Still at Sawmill Bay, Whitsunday Is.

Winds – still the same – so stayed at anchor in the same place; actually moved 0.15 nautical miles further into the bay to avoid wind bullets, but otherwise had a lazy day at anchor, explored some of the beaches and mangroves via dinghy, read a book etc etc. made some fresh blueberry muffins, H made another great dinner of garlic & pepper veal schnitzel with mums cheesy potato thing and fresh green salad with avocado, capsicum & mushroom. Todays pics are GD at anchor in Sawmill bay close to sunset, Rancho Relaxo for H on board, and myself feeling guilty at Sawmill beach, because I should be at work on Wednesday...!

Sawmill Bay

Today began with a building S-SW breeze, and although still quiet at the head of Nara inlet, up-anchored early and sailed 0800.  Although intending Border Island, the forecast was for 20/25 building to 25/30 with rain and thunderstorms.  With the wind bullets possible in Cataran Bay, decided Cid Hbr may be better so hard on the wind, tacked south with only a partially unfurled headsail, making 6-6.4 knts hard to windward, and travelled down to drop an anchor in Sawmill Bay between Cid Island and Whitsunday Island at 1100 in wind dropping to 5-10 and a glorious sunny afternoon.
A play afternoon followed consisting of cooking beef bourginion, polishing decks, swimming showering fishing… the list goes on, until sundowners and a quiet night on board.  Todays pictures are H accessing the internet on board, J&H on deck in Sawmill Bay, enjoying the warm water, and of course the sunset over Cid island.

Nara Inlet

On waking this morning at Stonehaven, it all looked very crappy, suddenly typical tropical wet season weather with very light northerly wind, very humid, and very overcast with thick cloud and frequent rain.  So after a lazy morning, we cast off and travelled along the west side of Hook Island, and around the corner into the top of Nara inlet; A distance of only 8 nautical miles although at the end we are about 1 mile from the start point – but over a steep ridge.   Nara is very Fiord-like, a narrow inlet with steep sides and very protected.  The afternoon cleared up well, became sunny, and it was a great time of swimming, playing in the dinghy, locating some of the waterfalls that after the rain are now flowing well; a great way to wash off the sweat and salt: who needs a spa tub..?.
Nara has plenty of boats in, as usual, but all friendly, and even the local bird population is amiable. Todays pics show a Nara cocky on the bow, GD peacefully at anchor in Nara, H doing it hard under way close to Hook Island, and J enjoying a mega-spa tub under a big waterfall.

How about a change in weather..?

Rain and big wind bullets all night; all OK in this lovely bay at Stonehaven, but shearing around a fair bit.  Forecast is for showers, then rain, then back to big winds again. Big breaky needed...

new anchorage at Hook Island

Time spent in the marina was useful, completing laundry, shopping, cleaning etc and a good choice due to poor weather; yes the winds and rain continue..!  Early today it looked reasonable and forecast good, so departed 10.10 for a more sailing.  From there the weather only deteriorated further, but travelled back across Whitsunday passage to NW side of Hook Is.   The 17 nautical miles was speedy, made at 6-7 knots despite using only a well-furled headsail on a beam reach, and in a SSE breeze of 20/25, gusting 25/30.  Crew (H) well protected under the dodger, but it was a good sail over, main complaint being no fish..!
Picked up a mooring at Stonehaven, a very sheltered bay, and initially there was sun and respite which we enjoyed with swimming and a dinghy trip into the beach.  However it all came over again, more rain, breeze etc, and settled back into the cockpit with a cold wine, a book and watched the weather pass by the stern from the shelter of the dodger.  All said, a good day, and back out in the islands and away from the crap.

Fresh Supplies

Stayed in the marina and went shopping to replenish all supplies, both liquid and otherwise.  Rain seems to have eased.  A necessary but mundane day.

and onto Abel Point

Friday morning looked better, calmer, even with patches of sun, so up-anchored and sailed across Whitsunday passage, around North Molle Island and into Airlie Beach.  Unfortunately the outlook was rather misleading, and no fish caught either.....!
Grey rain squalls and gusty changes were very visible as they passed both north and south of us, but of course the inevitable happened over the last few miles, we had a drenching as one passed right over, blotting out all visibility . The intrepid crew all retreated under shelter, leaving the good ol' skipper out at the helm...  However, went into Abel point marina at Airlie Beach and settled in for a day or two.  Pleased we did as the wind and rain continued. These pictures are the end of a passing sqall, approaching Nth Molle Is, and a dampish approach to Airlie Beach (from the comfort of the cabin of course).

Thursday

Didn't want to stay at Hamilton any longer, so cast-off mid morning, seas lumpy, wind fresh, but now anchored in Cid Harbour hanging onto the new Sarca Excel with lots of chain.  It's quite sheltered here, there's wind gusts but reasonably comfortable and we just enjoyed a full roast dinner, with all the vege's including gravy and cheese sauce  for the cauliflower.
No tomorrow plans, just see what it brings.

still in Hamilton Is

Stayed an extra day....   Windy, showers, still only Tee shirt stuff though.  New crew member arrived OK, as seen in this pic. 

Hamilton Is

Remained in the marina where the wind and rain showers were less nuisance.  Also completed some minor chores and re-stocked a little.  Walked the scenic trail to the peak, great views in all directions, and rode the free shuttle around the island (nearly twice).  Fish and chips for tea.

Wednesday Helen arrives and plan to be away almost immediately, weather is meant to be moderating tomorrow, but no sign of that yet.

A wild & Lumpy ride

Despite the earlier post, it was decided that yet another day at Thomas was not such a good thing, so departed for Hamilton Is.  All that snubbing up the new Sarca Excel No 5 anchor had set it rather well, and it took a bit of breaking out.  I reckon that would hold a cyclone when set well.
Seas were well up after a couple of days of recent weather, with 3 M waves on top of the swell, all lumpy, short & choppy in Whitsunday passage because of depths are all around 30M.  Set the staysail and a 2nd reef in the main, and made a shy reach to round Shaw Is, then a square run to Dent passage and into Hamilton Hbr and a marina berth.   A 'vigorous' ride, reaching 8.8 knts without currents and 10 knts when the tide assisted; the 17 miles took only a little over 2 hrs.  No problems arising however, GD took it all in her stride as always.  Its really quiet now here tied up in the marina, and I think sleep will be readily achievable.
The tavern and pizza shop were welcome sights too.

WIld night

It was a wild night all alone here in the anchorage at Thomas Is, shearing about with rain squalls and wind squalls.  A grey leaden sky this morning with low clouds scudding overhead really quickly.  A morning for a big breakfast and a good book.

Hi from home

Pleased things are going well. Looks like another bumpy night at anchor for you guys. All good here. I'm looking forward to some warm weather.

Nice photo of you at the helm....why aren't you wearing a hat??

Deteriorating weather

rather windy overnight, although anchor held fine, just noisy and some movement.   It's ripping through now, strong wind warnings and rain predictions.  Think we'll stay here at Thomas Is....

Brampton to Thomas Islands

Today was an early departure from Brampton, sailing between Tinsmith/Linne and Goldsmith islands where there was consiiderable current - in a favourable direction - and then toward Thomas island.  Another day of good sailing, mostly square downwind with headsail/mainsail gullwinged despite the rolly swells.  2 miles short of Thomas, the sonar showed large numbers of echo's (see picture) so dropped all sail and drifted, fishing the bottom which was >100 ft down.  Catches were a 2 ft shark, adn somethng else thats straightened 3 very sizeable hooks in a bait fish.
Then a short & easy sail took us into a deserted but lovely bay on Nth side of Thomas Is, with beaches, calm water and everything good, for an afternoon of beach-combing, fishing, swimming and generally wasting time in the sun. Now at Lat 20 32.4', long 149 06.6'.
Uncooperative fish here today, so was forced to make Spag bol with meat balls ..!!

Remained at anchor

Friday 13th became a day of rest, in a delightful anchorage on the north side of Brampton Island; not just because of friday the 13th, nor leaving port on a friday, but because its rather pleasant here, sheltered and with good holding for the anchor.  The island is a national walk with lots of walking tracks, all explored and have great views.  A fishing excursion found enough of them sufficiently suicidal to provide dinner. which was fillets marinated in a Moroccan marinade to serve on a bed of rice with a salad garnish and a chilled crisp white wine.  Its all fairly acceptable at the moment....

Into the Cumberland Islands

Great sailing today, belting along at 7 knts on a beam reach between Keswick and Brampton islands; even engaged in a race with a giant turtle, about a metre across.  Anchorage here is wonderful, sheltered, warm, with fish, oysters; might stay an extra day.  Glorious sunset.

Big Birthday

Currently anchored at Keswick Island.  After restocking food and essential supplies in Mackay, it was a great sail over to Keswick/St Bees islands.  Weather is warm, in fact now all good we are officially in the tropics at Latitude 21 degrees.  Fresh fish for dinner as we found some suicidal ones on the way.

All fixed

Slipped at HBYC, mainly to remove and service the prop of course, but also took the opportnity to clean the hull, check anodes etc. Prop now all functioning correctly, freshly anifouled, and GD will be relaunched in an hour or so.

Back in Williamstown

Anchored overnigth in Flinders, due to lack of drive from the prop.  First light - thats around 0630 - I was over the side in rather chilly conditions, to inspect the problem (there were no other volunteers).  It was clear that weed was not the problem, rather a stuck or siezed prop blade, and it needed removal for servicing/ repair.  Thats difficult in the water, especially away from home due to lack of transport, tools etc.  Hence because of proximity, it was decided that Hobos's was the best option, and we sailed back to the yard, tied up at around 5.15 pm and arranged slipping tomorrow morning. Once the problem is known, it can be better assessed and further decisions made.

problem

The prop seems to have collected a large amount of weed and crap, which has slowed progresss a lot.  Couldn't shake it off, so have proceded into Flinders; currently at anchor and feeling very benevolant toward the world at large after a wine, a nice dinner and some calm weather.  Intend to inspect the problem in daylight as early as possible in the morning, hopefully remove the offending crud so we can proceed.  I guess the the job is mine, as the water looks decidedly cool....  At present though, the bunk is warm and STILL, so until morning... .

First night at sea

Enjoy your dinner and have a good nights sleep. Early swim, for you, before heading off tomorrow. Thinking of you all.

Off Cape Schank

Passing cape Schank at 1430 on a mild and calm afternoon.  The late pm sun is behind us making a great view of the coast.  Starting to settle down for the night.

They are sailing....

It's official they are sailing.

Departure

Today is calm as predicted, and finally...   we slipped the berth at Williamstown 0740 this morning, and currently motor sailing toward the Rip in fairly flat and calm conditions.  Theres a lot of miles ahead, but we have 14 behind us already, and pleased to be away at last.

Departure Sunday 17 April

Very excited skipper and crew this morning as they sailed out of Hobson's Bay. I wish you fair winds and flat seas.

Flag "P" hoisted

It looks good for a departure sunday am, so after another day in the pen, we're all set.

Outlook now improving

Finally, after 8 days of frustration, cooling the heels, the outlook is starting to look better for the trip through Bass Strait.  So today will be another day of renewed preparations.

Bollocks weather

Looking at these charts, you can see why there are multiple coastal waters warnings in exactly the place we want to be.

 

Not quite the perfect storm, but quite unpleasant.

Still here

After listening all night to the the rain lashing the decks, wind whistling through the rigging, and waves slapping against the hull, think we might remain a little longer yet.  Waiting, waiting....

Preparations still happening

Yes, we are supposed to be long gone, but those many last minute things are still happening.  Now where is all this dirty engine oil in the bilge coming from ??

Still waiting...

Remain in the pen, but now learning the source of all the little deck & hatch leaks in the rain. Oh Joy...

Roast dinner with family in Willy

I know you a disappointed but you would have missed out on a roast dinner in Willy. Fingers crossed for Monday.

Still in WIlliamstown...

Fully loaded: all tanks, fridga & freezer full, chomping at the bit, but winds today are rather poor, especially for the fisrt day out.  So - still in the pen, waiting.... waiting....

Preparations now advanced

Advancing well into the final stages of preparation.... Loading, loading... Boot topping rapidly disappearing; I'm sure there was a stripe along the water line before.

Still on track

still all happening with only minor setbacks.  Off in a couple of hours however to have my knee fixed... a bit of hobbling might slow things down !

Preparations progressing

Its all happening on board, and the preparations are full-on.  Dived and cleaned all undwerwater areas, AIS fitted, mast cam; data router now going in. 48 days to go..!