Port Macquarie

Tuesday 7th August.
Arrived back in Port Macquarie yesterday after 2 days sailing from Iluka. I left Iluka at first light on Sunday, it was bottom of the tide, but the bar was flat and there was no wind. I did get a bit of a south westerly after an hour or so and I was able to shut down the engine and have  a sail for about 4 hours before the wind died and I had to get it the iron main going again. Arrived in Coffs about 1600 and anchored in the bay outside the marina for the night.

Monday was another fine windless morning, and I left Coffs at 0300. This time the wind did not materialise
and I had to use the engine all the way. There was a southerly current of up to 2 knots at times so I made good time. Chez was on the break wall to greet me and I wanted her to get a photo of me coming in with both sails up. Unfortunately, after 12 hours of virtually no wind it went from about 2 knots to 25 knots in a matter of seconds. it was right on the bow and there was no way I could cross the bar with the sails up in that wind, so I had to bring them in and get photographed with nothing up.

So, the end of my trip, not quite as planned but never the less, enjoyable most of the time, terrifying at others., but good to be home.

Iluka

I stayed in Runaway bay for 4 nights waiting for the low to move off the coast and for the strong southerlies to die down. I judged that Thursday they had started to die down enough, but it was still a pretty strenuous trip. Seaway bar had quite a swell on it, one in particular looked like a mountain coming toward me, it was over 4 meters and probably closer to 5. definitely the largest I have ever crossed. Paragon went up and up and then crashed down the far slope. Quite frightening.

The rest of the trip was pretty bad, head winds most of the way, tacking back and forward, but not making a great deal of progress, took me 14 hours to do the 48 miles to Byron Bay. Average of 3.6 knots. Anchored in the bay overnight, quite a pleasent night and a welcome rest.

Yesterday, Friday, I left Byron Bay at 0500 and had a relatively easy trip to Iluka. The southerlies have finally dropped off and at times I had some nice south westerlies and did some serious sailing. Got to Clarence River just on sunset, which was a bit of a problem because the track up the river to Iluka is west, straight into sun. Dropped anchor at 1725.

Having a day off today before tackling the last 2 legs to Port Macquarie, about 13 hours tomorrow to Coffs Harbour and 16 hours Monday to Port.

Runaway Bay Marina

Yesterday morning (sunday) I was already to leave for Byron Bay untill after I checked the weather forecast. I realised I would get to Byron OK, but the next day on to Iluka would have meant fighting a 25 - 30 knot head wind. Not nice! I would then, be stuck in Byron Bay for about 3 days waiting for the front to go through. I thought it would be a much better idea to wait those 3 days here in Southport and head for Byron on Wdebesday. Rather than spend 3 more nights at anchor in Broadwater, I came over here to Runaway Bay Marina. Nice marina and one of the cheapest ones in Queensland, only $30 per night. Most of the others are around $43 - $45 per night.

It gives me time to catch up on the washing, shopping and a bit of boat maintenance.

Southport

Six hour tripdown from Karrangarra, should have only taken four, but I had a head current all the way. Only averaged 3.8 knots over the ground. At least depth was no problem, minimum I had was 2.2 meters which is no problems, I only draw 1.4.

The biggest problem coming down was the Queensland cowboys in their powerful motor launches; I had at least ten scream past me at 25 - 30 knots leaving me rocking and rolling in their wake. One even did it in a very narrow part of the channel, I had move over as far as possible to give him room. When he went passed he almost knocked me into the channel marker, I cursed and shook my fist at him. He probably never even noticed.

I had intended having a day off in Southport, but the next 2 days are the best days of the week for heading south, so I'll make the most of it, head out tomorrow for Byron Bay then Illuka and have a couple of days off there.

Karrangarra Island

I departed Bribie Island right on the low tide, thinking I would get a good current across Morton Bay, I went very gingerly over the sandbanks to get into the main channel, but had no problems. I didn't start getting a following current until I was nearly all the way across the bay though.

The shipping channel was empty, so I didn't have to fight with any cargo vessels, but the southern part of the bay was very busy with recreation vessels and small ferries, had to change course a few times.

Heard that there was a strong wind warning for these areas for tonight and tomorrow, I had intended to anchor off of Stradbroke Island which would be very exposed to strong south westerly winds, so decided to go on to Karrangarra Island, which is more sheltered. There were about 6 boats in channel going down to the island and when they all peeled off into a small creek, I thought they must know of a sheltered anchorage there. I followed, but quickly realised that it wasn't particularly sheltered fom SW winds, it was too crowded and not very deep. I turned around, went back to main channel and went on to Karrangarra. I found a lovely sheltered spot just on south side of island in the Merson Passage. There were a lot of boats there, but I realasied they were all on moorings. There were a few vacant moorings there so I picked up one and spent a very peaceful night there, well sheltered from the winds.

This morning I am waiting for the incoming tide to leave for Southport, low tide is about 1100 hours so thats when I am leaving, by the time I get to Jacobs Wells, the shallowest part, the tide should be in far enough to get through OK.

Bribie Island

Finally on my way again, after spending 7 days in Mooloolaba marina I was getting a little fed up. I was able to do a bit of maintenance on the boat, got the GPS going again, the lead to the aereial had a break in it. Also did a few other jobs. Went on plenty of walks around Mooloolaba and generally tried to keep myself amused. Met a few people, went to the pub with a couple of them, but all the same glad to be moving again.

Today's trip was pretty unexciting. The bar had a bit of white water over the mouth of the river, but I was able to avoid most of it. Apart from that very unexciting, no wind to speak of, seas fairly calm and I let Charlie drive for most of the way while I sat back and relaxed.

Now at anchor off of South Point, a small holiday village at the southern point of Bribie Island. nice evening, no wind sunshine and quite mild. Tomorrow its Morton Bay.

Mooloolaba Marina

 I arrived here in Mooloolaba on Wednesday evening after a long trip down from Pelican Bay. There were about 7 yachts anchored in the bay Tuesday night all waiting to see what the bar would be like Wednesday morning. The first report came at first light from a power boat going out fishing for the day. The report was that the bar was lumpy, but no breakers. That was enough for us and there was the sound of 7 anchor chains being hauled in. I went last, being the slowest, and I found that "lumpy" was rather an understatement, it should have been mountinous. 3 to 4 meter swell that was not defined,but all over the place, lumps and holes coming up everywhere. My prop was out of the water almost as much as it was in. I averaged 2 knots going across and it took 2 hours and 10 minutes.

After that it was motoring all the way with a 10 to 15 knot headwind. Then to cap it off about 5 miles north of Mooloolaba the engine started making a very funny noise, knocking and sucking sounds. I throttled back and it was OK, crept the rest of the way and finally dropped anchor in Mooloolaba Bay about 2130. Very tired and thankful to be there.

Thursday morning I came into the river and up to the marina where I had booked a berth. it was high tide, but the entrance to the river was getting the occasional set of breakers going straigh across the entrance. I timed getting there just as one set finished, but the first breaker of the next set caught me and gave me a bit of a shake up. Pleased to be inside in the calm and motored leisurely up to the marina.

I got the name of a diesel mechanic from the marina office and he came out straight away to look at it. I was envisioning big end bearing or a head gasket, but he gave it a clean bill of health, he said the air cleaner and belts should be changed but that was all. That will all be done before I leave here. $30 for peace of mind, well worth it.

I've now paid to stay here for a week, because there is a bit of a dreaded east coast low and we are going to have 25 - 30 knot southerlies for about 6 days. So next blog probably won't be until next Thursday when I once again venture out.

Pelican Bay

Yesterday's plan went well untill this afternoon, I got the fuel ok, and headed up here to Pelican Bay to wait for high tide, but the wind didn't ease as per forecast and I don't think the bar would be any good. There are 7 other boats at anchor here waiting to cross the bar and I don't think anyone wants to be the first to go, so looks like it will be high tide in the morning, about 0630. Trouble is that is time of sunrise so will have to leave earlier to avoid sun in eyes all way across.

Tin Can Bay

 I arrived in Tin Can Bay on Saturday afternoon, tried getting to the marina fuel wharf, first I went aground outside the marina entrance, it is very shallow there, but with an incoming tide I was soon afloat. Tied up at the end of the marina to find out about fuel, but it was closed, (Saturday afternoon). decided to give it away and try later.

Anchored outside the small harbour in the very large bay, there is no anchoring allowed in the harbour, anyway its too small and too shallow. There are dozens of boats at anchor out here.

Yesterday I went ashore in the dinghy and found there was another fuel wharf adjacent to the slip, enough water at high tide there. Arranged to get fuel Tuesday morning as I'm leaving here.

Today I went ashore again got a gas bottle topped up and did some shopping. The IGA supermarket is about 20 minute walk from the slip. While I was there I got talking to a guy and when I said I was from Port Macquarie he told me that he was flying down there tomorrow to arrange about taking his boat there in the New Year. He wants to use it as a function centre/restaurant and keep it on The Lady Nelson, I told him that I didn't think he would get permission. He invited me out to look at his boat. It is an 80 ft square rigger which he built himself, extremely well built and he'll probably do OK with it if he can find somewhere to keep it.

I intend leaving here in the morning on the high tide after getting fuel and then going out over Wide Bay Bar on the next rising tide; heading for Mooloolaba

Great sandy Strait

I left Burnett Heads last Thursday 0300, and after a pretty uneventful trip across Hervey bay am now, once more, in The Sandy Strait. There was very little wind coming across and no sea or swell to speak of, so it was motoring all the way with Charlie coping with the steering.

I arrived at the North White Cliffs anchorage about 1500, visibility was pretty poor in the strait, about a mile in light rain, kept me on my toes af far as navigating goes. One eye looking for markers, one on the depth, one on the heading and one on the chart!

I spent the night at White Cliffs and moved on to Gary's anchorage yesterday about lunch time once the tide had turned in my favour. It was impossible to have the tide in my favour all the way as the half way mark was north of Gary's. Once I passed there the tide influence is from the south and the incoming tide that I had ridden down from White Cliffs was now against me. I could have waited for it to turn, but there is nowhere there suitable to anchor and it was only about 4 miles to Gary's.

Wet night at Gary's and woke up this morning to vis down to about half a mile in drizzle. Never the less I had an out going tide, about 2 - 3 knots of favourable current, so set off. I am now anchored opposit Pelican Bay waiting for the tide to turn to an incoming, about mid day, to continue down the creek to Tin Can Bay where I intend to hole up for the next few days until the forecast strong southerly is over. Tuesday or Wednesday look good for the next leg to Mooloolaba.

Change of plan

 I am still in Burnett Heads, the weather has been lousy with stong southerly blowing and a strong wind warning. However in the last hour the wind has swung around 180 degrees and is now a North Easterly at up to 25 knots and is going to stay in that quarter for the forseeable future.

This is good as I have changed my plans dramatically and now, for personal reasons that I won't go onto, I am returning to Port Macquarie!

This will be a bit of a shock to most people, but I have good reasons. I intend leaving here early Thursday morning and heading back across Hervey bay for the Great Sandy Strait. I will keep the blog going until I get back to Port, but I guess it won't be as interesting now

Burnet Heads

I had intended leaving White Cliffs anchorage about 0630 this morning, it would have meant fighting the incoming tide up the remainder of the strait, but I figured I could still get to Burnet Heads in daylight. As it was I woke at about 0300, it was a lovely night, a bright moon, no wind and more importantly the current was in the right direction. I was underway by 0320 and had a good run up the northern portion of the strait with 3 knots of current behind me all the way. Navigation was not a problem, all the nav aids are lit and the moon was very bright. Venus and Uranus also were bright just before daylight. 

I reched the northern end of the strait about day break and within half an hour the wind came up to about 20 knots on my port beam to start with then swung around to astern. So I was able to shoot  across Hervey Bay at an average speed of 6 knots, arriving in Burnet Heads about 1330. There was a heavy swell coming across the bay, so it was a very rolly trip. I had to spend most of the time at the helm, Charlie, my auto pilot finds heavy swell a bit difficult to cope with, so I only used him for short periods to have a break. We used to call the auto pilot "George" in the RAF, but mine is named "Charlie" after my father.

Burnet Heads harbour is only very small, not much room for manoeuvering, and with the strong wind blowing it took 4 attempts at anchoring before I was satisfied.

I shall spend at least 2 days here, there are still stong wind warnings out for waters north of here, so I will wait until they abate a bit before moving on.

Great Sandy Strait

Friday. Yesterday and today have been pretty hectic. I never got my walk on Frazer Island, tghe wind came up and all the boats were swinging around everywhere. Tide and wind were opposing which always creates a bit of a problem. I had to move Paragon to further out as I wanted to let out more chain and I was too close to another boat. It settled down in the evening and I was able to get a peaceful night.

This morning I left at 0630 so that I could ride the incoming tide up the strait. The wind got up though at one time over 30 knots. After about 3 hours I got to where the tide changes and I was getting the incoming tide from the north which meant it was against me. I went over to an anchorage and decided to sit it out until the tide started going out. A couple of hours later, I thought the wind had dropped, and I departed, but the wind came up again this time stronger than ever and I again took shelter in the lee of Frazer Island. Very strong curreent and I anchored twice before I was happy. After another couple of hours with the tide racing out I realised that my second position wasn't that good either, too close to the rapidly rising sand bar. Even though I was in 14 meters of water, I thought that there was sufficient chain out that if I swung towards the sandbar, I could hit it. This time I decided to go much further out, but I couldn't get the anchor up. One, I was pulling against a strong current and two, it appeared to be caught on some obstruction. Finally after the 4th attempt at going forward under power it unstuck with a bang and a jolt, it then came up easier and I am finally anchored in a safe location.

Wide Bay Bar and Great Sandy Strait

 I crossed the bar this morning just before high tide, it took me an hour to cross, there are 2 dog legs to make at 2 waypoints on way across. No white water, but a bit rolly. Unlike last time I crossed iot when I was surfing down a white water wave at 15.8 knots!

Entered the strait and had plenty of time to go up to Garry's anchorage, but by the time I got in tide running out quite strongly and I had a 2 knot corrent on the bow all the way, so didn't arrive here until 1230. Beautiful and peaceful here, a few other boats, but nothing to disturb the tranquility. I've put the dinghy in the water and will stay here tomorrow and go for a walk on Frazer Island.

Yesterday afternoon I left the marina and managed to find the fuel wharf at Kawana, filled up and headed out over the bar. It is finally being dredged and there was a huge dredger going back and forth. It anchored for the night just near where I was at anchor.

This morning was an early start and 10 hours to the bay behind Double Island Point. No wind at all today and calm sea, motored all the way and the bay where I'm anchored also flat, let's hope Wide Bay bar is as flat in the morning. High tide at the bar is at 8, and its 2 hours away, so another 6 o'clock start.

Mooloolaba Marina

Arrived here early yesterday morning. The entrance to the river is very silted up and Coast Guard warned me about coming in, even offered me an escort when thei boat crew started thei Sunday morning training at 8, but it didn't look too bad and I came in at first light with no problems on a rising tide.

I came up the river to the fuel wharf where I usually tie up annd found it had changed, the fuel wharf moved down river and it now belonged to a sailing club. I berthed there anyway to wait opening of Marina (10 AM), finally got hassled by sailing club members arriving to start their Sunday fun race, I stalled them for a while, finally got hold of Marina Manager by phone about 9 and organised a berth. He brought me down a key when he came on at 10

I was talking to a resident of the marina, lived on a big cat, asked him if there was a Big W or KMart in town , no but there is one at Kawana Waters. Straight away he said "I'll lend you my car". Turned out to be his girl friend's but I was able to get all my shopping done at the big shopping complex there.

Got a few jobs on the boat done and a relaxing evening.

Today, Monday, I have finished off my shopping localy caught up on a few more jobs and filled the water tanks. This afternoon I shall go down to the fuel wharf, refuel, then go out to the bay on this afternoon's rising tide. Plan to anchor overnight again and leave for Double Island Point early in morning. Few other boats I have spoken to are also leaving for Double Island in the morning so there will be quite a fleet of us.

Mooloolaba Bay

Very quiet run up here, virtuall no wind and had to motor all way. About half way heard a distinct scrapping type noise, spent 10 minutes taking engine panels off and trying to isolate it before I realised it was the kettle that I had put on and forgotten about.

Mooloolaba bar is very silted up at the moment and only has about a meter of water at low tide. Also breaks considerably. Coast Guard have offered me an escort in in the morning, their boat crew are training and they'll show me the best way across it.

Checked my trolling fish line when I got here, must have caught a big one, half the lure was missing and the hook had been straightened out and the barbed tip missing.

Beautiful evening no cloud, no wind and very mild. Used my shower for the first time today, out on the marlin board, very nice. Also deployed flopper stopper for first time to check the roll whilst at anchor; seems to work reasonably well.

At anchor, South Point, Bribie Isand

Having a musical evening, bbq lamb plus Paul Simon's Gracerlands live in Zimbabwe, one of my favourite albums, followed by a Pete Seeger, "We Shall Overcome"; showing my age there. Even had a dance in the aisle plus of course a couple of glasses of red.

Crossing Morton Bay

 Spent a very uncomfortable night at anchor off of Peel Island, one of those nights where I don't get undressed, but remain dressed and ready for anything. In the middle of the night I added about 20 meters of nylon line to the chain so now I had 40 meters out in 6 meters of water. Wind did not let up all night and maximum recorded was 33 knots.

Wind eased off a little throughout Thursday and I was able to get a bit of rest, last night was quite good with winds only up to about 20 knots.

This morning I decided to head on to Bribie Island, a very good trip with 15 knot winds most of the way and the seas much calmer. Mid morning the drizzle and mist lifted and eventually the sun came out.

Had to cross the inbound shipping lane into Brisbane, only one ship and I had to alter course to pass behind. I tried out my AIS app on Iphone and it worked perfectly, I was able to get all info about the ship, especially important was speed and course.

To night I'm anchored at the South end of Bribie Island, very quiet anchorage and I should have a comfortable night.

Morton Bay

I'm anchored at the south end of Morton Bay, on the north side of Peel Island trying to shelter from the up to 30 knot southerly. Not much shelter though as I can't get in very close due to sand bars extending about half a mile around the island.

I left Southport yesterday morning heading up the back channels, went aground a couple of times, first time I had to wait a couple of hours til tide came in, second time it was just on high tide and I thought I was stuffed, I had strayed out of the channel about 5 meters; this time I was able to back off under full power. I had no more trouble and dropped anchor in a quiet area last night.

On leaving anchorage this morning immediately went aground and waited an hour for the tide to come in sufficiently to refloat. apart from that it was a pretty uneventful trip up into Morton Bay, but now the winds are up over 20 knots and forecast to go up to 30 tonight. It hasn't stopped blowing a strong southerly since I left Port. I would have gone up the outside of Stradboke and Morton Islands, except that with the strong winds they were forecating 4 - 5 meter seas, very uncomfortable!

Southport

 I am currently at anchor in Broadwater, Soutport, opposite Runaway Bay. Arrived here yesterday after 2 good sailing days from Iluka.

Left Iluka early Saturday morning as soon as it was light enough to see the bar, however the bar was flat. Just under 12 hours later and just starting to get dark I arrived in Byron Bay. I had had good winds and made good time. I had just dropped anchor when a very helpful man in a dinghy came over and asked why I wasn't anchoring behind the reef where it would be much calmer. I had always avoided that area because of the reef, but he said he would guide me around behind it. I pulled up the hook and followed him around, there were 3 other yachts there so it was obviously the best place to be. Poor holding though, I backed up to dig the anchor in and just succeeded in draging it along, almost backed up to one of the other yachts, had to move forward and start again. Quite a calm night there.
Sunday was not quite as long , 10 hours, and able to leave and arrive in daylight. Another good south westerly blew me along to The Gold Coast, In through the GC Seaway into Broadwater.

The wind hasn't let up since I arrived, quite a bumpy anchorage. I took the dinghy over to Runaway Bay shopping centre, a half hour trip in wet windy conditions. Thge centre now has a public wharf right outside which makes it very easy. I was surprised how many boats were coming and going, getting their shopping done.

I did a bit of maintenance this afternoon, the helm had become very slack and I crawled under the cockpit and tightened up the 2 steering cables. it will make a big difference tomorrow as I have decided to go up the inside passage, west of Stradbroke and Morton Islands and into Morton Bay. The passage is very narrow, shallow and twisty, so I shall need good steering.

I have tried to attach a couple of photos but failed, I will work on it and, hopefully, get some on sometime.

Today we are having the forecast strong winds, 30 knot northerly, tomorrow should be OK to leave here with 20 knot westerly.

Most of you will not have seen Paragon, there are pictures of her in my blog from 2 years ago, but I'll take this oportunity to describe the interior. There ar 3 cabins, the forward 1 is comprised of a double v-berth with large sail locker under. The mid cabin has 2 single bunks, 1 each side, pus various side lockers and water tanks under the 2 bunks. The aft cabin has, on the port side, a small head, a galley with sink and 2 burner gas stove. Behind that is a large chest type fridge. On the starboard side is a 4 seat dinette then the navigation table. The 2 cylinder, 15 HP Yanmar diesel is under the aft dinette seat.

The cockpit has 2 side seats and an athwart one behind the helm. There is a full cover over the cockpit with 3 large solar panels mounted on it. Drop down canvas and clear all round can completely enclose it.

Construction is double oregon planking with dynel sheathing (a resin impregnated cloth). The deck is marine ply. She was built and launche in Brismane in December 1981.

I will attach some photos of interior when I have taken them.

Yesterday was a long day, I departed Coffs Harbour at 0300, it was absolutly pitch black, there is a new moon at the moment. I had to pick my way out between the south wall and Mutton Bird island, thank the gods for lead lights, I back tracked on them until I judged I was clear of Mutton Bird then turned on to course aiming for the light house on South Solitary island 8 miles out to sea.

The sun came up in a beautiful sunrise about half way between South Solitary and North Solitary. After that it was a fairly straight forward trip until I got to the Clarence River 14 hours later. The bar was perfect but I got there just at the time all the trawlers were setting off for their night's fishing. No way they are going to give way, even when not trawling and not got right of way. I was dodging them all the way up the channel, at one point I had to do a 360 to avoid one.

I am anchored in my favourite harbour, Iluka, along with about 15 transiting vessels. It's so peaceful here. I'm right opposite the pub and since last being here a pontoon for tenders has been installed in freont of the pub. very handy!

Thursday. Had a very early night last night and have spent a fairly busy day today, lots of little things that needed fixing, tidying up the boat and making certain I know where everything is. Went ashore and had a walk through the village, didn't need to do any  shopping, thank goodness, as prices are pretty high. Walking along the foreshore with the tide out I noticed scores of shallow depressions in the exposed sand, I overheard someone talking about them and he said they were made by stingrays lying in wait for prey; if he's right there must be an awful lot of stingrays in Iluka harbour.

Have checked the weather forecast, tomorrow there is a strong wind warning, 30 knots from the north west, so no prizes for guessing that I'm staying put. Saturday looks better with south west winds, so its off to Byron Bay on Saturday. Next post Saturday evening.

Today was pretty much like yesterday, beautiful weather,but once again the wind died off about 11. I tried out my blooper (a type of spinnaker). after struggling for about an hour up on the fore deck to get it sorted and getting it deployed, the wind died down to about 2 knots and it was pretty useless. I did get about 15 minutes of sailing with it though. Saw one whale about 20 meters finre off the port bow, I altered course to avoid it and started the engine, as soon as he heard the engine dived and I never saw him again.
I'm currently at anchor in Coffs Harbour, with a teperature of 25 degrees, lovely!
There is a northerly forecast in the next couple of days, I'm just waiting for the weather forecast to see what it will be like for tomorrow. I want to get to Clarence River before dusk tomorrow evening, it's about a 15 hour trip so i'll be getting underway by about 2:30 in the morning, so its an early night for me tonight. Probably won't write a blog tomorrow, wait 'til Thursday when I'm having a couple of days off in Iluka
Thanks to all those people who have sent emails wishing me well.













ab

Well I'm finally off on my travels again, bit of a delayed start due to winds from the wrong direction, but finally departed port macquarie marina at 0715 this morning.
First leg is always a bit daunting, especially after a break of nearly 2 years. had to start to get the feel of the boat and all her idiosyncracies again.
beautiful day, sunshine all day, but winds died off a bit at lunch time and I had to start the iron mainsail.
currently at anchor in trial Bay with about 4 other yachts, all heading north.
Only problem so far is that my new socket for my shower doesn't work so coyuldn't have a shower, it was back to washing in a bowl again. Will try and fix it when I have a day off in iluka, hopefullyt, on Thursday