Author Archives: Peter
Balmoral return to Pittwater
Position Report and other info UTC (+10 Hrs Sydney Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
Friday, 19 September 2025, 0800 Hrs
Arrived RPAYC Pittwater. Thank you very much to All crew, Naeus, Phil and of course our shore crew Dinah. Well done all
Thursday, 18 September 2025, 1200 Hrs
32 31 S, 152 31 E, After leaving anchor this morning we are now 12 Nm south of Sugarloaf Pt, Seal Rocks. Still a slight southerly but everything is calming down nicely. Current ETA is an early 7 am arrival at the RPAYC
0315 Hrs
Anchored in Sugarloaf bay, Seal Rocks. Very slow going the last few hours into the southerly. A short break whilst the wind dies off and starts to turn easterly in the morning.
Wednesday, 17 September 2025, 1200 Hrs
31 05 S, 153 09 E, 10 Nm South of Smokey Cape. Have made good progress last night and the wind is lightening now. The southerly expected this evening should not last too long before Northerly winds return Thursday evening current ETA is for sometime Friday hopefully early but depends on tonights wind. All well on board.
Video posted by Crew Member Naeus
Tuesday, 16 September 2025, 1200 Hrs
28 55 S, 153 35 E, Currently 3 Nm South of Ballina. Had a good run yesterday and last night and now have the wind slowly building. Forecast to stay from the North but building up to 30 Kts for the next 24 hrs or so. Expecting a fast run from her e for a while before a Southerly over Thursday morning. All is well update again tomorrow.
Monday, 15 September 2025, 1200 Hrs
5 Nm SE of Mooloolaba. Departed 11am which was half tide incoming as Mooloolaba entrance can be shallow in places. The weather is looking great for a good run south giving an ETA of around 4 days currently.
Sunday, 14 September 2025
Ready to go again, will be off in the morning, forecast for tomorrow is light easterly turning NE in the afternoon. Perfect!
Saturday, 13 September 2025, 1000 Hrs
Arrived Mooloolaba Yacht Club. Thank you Phil for your help to here, appreciate it. The weather looks great from tomorrow to run the last half of the trip home with following winds hopefully all the way through. Picking up another crew member so will be underway again either tomorrow evening of early Monday.
Friday, 12 September 2025, 2300 Hrs
Leaving Rainbow Beach Anchorage for Mooloolaba
1200 Hrs
Anchored at Rainbow Beach. Arrived at 1000 Hrs as the Southerly built to 30 Kts. Will be moving on tonight after the wind has gone more to the East and can make landfall in Mooloolaba in daylight tomorrow on a rising tide. As we were dropping anchor a whale and its calf slowly swam past around 10m away. No time to photograph them as it was all a bit hectic in the wind. All well will update again on arrival.
Thursday, 11 September 2025, 1200 Hrs
24 36 S, 153 33 E, We are 15 Nm NE of the Northern tip of Fraser Island. Have had good winds backing all around the clock in the last 24 hrs. Its expected to drop right off in the next couple of hours before coming back in from the South this evening. Unfortunately that will slow our progress for the last 24 hrs into Mooloolaba so the ETA is for late Friday evening now. All well on board.
Wednesday, 10 September 2025, 1300 Hrs
22 58 S, 151 53 E, Closest landmark would be Heron Island directly 30 Nm due South. Had a good run since the wind swung a bit more east yesterday afternoon so managed to make a few miles without the engine assistance. Currently motor-sailing again but expecting the wind to return a bit stronger from the NW moving west so should get anther 24 hrs sailing run in soon.
Note currently updating via Satellite so no phone reception maybe just email. All is well
Tuesday, 9 September 2025, 1200 Hrs
21 41 S, 150 10 E, We are currently 8 Nm West of Middle Percy Island. Light SE winds under 10 Kts but expect they should swing further East remaining light but hopefully give us more speed as we motorsail down the Coast. All going well on board.
Monday, 8 September 2025, 2015 Hrs
Fuel topped up and underway again. Update again around midday daily.
All ready to go now as the wind drops off. Possibly be a bit bumpy tonight but it should calm down pretty quickly. We are not alone with many boats leaving late tonight or early tomorrow morning. Will update once underway
Friday, 5 September 2025, 1400 Hrs
Arrived at Mackay Marina. As expected another bumpy few hours the last few miles to Mackay with the wind and seas starting to build. Forecasts for the next two days are not favourable but from Monday on should see much improved and expect better progress to Mooloolaba
0845 hrs
Mackay here we come.
0230 Hrs
Anchor is down and looking forward to a few hours sleep before setting off to Mackay again in the morning. Despite attempting to get sleep through the journey down the short sharp seas make it difficult to rest
Thursday, 4 September 2025, 11.15 Hrs
leaving Coral Sea Marina. After a hurried departure as the berthing could not be extended we are underway south before the conditions deteriorate this weekend. Unfortunately the SE trade winds and seas will increase over Saturday and Sunday so we are planning to fill up with fuel in Mackay and let the worst of it the blow through before continuing on. Tonight we plan to anchor off Keswick Island before moving on tomorrow. Update again tomorrow
Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 1300 Hrs
Arrived Hamilton island waiting for the ferry to Airlie beach. Welcome back on board Naeus and also to Phil who has taken a break from trips whilst relocating to QLD.
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Dinah Eagle +61 (0) 475 306 555
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No. NOT Transmitting sorry
Born Free
Position Report and other info UTC (+11 Hrs Sydney Time
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
Remote updates on the Home Page
Monday, 6 January 2025, 0400 Hrs
Arrived at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Thank you very much Dinah and of course Shore Crew Suzie. Will try to post more photos in the coming days.
Sunday, 5 January 2025, 1200 Hrs
42 26 S 148 22 E, Just 5 Nm to the South of Schoutin Island on Tasmanian lower east coast. Looking good to beat tomorrows southerly up the Derwent for a morning arrival in Hobart. Will unfortunately miss seeing the stunning coast from Tasman Island and across storm Bay. Will update again as we approach Hobart.
Saturday, 4 January 2025, 1200 Hrs
39 54 S, 147 42 E, 5 Nm off the Western tip of Flinders Island. Its hard to tell with the slight extra distance we are taking on the inside, but it looks like we may make the Banks Strait exit into the Tasman with the assistance of the tide. The wind from the NE is starting to drop and the water is now comfortably smooth. Had another great 24 hr run downwind with an average just over 7 Kts speed.
Tomorrow morning should see a light but short lived Southerly on the Upper East Coast which hopefully wont see us slow too much to get across storm Bay before the next South winds on Monday morning. All is well.
This is sunset, 1700 rpm and doing 10.3 KTS. Sometimes you gotta love the tide
Friday, 3 January 2025, 1200 Hrs
37 39 S, 149 52 E, Good bye Gabo Island, around 6 Nm to the North of us. Currently a 15kt NE wind which is expected to build a little but currently perfect sea and wind conditions to put some miles behind us. Our course is for the Northern tip of Flinders Island and will choose a course to Hobart based on updated forecasts. All is well update tomorrow.
0545 Hrs
Leaving Eden. Weather has cleared from a Southerly to variable with a NE expected to build over the next day or so. There is a good chance we will keep to the West of Flinders Island for a calmer sea state but will be dependant on the weather updates.
Note most reports may be via the sat phone for the next few days so you may need to refresh to the sites “Home Page”
Wednesday, 1 January 2025 1330 Hrs
Anchored in Eden
1200 Hrs
36 47 S, 150 05 E Approaching Merimbula and around 20 Nm to Eden where we expect to anchor for around 24 hrs. Will update at anchor
0900 Hrs
Engine on, fresh coffee in hand off we go.
Tuesday, 31 December 2024 1530 Hrs
Burmagui
Parked and fuel topped up. Will head off in the morning for Eden then another short rest whilst the wind shifts.
Not sure we will be awake at midnight so happy new year to all now.
1300 Hrs
36 15 S, 150 11 E, 2nm to the West of Montague Island. Have had a great run overnight but now slowed by S-SE winds and a few bumps. Current forecasts are showing a good run across Bass Strait from Thursday afternoon. We are planning to stop in Bermagui tonight and then move on to anchor in Eden whilst a southerly blows through tomorrow. Will update when parked.
Tuesday, 31 December 2024 1300 Hrs
36 15 S, 150 11 E, 2nm to the West of Montague Island. Have had a great run overnight but now slowed by S-SE winds and a few bumps. Current forecasts are showing a good run across Bass Strait from Thursday afternoon. We are planning to stop in Bermagui tonight and then move on to anchor in Eden whilst a southerly blows through tomorrow. Will update when parked.
Monday, 30 December 2024, 1330 Hrs
33 50 S, 151 18 E, Leaving Sydney Heads. Took longer than hoped for those last minute jobs but are now on our way to Hobart. Fuel topped up, provisioned and aiming for the South Coast. More than likely that we are either in Bass Strait for New Years or anchored / Moored whilst we wait on weather. Update again tomorrow.
1200 Hrs
Leaving CYCA for Hobart
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Suzie Brown +61 (0) 421 658 413
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No. 503117030
Next trip Sydney to Hobart
Not in the race but will follow the fleet commencing on the first day of perfect conditions.
Shooting Star, Gold Coast to Pittwater
Position Report and other info UTC (+11 Hrs Sydney Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 0930 Hrs
Tied up along the service Jetty at the RPAYC! Thank you Graham and to Dinah as well our shore contact person. Thanl you for keeping a watchfull eye over us.
Monday, 28 October 2024, 2200 Hrs
Arrived and moored in “Coasters Retreat” Pittwater. Looking forward to a good sleep before moving on to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club
0630 Hrs
32 34 S, 152 35 E, 13 Nm East of Broughton Island. An early update as reception may drop out over the next few hours. We are staying wide on the coast hoping to continue getting a good assist with the East Coast Current. Made great progress yesterday averaging 6.85 Kts. Later this afternoon a Southerly is forecast so hopefully a wide course will allow a good angle to proceed to Pittwater without needing to shelter.
Its been an interesting morning with a Melbourne vessel “All or Nothing” 12 Nm ahead putting out a PAN PAN after apparently hitting one of the Seal Rocks. Fortunately some other vessels closer by also responded and are now escorting the Bavaria 42 into Nelson Bay. They must be worn out by now as the four on board are continuously bailing whilst the slowly crawl into port.
All is well on board here and will update closer to our destination as we await the Southerly change.
Sunday, 27 October 2024, 1030 Hrs
Fuel topped up and underway again from Coffs. A little concerned about supplies I directed Graham to the Fish Co-op and it looks like fresh prawns for lunch! Update again tomorrow.
South Solitary Island
0600 Hrs
30 04 S, 153 22 E, % Nm North of South Solitary Island. We have been motoring slowly since Byron as the breeze has stayed from the South making our average only 4.3 Kts. We will be topping up fuel in Coffs Harbour and underway again ASAP after that to take advantage of a Northerly expected until sunset. All is well.
Saturday, 26 October 2024, 0900 Hrs
Leaving Byron Bay. Looking like motoring for 24 Hrs to Coffs before the next forecast Northerly arrives. We plan to top up fuel as the remainder of the journey shows winds moving all around the compass but nothing too strong at this stage. Update again soon.
October 24. 2024, 2100 Hrs
Anchored in Byron Bay, The Southerly has just arrived as we lowered the anchor. Update tomorrow on leaving times after weather updates and observations. All going well.
1230 hrs
Left Southport yacht club and now heading south to anchor at Byron for a southerly to blow though Thursday.
The Gold Coast to Pittwater
Current Delivery
The Gold Coast to Pittwater
X-Yachts X-35 – Shooting Star
Commencing Tuesday October 22, 2024
Listing
https://www.yoti.com.au/listing/x-yachts-x-35-spirit-x-sold
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Dinah Eagle +61 (0) 475 306 555
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No. 503096640
Formerly Known as HiJinx and Spirit – X
Marie Galante
Position Report and other info UTC (+8 Hrs Perth Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
If not seeing updates check you are on this page Satellite updates Here
| N Miles | Sailing Days | work days | Date | ||
| Middle Harbour | 0 | 0 | 26/04/2024 | Start Date | |
| Sydney | 60 | 1 | 1 | 17/05/2024 | |
| Shell Harbour | 180 | 2 | 2 | 23/05/2024 | |
| Portland | 504 | 4 | 2 | 1/06/2024 | |
| Adelaide | 329 | 3 | 4 | 8/06/2024 | |
| Port Lincoln | 152 | 1 | 3 | 11/06/2024 | |
| Esperance | 843 | 10 | 4 | 26/06/2024 | |
| Albany | 338 | 2 | 1 | 30/06/2024 | |
| Augusta | 191 | 2 | 0 | 2/07/2024 | |
| Fremantle | 175 | 3 | 1 | 4/07/2024 | Arrival Date |
| 2772 | 28 | 18 |
Thursday, 4 July 2024, 0345 Hrs
Arrived Fremantle Sailing Club. Thank you very much to everyone of the crew both onboard and onshore who assisted me with this trip. More photos and links to follow
Wednesday, 3 July 2024, 0900 Hrs
33 25 S, 114 57 E, Currently 8 Nm due North of Cape Naturaliste, pretty much close hauled to stay east of some reefs but similar conditions are forecast for the rest of the way to Fremantle. Looking like an early morning arrival currently. Sorry for those that were unable to see posts recently as all me websites went down for 2 days unfortunately. Update again after arrival.
Monday June 1, 2024, 2015 Hrs
Arrived Augusta cold and wet, Phew
1100 hrs
34 38 S, 115 36 E, only 40 Nm to Augusta but slow going in this N-NW wind. Lots of Whales
Sunday June 30, 2024, 0830 Hrs
Leaving Albany for Augusta.
Friday, 28 June 2024, 0430 Hrs
Arrived Albany Waterfront Marina. Would you believe it parked next to a boat called “Jucasta” cant get away from them! Thank you Ann for your help. Best of luck
Thursday, 27 June 2024, June , 2024, 1100 Hrs
34 50 S, 119 25 E, Around 60 Nm to Cape Vancouver, the entrance to Albany’s Harbour. Early morning ETA still expected maybe around sunrise which will help trying up on arrival. Normally I just show up and take the easiest empty Pen But DoT can be difficult at times so if you choose John to call them in advance to book and get a gate code then if they say nothings available then too bad i’m out of communication’s range to advise.
Albany Waterfront Marina, DoT
Ph: (08) 9216 8520 or (08) 9216 8511. Email: greatsouthern@transport.wa.gov.au
Wednesday, 26 June 2024 0700 Hrs
Finally leaving Esperance. Welcome aboard Ann, took a while to get your stuff on board yesterday so delayed leaving until this morning as it was getting pretty late last night. Anyway that puts our arrival now at early Friday morning in Albany now and hopefully be underway again on Saturday. Update again tomorrow.
Monday, 24 June 2024
The weather currently looks to be abating so the plan is to leave Esperance tomorrow Tuesday for Albany. Arrival expected on Thursday afternoon. By Saturday the next break in the weather should arrive which should see us get around Cape Leeuwin. Depending on updated forecasts hopefully we may go straight through to Fremantle or perhaps may need to anchor Monday night before the final leg North. Getting closer !
Saturday, 22 June 2024
All prepared and ready to go. The weather looks fine from Monday morning through till Wednesday night to head for Albany, would have liked to bypass Albany however due to time constraints on crew I will need a replacement by then. Hopefully it will be a very quick turn around from there.
Friday, 21 June 2024, 0345 hrs.
Esperance Bay Yacht Club
Thursday, 20 June 2024, 1330 Hrs
Leave anchorage. Thank you again Dinah for the weather updates. Finally late yesterday we were able to get some small packets of data with the phone up the mast and downloaded a longer term forecast. Despite the repeated calculations it doesnt look possible to get to Albany in time for the next front so today after letting the current weather die down we are heading to Esperance instead. Should arrive early Friday morning. The next high coming through looks nice and fat at the moment, the type of high we were hoping for for the bight. Anyway this looks good for a good run down the home stretch once it moves closer on Sunday. Note the time change to Perth time.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024, Leaving Anchorage
Sorry for the late update, thank you Dinah for the local forecasts, at least we can be underway in the morning and get somewhere. Have had phones up the mast trying to get a long range outlook but impossible from here. Will have some normal communication’s in the afternoon. All well and rested after a huge day yesterday.
0700 Hrs
34 05 S, 123 12 E, Finally nchored at Middle Island. Its been a long night Time for some sleep! , all well. Will update in several hours after some zzzzz
Tuesday, 18 June 2024, 1130 Hrs
34 21 S, 124 03 E, In around 25 Nm we should be able to turn a bit north at the South of Salisbury Island. Motor sailed most of the night until the wind turned to the west this morning. So far the best average speed for the trip was yesterday. I expect the current winds will increase and turn more SW so hoping the islands and reefs ahead will give some protection from the seas. Tomorrow may see some phone reception etc.
Monday, 17 June 2024, 1300 Hrs
34 05 S, 126 66 E, 150 Nm East of Salisbury Island where its possible to go around the inadequately surveyed areas approaching Esperance. Under full sail and on course with the wind gradually building. Lovely calm day so hopefully will stay kind for some time to come. All is well
Sunday, 16 June 2024, 1030 Hrs
33 25 S, 128 46 E, Just falling off the Continental Shelf into the Bight Proper. We now have a decent 15 – 20 kts NE wind which we are running with, the sea has been building but hopefully the deeper water will spread the waves apart. I expect we should see these conditions for the next 24 Hrs then more Calm conditions until Tuesday night. Not liking the current forecast after that but should be close enough to run to the shelter of some of the islands surrounding Esperance.
Saturday, 15 June 2024, 1030 Hrs
32 52 S, 113 03 E, 85 Nm due South of the “Head of the Bight” Slow progress however we finally made 75 Nm in the Westerly direction yesterday. Currently light 10 kt winds but favourable so its the first time with the full sails up. Seas have calmed and morale seems to be on the improve but lashings are continuing until a marked improvement is seen.
Friday, 14 June 2024, 1230 Hrs
33 02 S, 132 39 E, Seems like yesterdays post did not go through. Hopefully this time. Currently about 70 Nm SW of Ceduna SA. Didn’t plan to be heading this far North and still be on the continental shelf. Anyway the seas were still bigger than expected and the Westerly has still not moved SW so it looks like another half day heading North whilst we wait. Anyway I’m fine but the crew seem to be suffering some common ailments that tend to occur offshore! Expecting this low to finally dissipate and we can start running Westward overnight.
Thursday, 13 June 2024, 1000 Hrs
34 18 S, 133 51 E, A good 80 Nm off the coast now but still another 50 Nm to the Continental Shelf. Northerly winds currently with a couple of reefs in the sail expecting reasonable winds for the next 24 hrs. All is well update again tomorrow
Wednesday, 12 June 2024, 1800 Hrs
34 47 S, 135 22 E, Around 10 Nm South of the township of Coffin Bay. Getting the last weather update and web page updates for up to one week. The latest download is showing a bit of wind from all directions Thursday and Friday then it seems to die off followed by some fairly strong wind coming through Tuesday Wednesday next week. That means it may be a stop in Esperance if we don’t look like beating the Gale to Albany. Anyway will monitor the next few days and deal with what we get. Next update tomorrow via Sat phn uploads.
0945 Hrs
Leaving anchorage at Memory Cove. A quick re-calibration of the wind instruments which had somehow reset itself to around 180 Degree direction error. Hopefully the re calibration has worked. Albany perhaps beyond here we come. Note our time change !
Tuesday, 11 June 2024, 1600 Hrs
34 58 S, 135 59 E, Anchored at Memory Cove.
1130 Hrs
Leaving Port Lincoln. Heading for Memory Cove for the evening. Westerlies are due to die off overnight in order to turn the corner early tomorrow. We may not have reception at anchor tonight but will update our arrival this evening if possible.
Sunday, 9 June 2024, 1830 Hrs
Arrived in Port Lincoln, fuel and water top up and expect to be under way again down the coast Tuesday while the next low moves through on Tuesday.
Saturday, 8 June 2024, 1100 Hrs
Leaving Adelaide for Port Lincoln. Its 150 Nm so will probably arrive Sunday evening for our final fuel top up otherwise fully provisioned for up to 2 weeks. Will update on arrival.
Crossing the Bight
Current plan is to finish fuel and provisioning here in Adelaide and leave for a short fuel top up in Port Lincoln whilst a low pressure moves through on the 10 th.
Currently looks good to turn the corner near Cape catastrophe on the 11 th for a reasonable crossing from there. Update again tomorrow.
Tuesday June 4, 2024, 1615 Hrs
Arrived at cruising yacht club SA. Welcome aboard Corinne, thanks for joining us. Sorry to have not posted at lunchtime. We ran out of gas after my previous post so I am blaming the lack of caffeine for my short attention span.
Lots of tide and chop through back stairs passage slowed us up a bit along with light headwinds but overall a great short trip.
Time to start watching the weather again every few hours for the next planned leg or so.
Will update plans as they evolve.
Thanks to Vincent for your help just two up for this leg. See you when you wake up.
Monday, 3 June 2024, 1100 Hrs
36 00 S, 139 10 E, Two thirds of the way up Lacepede Bay and heading for “Backstairs Passage” which we should be transiting through some time around midnight. All going well it looks like an arrival in Adelaide (probably CYCSA North Haven) tomorrow afternoon. Still damn cold !
Sunday, 2 June 2024, 1130 Hrs
37 37 S, 140 02 E, 6 Nm due South of Beachport SA. Freezing today and last night I can’t remember when I last felt this cold. Anyway slowly making our way North hopefully that will help a bit. Fortunately no rain although it did look threatening earlier. All is well.
Saturday, 1 June 2024, 1330 Hrs
Leaving Portland, weather looking calm again for the leg to Adelaide. Always good to stop here at a friendly marina. Apparently work should start soon on the building of a fuel dock which will make fuelling easier and save the marina staff from ferrying us back and forward to the petrol station. Estimated arrival in Adelaide is the 5th of June.
Wednesday, 29 May 2024, 1730 Hrs
Arrived in Portland. Thank you to Barry and Scott for your help getting us here, much appreciated.
1100 Hrs
38 27 S, 142 18 E, 4 Nm South of Port Fairy, just 30 Nm from Portland expecting to arrive later this afternoon. Cold but another sunny day enjoying the calm weather before a front comes through tomorrow. All well will update on arrival.
Tuesday, 28 May 2024, 1100 Hrs
38 48 S, 143 58 E, We are 10 Nm SE of Apollo Bay with only 120 Nm to go to Portland VIC. Another sunny day a bit warmer than it has been and again in light wind conditions. It took a little longer to fuel up at Hastings but it will save a lot of time taking Jerry cans to the servo in Portland to top up there. All is well and expect to be in Port in around 24 hrs or so.
Wednesday, 29 May 2024, 1100 Hrs
38 27 S, 142 18 E, 4 Nm South of Port Fairy, just 30 Nm from Portland expecting to arrive later this afternoon. Cold but another sunny day enjoying the calm weather before a front comes through tomorrow. All well will update on arrival.
Monday, 27 May 2024, 1100 Hrs
38 35 , 145 26 E, Approaching the southern tip of Phillip Island. I know now the feeling an EV driver must have with “Range Anxiety” having not topped up fuel since leaving Sydney who knows how much is left in the tank and if the gauge is accurate. Anyway the best bet was a diversion to here to relieve that tension. We should be topped up in a few hours and back on the big blue highway soon.
Sunday, 26 May 2024, 1100 Hrs
38 51 S, 146 49 E, Currently East of Corner Inlet (12 Nm) on Wilsons Prom. Forecast is still showing light conditions for the rest of the way to Portland, quite happy to motor through the Strait without wet conditions on top of the cold. Plenty of seals, dolphins and birds about and clear skies. Still working on getting the AIS functioning properly.
Saturday, 25 May 2024, 0930 Hrs
37 51 S, 149 21 E, Taking advantage of some intermittent phone reception for an early update. Currently 5 Nm south of Point Hicks and averaging around 4.5 Kts boat speed. Latest forecast is now showing its better to stay slightly north of the rhumbline for the next 24 hrs so there is a chance of more intermittent phone reception during this period. Very cold overnight but another sunny day has emerged so taking advantage or some warmth.
0200 Hrs
37 35 S, 149 56 E, 2 Nm South of Gabo Island and entering Bass Strait. Variable winds expected to turn to light easterlies for the next 48 hrs. May be able to get some wind assistance on Sunday evening Monday morning. There still seems to be a problem transmitting our position via AIS but we are receiving other traffic positions. Will try to reboot again in the morning but will be updating around lunchtime daily via the Sat Phn. All well on board.
Friday, 24 May 2024, 1000 Hrs
Currently 2.5 Nm East of Bermagui. As expected under engine since leaving and expect so until maybe Saturday when we should have some easterly winds entering the Strait. Thanks for letting me know Dinah that our position was not updating since Kiama. A reboot seems to have solved the issue for now. Cold but at least another sunny day expected. All is well
Thursday May 23, 2024, 0730 Hrs
Underway from Shell Cove and heading South. A lovely sunny start but very cold SW wind expected for a few days. Happy birthday to Vincent spent all night baking his cake.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
All set for an early morning departure. Welcome aboard to Scott, Barry and Vincent. Fuelled, water tanks full as so is the Fridge. Will update the expected arrival times shortly but its looking good to time arrival at Gabo Island for a run straight through the Strait to Portland or maybe beyond. What a few weeks of waiting on settled weather but finally it seems to be lining up for the next leg at least. Touch wood.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
A few things tomorrow then all set to leave. Vincent has landed in Sydney and about to train down to shell harbour. Weather is finally starting to line up. Will update on leaving.
Friday, 17 May 2024, 1630 hrs,
Arrived Shell Harbour Marina. Thank you Colin Wilson for the Marina berth and collecting our lines, a tour of the new facilities then a lift to the train station. Great service much appreciated.
0745 Hrs
Leaving fuel dock in Rushcutters Bay. Shell Harbour here we come.
Friday April 26, 2022, 1030 – 1200 Hrs
Picked up Marie Galante from middle Harbour and rfelocated at the CYCA Rushcutters bay.
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Dinah Eagle, +61 (0) 475 306 555, dinah_eagle@hotmail.com
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No. 503086510 “Marie Galante”
Exodus, Kettering to Sydney
Position Report and other info UTC (+11 Hrs Sydney Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
If not seeing updates check you are on this page Satellite updates Here
Thursday, 4 April 2024, 1045 Hrs
Arrived CYCA Sydney. Thank you very much to Dinah, Susie and Guthrie onboard and of course Derek watching over us from ashore.
Wednesday, 3 April 2024, 1200 Hrs
35 47 S, 150 19 E, Just passing Batemans Bay on the home stretch. Around 24 Hrs or less to Sydney. The Gremlins however have found there way on board, The last water tank is pumping out pink water, AIS, GPS and Autopilot work when they feel like it and if they don’t they just like the sound of there own beeping. Other than that its a nice day to be sailing.
Tuesday, 2 April 2024, 1300 Hrs
37 53 S, 149 19 E, South of Point Hicks (5 Nm) Gabo Island is 35 Nm away but with 20-30 Kts behind us we should be out of the Strait in around 5 hours for the final leg North. All is well on board with the sun currently out but its Suzie’s watch which is sure to bring more rain.
Monday, 1 April 2024, 1000 Hrs
40 00 S, 147 42 E, Approaching the north of Flinders Island, 3 Nm west of “Prime Seal Island ( Hummock Isl) Had a great crossing of Banks Strait with the current of 3 Kts assisting our speed. Phone coverage is still with us which was unexpected but who knows how long for. The plan is still to head straight at “Lakes Entrance” for the next 24 hrs then right turn and blast out of the Strait with the coming front. All is well
Sunday, 31 March 2024, 1830 hrs
41 17 S, 148 29 E, Currently abeam of St Helens (10 Nm) A lot of current has been against us most of today but slowly making progress North. Forecasts are still showing the need to keep west in Bass Strait until the Westerly arrives probable around the early hours of Tuesday morning. After which we can head east and out of the Strait. The next update will be around midday tomorrow via Sat phn. Depending on tides and timing it is quite possible we shall venture up the west coast of Flinders island tomorrow. Don’t forget you can track us on AIS between reports.
1000 Hrs
41 55 S, 148 28 E, Around 15 Nm North of Wineglass Bay. Only an hour or so of motor sailing so far as the winds are light and expected to stay that way for another 24 hrs so its engine on. Current forecasts are showing Monday night until Tuesday night some stronger winds from the North followed by westerly winds Tuesday. We will be getting a further weather update this afternoon off St Helen’s so provided the forecast doesn’t deteriorate further the plan is to stay very west in Bass Strait where the Northerlies are predicted to be weaker before heading East as the wind turns to the West. Anyway will update this afternoon before regular internet reception disappears.
Saturday, 30 March 2024, 1020 Hrs
Left the anchorage and underway. Will update using the regular phone networks when in range until Monday when we expect to enter Bass Strait then daily updates from Monday via the satelite phone
Cape Raoul Tas
Friday March 29, 2024, 1340 Hrs
Left Kettering Marina for Alexanders Bay, Just 3.5 Nm away but being good Friday there will be nothing happening in Kettering so a night at anchor and a decent nights sleep before setting off for Sydney in the morning. Provisioned and fuelled for the voyage so hoping the weather goes to forecast for a trip straight through.
Thursday March 28, 2024
Arrive in Kettering Tas
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Derek Brown +61 (0)413 551 013,
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No. 5031180050 “Exodus”
Ishara, Airlie Beach to Sydney
Position Report and other info UTC (+11 Hrs Sydney Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
If not seeing updates check you are on this page Satellite updates Here
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 1030 Hrs
Moored at D’Albora Marina “The Spit” Thank you very much to Naeus, Pete and of course shore contact Dinah, much appreciated.
0900 Hrs
Left the fuel dock Rushcutters Bay for the 1015 Hr Bridge opening at the Spit
0145 Hrs
Berthed at the CYCA Rushcutters bay after a stressful harbour entry with a Cruise ship leaving then overheating of the engine. Anyway safely parked and looking forward to a short rest.
Blue Bottles blocking the strainer
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 1100 Hrs
32 37 S, 152 23 E. Getting close now. We are 3 Nm due East of Broughton Island near Port Stephens. Just 95 Nm to Sydney Heads. Its not looking like we will be making the Spit Bridge opening today so the current plan is to tie up at the CYCA Rushcutters bay overnight and through the bridge on its first opening on Thursday morning.
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 1100 Hrs
30 21 S, 1053 17 E, Currently 8 Nm East of Coffs Harbour. Almost half way to Sydney making reasonable progress. The current has bee assisting however the wind died right out overnight slowing our average down a bit. All is well
Monday, 26 February 2024, 1200 Hrs
28 05 S, 153 34 E, Currently just 5 Nm North of Tweed heads. We have switched over to NSW time as we approach the border. All calm and quiet here and crossing the Gold Coast seaway bar a few hours ago. We left Southport at around 9 am NSW time this morning. All is going well enjoying a pleasant sunny day.
Saturday, 24 February 2024, 1100 Hrs
Moored at “Mariners Cove Marina, Southport. Unfortunately the Yacht Club didn’t have the space for us this weekend. We left the anchorage this morning at 7am as planned for a stress free crossing of the shallows. Will look at the weather for the next few days but it currently lt seems like an early Monday morning start before the wind and seas settle to cross the bar to head south.
Friday, 23 February 2024, 1745 Hrs
27 38 S, 153 20 E Anchored on the western side of Redlands Bay. We left the “Yard” Brisbane river today at around midday and have made the 30 Nm here, around halfway to the shallow area just after “Jacobs Well”. Anchoring for the night so as to make it through for high tide in the shallows tomorrow morning. All running fine. Unfortunate Tracey has rolled her ankle and will not be able to join us this time round.
Wednesday, 21 February 2024
Current plan is to leave “The Yard” Brisbane after being lifted back into the water and heading South to Anchor overnight for an early 0830 Hrs high tide at Jacobs well on Saturday morning. Current forecasts show a southerly blowing through Southport easing on Sunday evening. Welcome aboard again Naeus and Tracey
Thursday, 8 February 2024, 1330 Hrs
27 26 S, 153 08 E. On the slipway at “the Yard” Brisbane. A problem with excessive leaking from the stern gland was discovered when we moored in Morton bay was discovered. Peter (the owner) decided it was better to fix now rather than nurse it to Sydney. We will take advantage of Ishara being out of the water and attend to a few other minor repairs and come back in a week or so to resume the final leg to Sydney.
Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 1330 Hrs
26 56 S, 153 12 E, We arrived at the entrance to the main shipping channel in Morton Bay just before the Southerly Sydney sent up arrived at around 1100 hrs. Currently making our way south to find an anchorage for tonight before heading through the shallows to Southport tomorrow. Looking forward to a good rest tonight. All is good.
Tuesday, 6 February 2024, 1030 Hrs
24 22 S, 153 10 E, Just passed the “Breaksea Spit” to the north of Fraser Island and are now on a more southerly course. Expecting to have similar conditions for the next 24 or so hours but should get an updated forecast soon. All going well we are aiming to go inside Morton Island out of the SE winds and by-pass Mooloolaba and head for Southport instead. A little slower yesterday but soon the tidal influence will dissipate and hope to get some East Coast current assistance. All is fine.
Monday, 5 February 2024, 1100 Hrs
23 30 S, 151 19 E, Just crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, hopefully everything will cool off shortly. Making consistent progress in the currently light and SE wind still under engine. We are planning to go around the North end of Fraser Island and expect to be out of phone reception again for another 36 hrs or so. Will update again tomorrow as we make our way to Mooloolaba or Southport depending on conditions at the time. All is well.
Sunday, 4 February 2024, 1200 Hrs
21 44 S, 150 12 E, We are 5 Nm SW of middle Percy Island still under engine as expected but making reasonable progress. The water-pump issue has been temporarily fixed but the AIS position seems to be a bit intermittent at times but is working. All is well but still damn hot like a lot of the country. Phone reception is not expected again for around 24 more hours. All is well
Saturday, 3 February 2024, 1800 Hrs
20 44 S, 149 05 E, 5 Nm south of Goldsmith Island in the Anchor Island Group. Currently motoring in light winds which are predicted for the next few days so hoping to get a fair way south before the wind strengthens from Tuesday on.
We may loose reception soon for a couple of days so will be updating daily around lunchtime via the satellite phone. All is well except Pete W has his head in the bilge trying to sort a loose water-pump out.
1115 Hrs
Leaving Airlie Beach
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Dinah Eagle, +61 (0) 475 306 555, dinah_eagle@hotmail.com
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No 503476300
Jucasta, Esperance to Adelaide
Position Report and other info UTC (+10.5 Hrs Adelaide Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
If not seeing updates check you are on this page Satellite updates Here
Saturday, 16 December 2023, 2000 Hrs
Safely tied up at the CYC Adelaide
0700 Hrs
Leaving Anchor and underway again. A big job ahead trying to finish off the fresh food. Chicken Laksa last night, almost a full English Breakfast coming up, I’m not sure I can fit it in but then a Madras Curry that’s been marinating for a day or two. Anyway current ETA at CYC Adelaide looks like 2000 Hrs
Friday, 15 December 2023, 1900 Hrs
Anchored in Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsular SA. OK will be updating with photos and gaps filled when able. Anyway just 80 Nm to Adelaide so early start in the morning.
Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 1400 Hrs
Arrived Port Lincoln, Rain and 30 kts on arrival just to rub it in. Thank you very much for your help Lancelot good luck with your travels.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 0830 Hrs
Anchor is up and underway. Its very light winds today so will be motor sailing with hopefully a couple of hours without engine until it drops out again this afternoon. Anyway slowly slowly until more wind tomorrow. Updates when able.
Monday, 11 December 2023, 1500 Hrs
Rested a bit, hot food is the order today. Currently the place looks like a Chinese laundry. Good to Air out and hopefully drying our gear a bit at least.
I don’t know how many hours I have spent trying to calculate when to leave here for Adelaide given the amount of fuel left over. Its not worth the stress however so will need to add more time and top up fuel in Port Lincoln. Not an easy job there but we are running too low to risk the longer trip.
The plan now is to leave here early morning tomorrow and should be in Port Lincoln Wednesday evening. From there we should be underway Thursday arriving in Adelaide for Friday – Saturday.
Sunday, 10 December 2023, 2300 Hrs
34 29 E, 135 23 E, Anchored in Farm Beach anchorage. Phew. Absolutely soaked to the bone, so damn cold my teeth are chattering. Anyway great Job Lancelot that was certainly not in the brochure. Sleep time!!!!
1030 Hrs
35 08 S, 135 71 E Trying to make the best course towards Port Lincoln. Unfortunately the forecast is for the wind to build to gale force this evening and we are currently not on track to get around the Cape at all before the rest of the shit hits the fan. Consequentially we are changing course and its towards an anchorage (Farm Beach) at the head of Coffin Bay” (unfortunate names around here)
Saturday, 9 December 2023, 1130 Hrs
35 35 S 133 42 E, Wind 20 Kts from the SSE but expecting it to increase and go further East. Trying to keep as much east as possible in our course so as to clear the Cape some 100 Nm away. Its been relentless the last few days so hopefully in 24 hrs time we are able to turn left and get the wind behind the beam. Pretty cold here overnight but I’m told Sydney is searing in 40 Degree temperatures.
Friday, 8 December 2023, 1400 Hrs
35 57 S, 131 59 E, We are heading for Port Lincoln for fuel and to try to sort out the Raymarine “Seatalk” network issues. First the autopilot went offline followed over the next few hours of everything (GPS, AIS Wind Instruments) Fortunately I have my own navigation system in place.
We will move on to another destination the minute we can see a weather break. Hope to have normal communications for the next update.
Thursday, 7 December 2023, 1100 Hrs
36 06 S, 129 47 E, Light winds as expected until tomorrow morning. The moment this position was recorded the Auto Pilot ceased to work (no Pilot). Followed the booklet and plugged and UN-plugged numerous times. Factory reset as well. Rebooted how many times I forget. AIS and GPS occasionally connection lost but only for a second or two. A couple of times the heading comes up on the autopilot but again for a second or two.
Back to the helm chain again.
5 + days of hand steering ! F@*k !!!! any suggestions from raymarine or new / Ex owners?
Dinah when your home from work can you follow up please, thank you.
PS Welcome aboard Alfie when we finally get to Portland !
Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 1100 Hrs
35 29 S, 127 45 E, A very slow 24 Hrs trying to conserve fuel for the end of the leg. Average of only 4 Kts speed and only 75 Nm in the right direction Hopefully there wont be another day like this. The weather forecast downloaded on Sunday is still very accurate however I am updating our position today, hence the reason for an update today whilst the new forecast is being downloaded. Anyway we are somewhere near the middle of the Bight with 300 Nm behind us and still 700 Nm to Portland unless we need to revise our next stop location. All is well apart from the hair I have been ripping out.
Tuesday, 5 December 2023, 1200 Hrs 35 12 S, 126 18 E,
Finally put some sail up early this morning. Only around 10 Kts from the South but at least the engine is off for a while. Expecting it to drop out tonight and a quiet day Wednesday before finally kicking in from the end of the week. Averaging under 5 Kts boat speed but now have a chance to top up the fuel tank and the usual engine checks.
Current ETA in Portland has now stretched out to Monday, Planning to fuel and shower etc within a day or so before heading off again for Hobart weather still permitting. Update again Thursday.
Monday, 4 December, 2023, 0900 Hrs, 34 38 S, 123 58 E
No wind since leaving so motored easterly for the last day before dropping down south to now be off the Continental shelf and into deep water. Forecast is for more of the same for a few days so motoring slowly to conserve fuel. At least its given us a chance to settle into a new sleep pattern. All is well.
Sunday, 3 December 2023, 0900 Hrs
Leaving Esperance. Please note a time change we have wound our clocks forward one hour which we will need to do several times across the Bight. Weather is reasonable with a lot of mororing in the first few days.We will need at least half the trip under sail due to the amount of fuel on board. Update again in 2 days.
Saturday, 2 December 2023, 1400 Hrs
All set and ready to go, we were planning to leaves this morning but there is a current strong wind warning for this area. We waited for the 10m update hoping its downgraded. It is forecast to blow from the S= SW up to 30 Kts but should settle down after that overnight. In short a little more of a wait till first light and we should be good to go after that. Update on leaving
Wednesday November 29, 2023 1130 – 1230 Hrs
Moved the boat from Bandy Creek to Esperance Yacht Club
Tuesday November 28, 2023 , 1600 Hrs
Arrival in Esperance
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Dinah Eagle, +61 (0) 475 306 555, dinah_eagle@hotmail.com
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No. 503109990 “Jucasta”
Serendipity, Manly QLD to Sydney
Position Report and other info UTC (+11 Hrs Sydney Time)
Cut and paste the GPS location below into Google earth, you can place mark This position and follow our Progress. Satellite Phone / SMS no. +61 405 592 606
If not seeing updates check you are on this page Satellite updates Here
Monday, 6 November 2023, 1400 Hrs
Arrived Lavender Bay, well done guys. Thank you to Naeus, Mik and our shore person Dinah, much appreciated.
1200 Hrs
33 45 S, 151 21 E, Almost home. Just 5 Nm North of Sydney Heads. ETA ay the RSYS is around 1400 Hrs. finally this morning the conditions were perfect to have the main fully out as well as headsail and the engine off. A nice sunny morning to finish off on. Will update arrival at the Squadron later today.
Monday, 6 November 2023, 1200 Hrs
33 45 S, 151 21 E, Almost home. Just 5 Nm North of Sydney Heads. ETA at the RSYS is around 1400 Hrs. Finally this morning the conditions were perfect to have the main fully out as well as headsail and the engine off. A nice sunny morning to finish off on. Will update arrival at the Squadron later today.
Sunday, 5 November 2023, 1200 Hrs
32 07 S, 152 43 E, Currently around 8 Nm NE of Cape Hawke. A wet and a little bumpy last night and through the morning but its settled again until a little more is expected again this evening. Had a big pod of dolphins arrive this morning but a mutton bird soon crashed the party and they lost our attention. All is well except for soaking wet clothing.
Saturday, 4 November 2023, 1300 Hrs
30 00 S, 153 23 E, Just passed north solitary island which is about 20 Nm North of Coffs’ Currently a little bit of head-sail up under engine still, but the wind is gradually building. We have made reasonable progress with the current assisting so making a bit over 5 Kts average. All is well
Friday, 3 November 2023, 1145 Hrs
Leaving Southport YC. Updates around midday or as soon as in internet range soon after.
Thursday, 2 November, 2023, 1640 hrs
Arrived Southport Yacht Club
0800 Hrs left Manly for Southport
Emergency Contact for this delivery
Dinah Eagle, +61 (0) 475 306 555, dinah_eagle@hotmail.com
Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder
MMSI No not on AIS





































