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.