aid us going north later this morning.

Chez is a bit apprehensive about her first trip, she says she’ll camp here on the pontoon and wait for me to return! I think she will change her mind when she realises that we don’t get the same sort of seas up here as in NSW, at least not this time of year.

Departed Mackay about 11:00 and had a very pleasant trip up here to Newry Island. A bit cooler today with cloud and a southerly wind.

Chez was very apprehensive when we left Mackay harbour and it is a bit rolly around that area, but once we got going and away from shore she suddenly started to enjoy it.

Arrived here at Newry Island mid afternoon and Chez says it is a beautiful anchorage and would like to return here on way back

Goldsmith Island tomorrow

Back In Mackay

Wednesday 18^th August

Back in Mackay

I spent two very comfortable nights at anchor off Newry Island, before returning to Mackay yesterday morning.

Just outside Mackay Harbour, I turned into wind, left the engine on idle and went up and pulled down the main. When I went to power up for the final couple of hundred meters into the harbour, the engine played up. No power, fluctuating RPM, just like had happened to me before I came away. The engine died altogether and, as I was between the beach and a small island I put down the anchor and called up Sea Rescue. About 45 minutes to get the crew in and get to me. After a short while waiting, I tried starting engine and got it going enough to limp very slowly into my berth. I cancelled Sea Rescue.

When I investigated I found fuel filter blocked, so changed it and now all OK. I must have picked up a bit of dirty fuel somewhere as it is less than the prescribed number of hours since I changed it. Got 3 spares when I went into Mackay this morning.

Just about ready for Chez to arrive tomorrow, stores all on board, washing done and boat cleaned.

Sunday 15^th August

Since my last post I have been back to Mckay, my telephone wasn’t working properly, couldn’t get a signal unless I was right under the tower. That was on Friday, went into Mckay to do some shopping and buy a new telephone that afternoon by bus, then stayed in marina overnight and left at lunch time on Saturday. I had met a few people in Mckay and they were also leaving yesterday, but were going to Newry Island, which though a bit further than Brampton, was a much better anchorage. And so it has proved to be, the sea here is like glass and I had a very comfortable night.

Doing some cleaning up today, glorious day and I’ll stay here til Tuesday or Wednesday

Couple of photos take in Mckay marina, Paragon and a little boat that father and son have sailed out here from California, via New Zealand. They are continuing on there way across the Indian, Mediterranean and Atlantic back to California.

Brampton Island

I arrived here yesterday; mid afternoon after a pleasant four and a half hour trip from MacKay. It was motoring all the way as there was no wind, and the seas were flat.

I anchored in Western Bay at Brampton Island, as it is sheltered from the forecast strong southerly change expected some time tonight. There was a nor’easter came in late afternoon, but it didn’t make much change to conditions.

The southerly hit at 10 past midnight, up to 30 knots on my wind read out the seas didn’t come up much though due to their short fetch.

I had to get up several times during the night in the pouring rain and check the anchor, I put a 2^nd snub on, but it was still banging. At one stage, at low tide, I was convinced that I was banging on a rock, and I started the motor to move to deeper water, but I couldn’t get the anchor up as it appeared to have snagged on a rock or coral. I had to stay where I was, but I didn’t get much sleep.

This morning conditions are much better, the rain has stopped, winds eased and at high tide I decided to move to a different spot. The anchor was snagged, but I freed it by driving forward over it and dragging it free.

Brampton Island

I arrived here yesterday; mid afternoon after a pleasant four and a half hour trip from MacKay. It was motoring all the way as there was no wind, and the seas were flat.

I anchored in Western Bay at Brampton Island, as it is sheltered from the forecast strong southerly change expected some time tonight. There was a nor’easter came in late afternoon, but it didn’t make much change to conditions.

The southerly hit at 10 past midnight, up to 30 knots on my wind read out the seas didn’t come up much though due to their short fetch.

I had to get up several times during the night in the pouring rain and check the anchor, I put a 2^nd snub on, but it was still banging. At one stage, at low tide, I was convinced that I was banging on a rock, and I started the motor to move to deeper water, but I couldn’t get the anchor up as it appeared to have snagged on a rock or coral. I had to stay where I was, but I didn’t get much sleep.

This morning conditions are much better, the rain has stopped, winds eased and at high tide I decided to move to a different spot. The anchor was snagged, but I freed it by driving forward over it and dragging it free.

Reached Mackay

Monday 9th August
Arrived in Mackay late last night after a 15 hour trip from the Percy Islands. Not much wind to speak of and had to motor most of the way.
Spent last night at anchor just outside the harbour, uncomfortable night as there was a slight swell which was causing the boat to roll quite a bit.
It took 2 days from Pearl bay to Mackay, with a stopover night at Hummocky Island, which was a very good anchorage. The island is horseshoe shaped with a lagoon which was very sheltered and no swell.
The next anchorage was a worry, strong currents and 6 meter tide, had to put a lot of chain out which took some pulling in at 5 o'clock yesterday morning. It was on the north west side of South Percy and it won't be a place I shall anchor in again. apparently Middle Percy is better.
When I left there yesterday morning I started to go to the east of Middle Percy, but there was such a strong adverse current that I quickly did a 180 and went to the West.
I'm in the marina at Mackay now, for 1 night, but can't afford to stay here for the 10 days wait for Chez and there are no comfortable anchorages; so I intend going up to Brampton Island tomorrow and spending a week up there, I have made enquiries ans the anchorages there are pretty good. At least it will give me a chance to catch up with the washing.
Cut my own hair this morning never done it before and didn't do too bad a job, bit bald on 1 side, but I'll wear a hat 'til it grows.

Friday 6^th August

Rosslyn Bay to Pearl bay

Good trip up here, good winds and made good time. Tried to take a short cut between Manifold Island and the mainland, about 0.2 NM gap, but the current running through there was about 3 knots on the nose, so gave up and went around outside.

Now anchored in Pearl Bay, a lovely sheltered bay which is a favourite spot for transiting boats. There are 5 or 6 here at the moment.

No phone or internet coverage though, but I was able to get an arrival message through to Chez via Coast Guard Yeppoon and VMR Port Macquarie.

Rosslyn Bay

Thursday 5^th August Rosslyn Bay

Spent a relaxing day today, went into Yeppoon this morning in the courtesy car to do my shopping. Bottle shop didn’t open til 10:00 and the car had to be back by 09:30; thought I would have a dry run to Mackay, but my neighbour, Dave, asked his wife to get me a wine cask when she was in Yeppoon.

Went for a walk after lunch, pretty little harbour with a lot of potential. Thriving fish co-op and fishing trawlers. Their boat ramps are superb, each with a floating concrete pontoon going out in line with the ramp. Port Macquarie could learn a lot.

Went over to the fuel wharf and filled up, another floating pontoon which makes it much easier. Then went out into the bay and anchored just behind the northern break wall.

In The Tropics

Crossed over the Tropic of Capricorn yesterday morning en route facing Island to Hummocky Island. This is a small uninhabited island about 10 miles off of the coast and I thought it would be a good half way point to Rosslyn Harbour.

Hummocky is a horse shoe shaped island with a small lagoon and beach in the "horse shoe". Very sheltered from the southerlies and I had a very comfortable night.

From there it was just a short hop over to Rosslyn Harbour, where I'm in the marina for the night, got my washing done and tomorrow morning I'm getting the courtesy car to go into Yepoon to do some shopping,

This is the biggest marina I've ever seen, must be 300 boats in it, and a large number of them large 50 - 60 foot luxury yachts and motor cruisers. I've never seen so much money tied up in boats in one place before.

There are no shops in the village which is why I'm off to Yepoon in the morning.

A couple of pictures of Hummocky Island ans Rosslyn Harbour.

Had a bit of a blow last night about 4 AM, up to 30 knots, I got up a couple of times to check the anchor etc.
Only thing of note today was passing the shipping lane into Gladstone harbour. About half a dozen empty container ships either going in or waiting at anchor. Passed within about 100 meters from one, it looked huge. They were probably going in to pick up raw sugar.
Large fire near Gladstone, probably burning off the sugar cane. Smoke stretched right out to the horizon.
Anchored tonight off of the north end of Facing Island, near a small entrance into Gladstone Harbour, too small for anything other than runabouts.

1770

Tonight I'm anchored in Bustard Bay, opposite town with the strange name of "1770". I was hoping to have a look around, but when I arrived the tide
was low and only 1.3 meters of water, I draw 1.4 so didn't chance it.
I spent an extra day in Burnett Heads, took a walk around town had a beer in the Blue Water Club and generally relaxed.
Uneventful trip from Burnett to Bustard Bay, not much wind so motor sailed all way.
No picture today, some how or another I have locked the SD card and don't know how to unlock it. I've got Chez working on it she will find out how to do it from the camera shop where it was bought.
Not particularly interesting tonight, maybe tomorrow will be more eventful.
I will add a picture, one of Burnett Harbour from Google

The Great Sandy Strait

The weather coming up through the strait was great, I got about half way and was looking for an anchorage when I went aground and with a fast falling tide I was stuck fast. The tide still had about 2 hours of run out, so by the time it was low tide she was listing about 45 degrees.

I had to wait for a further 2 hours for the tide to come in sufficiently to float off, find some deeper water and anchor. VMR Sandy Strait were very helpful with info on tides, currents etc.

Next morning, yesterday, I completed through the strait and have come up Burnett Heads, long trip, 14 hours, and no wind to speak of so it was motoring all the way. having a day off in Burnett Heads harbour today, re-fueled, done an oil change and my washing and shopping. Now at anchor in the harbour having a "rest"

My apologies for offending everyone with today's photo, but Chez particularly requested it.

Some Photos

They don't appear to have come up in chronological order, but they are, and I think you'll work out which label goes with which photo

1 Horrible weather coming up from Mooloolaba

2 Wide Bay Bar

3 Frazer Island ferries

4 Paragon aground and listing

5 Benign Great Sandy Strait weather