Noumea to Mackay

30/08/2017

7/09/2017

8 Days

1035 Nm

 

Friday, 8 September 2017, 1600Hrs

Down tools, Marina needs booking into but customs and quarantine are done with us so we can finally venture ashore.

Thursday, 7 September 2017, 2130 Hrs

21 06.7S, 149 13.5E, Mackay Marina

1200Hrs

21 25S, 150 00E, 48nm to Mackay but who’s counting. Note the time change to AEST, I think that makes it time change no. 28 since January. Not sure if customs will clear us tonight or not but either way hope to be heading off as soon as they do for the last leg to Shute Harbour, Not quite as glamerous amongst the mangroves as HI Marina is but thats where Sunsail would like us to hand over “Wind Sprite” Shite Harbour it is!

Wednesday, 6 September 2017, 1300Hrs

22 14S, 152 11E, 180Nm still to go to Mackay, We only managed 90Nm made good to our destination with the angle the wind would allow us so around 25 Nm further travelled, painfully slow unfortunately.

Tuesday, 5 September 2017, 1300Hrs

22 42S, 153 41E, Around 260Nm to Mackay, hope to be able to make it during busiess hours on Thursday. The wind came in from the North last night right on the weathermans schedule which allowed use to make good speed under sail and give a good boost to the average. Its now gone a bit more westerly and expected to drop right out again, hopefully soon so we can point in the right direction. Next update when within reach of regular phone service.

Monday, 4 September 2017, 1300Hrs

22 24S, 156 04E, Under 400Nm to Mackay so around 450Nm to HI

Sunday, 3 September 2017, 1430Hrs

Engine on, sailing game over but don’t expect we can travel faster under engine, that never happens.

1300Hr

22 17S, 158 06E, about 550 Nm to go, thats to Hamilton Island. Slow going but at least today the wind has swung more east, albiet light. The current is also against us at the moment. We were unable to make a course far enough South for Bundaberg and now the distance to there is 50nm further than the mainland to the West. Anyway that means some dissapointed crew, sorry to Andrew and Dodo who were excited to join us there and appologies to Phil who wanted to get off there however its going to be just as quick to clear customs etc at Mackay.

Thanks again Duane for your update, it seems you were not on the farm this weekend? Its fortunate in a way that we did stop at Noumea for fuel (duty free as well) because we certainly didnt have enough to make Bundaberg based on your update. Currently we are making the most of the remaining wind in order to have sufficient for the last few days under engine. Hopefully the next update will be via regular internet.

Friday, 1 September 2017, 1300Hrs

22 36S, 161 45E, Still 535 slow and painful Nm to Bundaberg, wind S to SSW at 15-20Kts and I’m told thats until Sunday lunchtime. Was hoping to at least have good averages for the final ocean leg but its not to be.

Thursday, 31 August 2017, 1300 hrs

22 50S, 163 54E, Just on 640Nm to Bundaberg. Been hanging around in the engine compartment since 7am. I didn’t think my fuel consumption calculations or the fuel tanks under stated size. Turns out there was a blockage in the fuel filter causing the engine to cut out. Despite filter changes and bleeding crap from the fuel tank some must have still been in the system somewhere. Anyway last spare filter installed, fixed and running well now. Whilst rumaging around in the spares I found a block Doug bought for us before leaving Greece, happens to be the exact spec’s for the fatgued one that failed on the main Halyard. Next job.

Thanks for your updates again Duane. Sorry but we are already below 22 S as Noumea is also further South than that. Will continue pretty much Westerly but need to keep the hard fought Southing in the bank.

Tuesday, 29 August 2017, 1600 Hrs

Leaving Noumea, unable to find a suitable replacement block for the main Halyard so we will be using one or two reefs and have jury rigged a shackle until it can be replaced corectly. A few other small jobs as well as the critical fuel, gas and water.

15/08/2017

To 28/08/2017

13 Days

1448 Nm

 

Monday, 28 August 2017, 1430Hrs

22 16.7S, 166 26.4E, Port Moselle Noumea. Unfortunately we used way too much fuel looking for an anchorage to recover the main halyard, in fact one tank emptied whilst parking so despite doing everything possible not to stop it was inevitable. I Was prepared not to have any hot meals if the gas ran out (pre cooked and frozen 10 meals) Not sure how I would have enjoyed no coffee though.

Sunday, 27 August 2017, 1200 Hrs

22 07S, 167 55 E, Its around 40Nm to a passage amongst the reefs south of Noumea, currently with a light wind from the south east we will most likely sail through that passage and anchor amongst the islands to attempt to recover the main halyard from up the mast. All going well and provided the updated forecast still shows favourable winds we should be back into the Tasmam Monday evening pointed at Bundaberg.

Saturday, 26 August 2017, 1300Hrs

21 17S, 169 16E, Now its under 950Nm to Bundy, looking forward to the final turn to Starboard probably on Monday. A Large swell is coming from the North East, hopefully there is no low forming up near or beyond Fiji. Expecting to be under engine until Monday. All well.

Friday, 25 August 2017, 1500Hrs

Update

Oops, just as I’m about to hit send it appears the block on the mainsail halyayd has given way from the shackle sending the main to the deck. After Phil volunteered to try to retrieve it he managed to get quite a way up before showing off and swinging back and forth amongst the shrouds. Anyway that attempt has been aborted, based on the forecasts and having at least 48-60hrs of motoring ahead we have time to decide on sailing under Headsail alone (have done for a majority of downwind sailing so far) or perhaps anchor at the Isle of Pines or Noumea itself to remedy the problem.

1300Hrs

20 02S, 170 27E, Over half way now, 1092 Nm to go with 1145 Nm Behind, Yeah! Currently in light winds as expected from Duane s reports, we will probably be under engine for the rest of the weekend before getting some more (hopefully favourable) winds from early next week. Thanks for such a detailed report as well Duane, you have been spot on, your getting good at this !!

Thursday, 24 August 2017, 1300Hrs

18 58S, 172 07E, Around 1160Nm to Bundaberg so that’s about half way. The wind has gone a bit more easterly and dropped off from the 20-30Kts of 2 days ago. So since this morning we have had the main back up and are back on course. The weatherman tells us it will drop off further in the next few days and swing more east so we are expecting a good run until it drops out completely on the weekend.

Tuesday, 22 August 2017, 1300Hrs

17 09S, 176 17E, 600 Nm to the bottom of Noumea, making good speed but the seas are throwing us about a lot, SE winds at 20kts looks good on paper but add some sloppy waves puts incredible stress on the boat let alone me. Will be backing off now as fittings etc may start shaking loose under these conditions.

Monday, 21 August 2017, 1300Hrs

16 27S, 177 43E, Approximately one third of the way to Bundaberg now. There has been a little bit of rain around today so have now set up the water catcher again. Thanks for your messages Duane, I Hope you had a good extended weekend, please send my best regards to Sue.

Sunday, 20 August 2017, 1300Hrs

15 38S, 179 07 EAST, Yep on the right side of the world again, we have also adjusted our time to Fiji or NZ time so are now at UTC +12hrs. Back under engine since early this morning and currently running down the western edge of Fiji. Its 22 years since I visited the Yasawa island group which we will be passing very close to in the next 24hrs. Oh well next time maybe a revisit.

Saturday, 19 August 2017, 1400Hrs

14 40S, 179 09 W, The seas gradually dropped away allowing us to make speeds like we had hoped for.

Friday, 18 August 2017, 1400 Hrs

14 39S 176 43 W, Counting down (or up) again, 300Nm behind and 1900Nm ahead. The seas are up a bit on yesterday after having a southerly blow in for most of the night, but its now dropped back off and turning slowly more to the east. Not much else happening except a few dolphins yesterday. All well on board.

Thursday, 17 August 2017, 1400Hrs

14 38S, 174 43W, Had a fair bit of motoring overnight but currently under sail with a light Northerly. Hopefully this will last a while before the engine needs to fire up again as its a pleasant sail. Should we be able to maintain the current course we will probably keep to the North of Fiji as the weatherman suggests. The navigation will also be easier over the top. We definitely will however be making our way to the south of new Caledonia so as not to be caught with any winds south of SE to clear into Bundaberg. Also as Noumea is to the South its reachable should we need to stop for any unforeseen reason.

Hey Happy Birthday to Gemma!! Looking forward to you visiting OZ in October

Wednesday, 16 August 2017, 1400Hrs

14 04S, 173 02W Still not on the correct side of the dateline yet and just 84 nm behind us. Lots of rain overnight with wind at times but giving us a very varied course over the ground.

Tuesday, 15 August 2017, 2000Hrs

Underway, update in a few days. Australia here we come!

0900Hrs

Well I tried to get going over the weekend, Immigration assured me several times it would not be a problem so managed to clear out on Friday despite Phil not arriving in Samoa until Saturday night. Customs however would not have a bar of it so today in an hours time I will be back at customs for another attempt. Not much happened here in Samoa over the weekend, Sunday was Fathers day and absolutely everything has closed, yesterday Monday was a public holiday for the Fathers day so again nothing much happened. Will update again as we leave.

Friday, 22 September 2017 0930Hrs

33 51S, 151 13E, RSYS Pond. Thank you Tubby for your help on such short notice. Happy Birthday as well!

0800 Hrs

33 53S, 151 29E, 3 Nm from Sydney heads after making good progress with the assistance of a few knots of Current. Expected to be tied up in around 1.5 Hours

Thursday, 21 September 2017, 1000 Hrs

31 55 S, 153 00 E, 13 Nm SE of Crowdy Head. Making good progress under engine since leaving, around 100 Nm behind us with 150 Nm to Sydney. All is well.

Wednesday, September 20, 1600 Hrs

All set to leave Coffs Harbour

Tuesday, 19 September, Coffs Harbour Marina

Euphoria! Will be welcoming Tubby aboard soon.

Friday, 20 October 2017, 1545 Hrs

Arrived in Townsville, all well. Thank you to Steve and George for your help

1100 Hrs

18 52 S, 146 42 E, Still out here! As the crow fly’s its 25 Nm to Townsville but do you think we are able to draw a straight line? We have now travelled 100 Nm more than needed due to the SE winds and the need to shelter behind the reef during Wednesdays storm. Anyway I’m not giving any ETA because every time I do the time doubles, suffice to say ‘we get there when we get there’.

Sorry I missed your call yesterday Duane but was taking one of half a dozen hours sleep that I have managed in the last few days.

Thursday, 19 October 2017, 1100 Hrs

17 38 S, 146 19 E, Just 100 Nm to go to Townsville, A very long day and night yesterday but now motoring inside the Barrier Reef in less than 10 Kts of wind, the torrential rain has turned to drizzle. Customs have now been advised of an ETA of 5 AM tomorrow.

Wednesday, 18 October 2017, 1600 Hrs

17 14 S, 146 45 E, main down and course changed for Flora Passage. Winds ESE 35-40 Kts, seas 5 + Meters. We have a bit on, looks like a long day / Night

1300 Hrs

16 46 S, 147 32 E, Winds SE 30-40Kts, Course changed for a better angle to the waves.

1100 Hrs

16 31 S, 147 36 E, Still 100 Nm to Palm Passage, another night of rain and thunder squalls making it difficult to keep east enough to enter the reef far enough South. Murphy’s law, as soon as I update Customs on our ETA shit happens. Will see how we go today, hoping the wind may go more East and maybe a bit North but looks like it wont be until Friday morning when we can get clearance now. Currently we are getting 25-30 Kt SE winds and the seas are up to 2.5 M Mainsail up and engine off to assist our course.

Tuesday, 17 October 2017, 1100 Hrs

15 08 S, 147 38 E, Now 130 Nm NNE of Cooktown. Wild elactrical storms last night saw gusts of up to 45 Kts from all compass directions and buckets of rain. Ended up with 10 Kts ESE wind this morning so motor sailing back on course now. Just 250 Nm to go so looking like landing in Townsville on Thursday afternoon.

Monday, 16 October 2017, 1100 Hrs

13 29 S, 147 31 E, Almost half way to Townsville, around 60Nm NE of Osprey reef. Currently having rain squalls which is making it a little difficult to maintain easterly bias in our course which has been reasonable till now. Duane’s weather reports are telling us it could drop off from around 15 Kts to under 10 Kts of wind so will use those lighter winds to motor a bit more on an easterly course. Looking to make our passage through the reef at “Palm Passage” hopefully by Wednesday to bypass Cairns and head straight to Townsville. The stronger SE winds are expected back again on Wednesday.

Saturday, 14 October 2017, 0730 Hrs

Leaving Beagle Bay, the plan is to make as much SE distance today as able under engine before turning South and sailing Towards Townsville. The wind is forecast to drop off by Sunday to 10-15 Kts and turn a bit more Easterly hopefully giving us a better angle. After a busy day navigating through the reef it was great to have a decent meal (meat tray won at the Yacht Club) and a full nights sleep.

Friday, 13 October 2017, 1930 Hrs

10 03.5 S, 147 42 E, Anchored in Beagle Bay PNG, Started off nice and calm as we motored inside the reef along the Coast. The wind as forecast, gradually built through the day until we were bashing into 25-30 Kts S-Easterlies.

0645 Hrs

Leaving Port Moresby, Currently motoring down the coast in the Lee of the land, expecting or hoping the trade winds will ease off for the first time in weeks over the weekend so as to make a reasonable course towards Townsville. Update in around two days.

Tuesday, 10 October 2017, 1700Hrs

Still in Moresby but should be able to clear customs tomorrow and leave towards the end of the week. George will be arriving tomorrow as well for the trip so a big welcome aboard. Updates soon, thanks Duane for the detailed forecast, nothing more to say a few days ago but “the weather is shit for days” or words to that effect.

Monday, 9 October 2017, 1700 Hrs

Still waiting on customs clearance, looks like a couple more days whilst paperwork is issued. Oh well at least the wind looks like dropping off a bit as the week progresses anyway so should give us a better run when we finally set off.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Royal Papua Yacht Club

Waiting for Customs Clearance. Looks like they wont be showing up today.

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. Should this page not be updating then updates may be occurring via Satellite phone on the Posts page. You can contact us by sending an SMS (via email) To Satellite Phone. Please Note SMS is a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or message header blank

Thursday, 21 December 2017, 1600 Hrs

Ransa Sailing Club, Rushcutters Bay

0800 Hrs

34 31 S, 150 58 E, 4 Nm East of Port Kembla, making good speed again under sail after waiting for 10 Hours for the current Southerly to kick back in. Unfortunate for the crew who had some arrangements in place on arrival in Sydney but that’s how it is with the weather only being a forecast so timing can not be relied upon. Current ETA APPROXIMATELY 1500 Hrs

Wednesday, 20 December 2017, 1900 Hrs

35 26 S, 150 33 E, 5 Nm East of Ulladulla which gives us around 100 Nm to the heads, currently in light northerlies but expecting the southerly winds to kick in again in around 3-4 hours.

0700 Hrs

Leaving Bermagui. Current forecasts show Southerlies all the way to Sydney, expecting to arrive sometime before lunch tomorrow.

Tuesday, 19 December 2017, 1000 Hrs

36 25 S, 150 04 E, arrived at Bermagui. Expect to leave again first thing Wednesday morning on a forecasted Southerly. Bit of boat cleaning, a long awaited shower and not much happening in town.

Monday, 18 December 2017, 2230 Hrs

Leaving Eden for Bermagui

1500 Hrs

Eden, Parked and arranging fuel. Will leave in a few hours for Bermagui to wait for Tuesday’s northerly to blow through before continuing on Wednesday.

0700 Hrs

37 27 S, 150 00 E, 4 Nm North of Cape Howe. Rounded Gabo Island at around 5 am, currently motoring into 15 Kts of Northerly wind. Have just added the last of our spare fuel to the tanks so should be sufficient to make it slowly to Eden with an ETA of around 1500 Hrs. On the current forecast it looks like the wind will change to the South on Wednesday Morning and it should hold long enough for the last 200 Nm to Sydney from then. Will update on arrival in Eden

Saturday, 16 December 2017, 1500Hrs

39 10 S, 146 20 E, 3 Nm South of Wilson’s Promontory with 10 Kts SW wind. Motor sailing still and about to do a fuel check, Reasonable speeds of 6-7 Kts and hoping not to have to back off to insure enough fuel for the rest of Bass Straight depending on what wind assistance we end up getting. Next phone reception in at probably 24 Hrs so contact only via sms to the sat phn if required.

0530 Hrs

38 43 S, 145 16 E, 10 Nm South of Phillip Island. Variable wind as predicted so still under engines, hoping for a little bit of wind assistance to save fuel for the Bass strait crossing. Will update later today when reception returns off Wilson’s Prom.

Friday, 15 December 2017, 1100 Hrs

Leaving Fuel dock at St Kilda Marina. Slight problem with one engines gear selection. Resolved with a spare part for the second engine in tow. Good to have a shipwright (Brandon) on board sorting out any teething issues.

0830 Hrs

Leave the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. Finally found a troublesome fuse on the auto pilot.

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
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Saturday, 20 January 2018, 1300 Hrs

Port Macquarrie Marina. Thank you to VMR Port Macquarrie for the Tow!

1030 hrs

31 30 S, 152 56 E Oops engine alarm is on, 2 Nm South of Taking Point

Friday, 19 January 2018, 1300 Hrs

32 53 S, 152 07 E, around 10 Nm South of Port Stephens under engine as expected. Currently the sea breese is very much N-NE but with a bit of luck may go East to give us a little push along in the afternoon / Evening. Approximately 100 NM to Port Macquarrie, all is well. Update again on approach to the entrance of Port Macquarrie.

Thursday, 18 January 2018, 2200 Hrs

Left the CYCA, unfortunately D’Abora Marina no longer supplies fuel after 1730 Hrs despite being a swipe card self service for some reason. That meant a quick walk up the road to the 24 hr petrol station to top up our fuel containers. Anyway finally underway.

0700 Hrs

About to head off in the next hour for Port Macquarie. Minor hitch just before the chandlers closed required a fuse so have packed several spares and about to down a meal. Update in the morning.

Wednesday, 17 January 2018,

Delivery from Sydney to Port Macquarrie, Short notice due to the weather window. Hope to depart on Thursday January 18^th.

 

UPDATE PENDING

Thursday August 15, 2019 0700 Hrs

Tied up at the RPAYC Thank you crew great job

Wednesday August 14, 2019, 1100 Hrs

32 24 S, 152 38 E, 5 Nm NE of Seal Rocks, motoring along in variable winds but pleasant conditions. Spotted a large Sea Turtle this morning and the Wales put on a great show last night at sunset off South West Rocks. All well expecting an early morning arrival tomorrow in Pittwater

Tuesday August 13, 2019, 0900 Hrs

Leave Coffs Marina, fueled and ready to go, welcome aboard again Grainne and Mark

Pretty Woman, Farr 45

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. Should this page not be updating then updates may be occurring via Satellite phone on the Posts page. You can contact us by sending an SMS (via email) To Satellite Phone. Please Note SMS is a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or message header blank

Thursday, 3 January 2019, 1730 Hrs

At anchor near Port Arthur TAS. On the way to Sydney aboard “Wax Lyrical” winner of PHS Division in the 2018 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Heading for Sydney on the return delivery. Will not however be giving regular updates on this trip as there are several other boats we are sailing in company with.

Notes on Communication: – Please feel free to send SMS messages via your email
direct to the satellite phone on board. Simply click the “free” link shown on
the top of this page or type the address as 881631430767@msg.iridium.com
It’s only a maximum of 120 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank

Coomera QLD to Fremantle WA

Commencing on January 29th 2019

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. Should this page not be updating then updates may be occurring via Satellite phone on the Posts page. You can contact us by sending an SMS (via email) To Satellite Phone. Please Note SMS is a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or message header blank

Sunday, 10 March 2019, 1300 Hrs

32 04 S, 115 45 E, Fremantle Sailing Club! Thank you very much to Leo, Pierre and Duane for your help across the Bight. Party Time!

Saturday, 9 March 2019, 1200 Hrs

34 13 S, 114 54 E, 7 Nm East of Hamlin Bay. Have been under engine since leaving Augusta Boat Harbour. We seem to be following a no wind zone up the coast but should have some breeze later today. At least it will make it easy to serve up a Laksa soup for lunch in these conditions.

0230 Hrs

34 21.2 S, 115 10.1 E, Tied up at Augusta Boat Harbour. Slight change of plans as Gary (Owner) is joining us here in a few hours for the final leg to Fremantle

 

Friday, 8 March 2019, 1200 Hrs

35 08 S, 116 13 E, 20Nm SE of Point D’Entrecasteaux (hope I spelt that right) anyway just 230 Nm away from Fremantle now so expecting to arrive on Sunday some time.

 

Thursday, 7 March 2019, 0600 Hrs

35 02 S, 117 53 E, Albany Marina. Reviewing the weather I thought we may have been at an uncomfortable anchorage for over 15 hours so came to Albany to top up water which we were unable to do in Esperance. It turns out the SW change will be only of around 9 hours so we should be able to be underway again by approximately lunch time.

 

Wednesday, 6 March 2019, 1300 Hrs

34 40 S, 119 39 E, 80 Nm East of Albany, wind from the NE at just under 20 Kts and travelling well. There will probably a wind change this evening for a short period before going back to S and East which could slow progress for a while but expecting good winds again for the Western coast.

 

Tuesday, 5 March 2019, 1200 Hrs

Leaving Esperance. The wind of this morning is now abating so we are leaving for Fremantle shortly. A nice quiet stopover with a holiday long weekend in town. Not many businesses were open but with the help of locals (Jim especially) from the sailing club we were able to borrow fuel containers and several lifts to the petrol station to give us enough fuel for the remainder of the trip.

Thanks again Duane for your reliable weather updates, too bad that SW change came in at your predicted time as we could have used a few more hours delay to get us here a day earlier.

Sunday, 3 March 20191130 Hrs

33 52 S, 121 54 E, Taylor st landing, weather looks good coming up but first its fuel and water which can take some time, especially being the Sunday of a long weekend. Will hopefully be able to be underway tomorrow.

Saturday, 2 March 2019, 2330 Hrs

33 58 S, 122 06 E, Anchored near Esperance. Updates tomorrow, sleep for now.

1200 Hrs

34 10 S, 123 07 E, 5 Nm SW of Middle Island. Nice anchorage that we were hoping to get to some 36 hrs or more ago. As the seas picked up we slowed to around 2 Kts for most of Friday. Only made 74 miles in 24 hrs which was very frustrating, winds reached up to 30 Kts and with the rising continental shelf and poorly chartered waters to the North there was no where else to go but mark time.

 

Friday, 1 March 2019, 1200 Hrs

34 30 S, 124 34 E, 50 Nm East of Salisbury Island where I was hoping to turn a bit north and have a reasonable sailing angle for the current SW winds. Unfortunately they arrived earlier than hoped so we are slowly motoring into them and just marking time until they die down. There is a heavy swell pushing up from the Cape with choppy seas on top making it slow and uncomfortable for now. Better luck tomorrow.

 

Thursday, 28 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

34 35 S, 126 57 E, 250 Nm East of Esperance, according to the last forecast we probably wont be making shelter there from the West and SW winds on the way for Friday but may find some shelter behind the island group nearby whilst it blows through. Its been a big day already with 35 plus Kts of wind from the NE early in the morning adding some excitement followed variable winds from all directions until it settled to the Northerly expected. Good sailing now and hopefully for a few hours or more. Note another time zone change as we have crossed to WA border.

 

Wednesday, 27 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

34 17 S, 129 45 E, 160 Nm South of the Nullabor Plain, somewhere in the Bight. Back to engine this morning as we await a light Northerly. Some 350 NM to Esperance or just under 600 to Albany. Some SW winds are predicted so will keep an eye on when and how strong over the next few days.

 

Tuesday, 26 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

34 52 S, 131 50 E, Just 40nm East of a waypoint we have been heading for. This waypoint is 200 Nm due South of the “Head of the Bight” around half way across. Due to insurance obligations we are to stay within 200 Nm of the coast so sorry Weatherman (Duane) I have not stuck to the Rhumbline on this occasion but will be back on the new rhumbline this afternoon. Currently the wind is 15-20 Kts Just South of East and travelling comfortably in a rather large sea / Swell (2-3M)

 

Monday, 25 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

35 58 S, 134 30 E, Hello Southern Ocean. Back under sail again after around 24 hrs motoring and expecting a gradual build in the S-SE airflow before it backs around to the E – NE over the next few days.

 

Sunday, 24 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

36 16 S, 137 05 E, around 30 Nm SE of the SW tip of Kangaroo Island. Making good progress, the wind has dropped out as expected but should be back again for Monday.

 

Saturday, 23 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

37 31 S, 139 03 E, 45 Nm East of Beachport SA, note the time change as we have reverted to QLD time for the next few days so the sun does not rise too late in the day. All well with good 20 kt winds behind us.

 

Friday, 22 February 2019, 1200 Hrs

38 32 S, 141 50 E, 16 Nm SE of Portland. Variable winds again and we are now well out of Bass Strait and heading into the Southern Ocean. Weather forecasts are showing a good run straight through to WA so the plan is to keep predominately to the Rhumb Line and receive updates on the weather from our weatherman Duane. Next post will be in 2 days as from now it will only be contact through the Satelite phone system

 

Thursday, 21 February 2019, 1545 Hrs

Leaving Apollo bay. Welcome aboard to Leo and Pierre. Planning to sail near Port Lincoln with the view of carrying straight past should the weather still look as currently forecast otherwise a short stop to wait for the right conditions.

 

Tuesday, 19 February 2019, 1400 Hrs

Still in Apollo Bay getting a repair on the Engine Seawater intake. Unfortunately on shutting down the engine the fitting through the hull sheered off apparently due to vibration fatigue. Have had a diver on board to seal off the sail-drive intakes and currently Enzed is onboard drilling out the old thread and making the sea-cock good. All going well the diver will be back shortly to unplug the intake. Fingers Crossed

 

Sunday, 17 February 2019, 1730 Hrs

38 45.2 S, 143 40.5 E Arrived at Apollo bay fuel Dock. Thank you for your assistance Sam

1130 Hrs

38 55 S, 144 18 E, Just 30 Nm to Apollo Bay, light winds and still under engine

Saturday, 16 February 2019, 1100 Hrs

38 47 S, 147 01 E, 25 Nm East of Corner Inlet Victoria, under engine again but expecting a light Southerly this afternoon to assist. Heaps of Dolphins and seals about on this leg.

Friday, 15 February 2019, 1000 Hrs

37 43 S, 149 42 E, 15 Nm SW of Gabo Island and into Bass Strait, wind is variable as predicted so motoring on through. Maybe out of phone reception for the next 24-36 hrs so will possibly update via Sat phn tomorrow to test the systems again otherwise will update when passing Wilsons Prom.

0000 Hrs

Leaving Eden

Wednesday, 13 February 2019, 1045 Hrs

37 04.3 S, 149 54.3 E Anchored in Eden. Plan to watch weather and at this stage should be clear to leave Thursday afternoon / evening

0600 Hrs

36 43.2 S, 149 59.1 E, Leaving anchor at Tathra. The strong Southerly came in yesterday afternoon at up to 35 Kts just 3 hours too early for our liking so went to anchor rather than slam into it. Currently in calm conditions and now expecting to arrive in Eden at around 11 am.

Tuesday, 12 February 2019, 1300 Hrs

36 11 S, 150 17 E, 5Nm NE of Montague Island, Currently with Northerly winds of 20-30 Kts expected to turn Westerly in the late afternoon. Overnight the winds wern’t quite as strong as expected and the current non existent so progress is a little behind planned but will still be into Eden this evening to anchor whilst the front blows through. All is well.

Monday, 11 February 2019, 1130 Hrs

34 00 S, 151 17 E, Just passing Botany Bay heads. Left at 7 am from CYCA but had to wait at the fuel dock until 0830 as no longer is the dock operating24 hrs. Underway to Eden now for the next leg and expecting to wait 1-2 days for the next clear run trough Bass Strait. Also a welcome aboard to Elizabeth joining us for the NSW leg of the trip.

February 9, 2019

Welcome aboard again Jack and welcome along Sam. Current plan is to be on our way Sunday evening / early Monday and arrive in Eden before the next SW front moves through the Strait. Then straight on to Apollo Bay

February 3, 2019, 1000 Hrs

33 56.9S, 151 13.7 E, CYCA Sydney. 377 Nm from Coomera QLD. Had to get the fog horn ready as we approached the Heads due to heavy fog. Magically it dissipated giving us a perfect morning to arrive in Sydney Harbour. Apparently there was no fog on the harbour at all. Thank you very much to Vince and Clinton it was a pleasure to have both of you on board.

February 2, 2019, 1200 Hrs

32 25 S, 152 36 E, 5 Nm East of Sugarloaf Point (Seal Rocks) still under engine as we seem to be in the convergence zone between the Southerly and the predicted Easterlies. Anyway making reasonable time so expecting to arrive in Sydney on Sunday morning.

February 1, 2019, 0900 Hrs

30 10 S, 153 22 E, 15 Nm NW of Coffs Harbour, Wind S at 12 Kts under engine still. Although we hoped to miss any of the Southerly it has extended further up the coast than originally forecast. Fortunately its only light and expected to go to the East this evening. All going well.

January 31, 2019, 0930 Hrs

Leaving anchor to go to the Southport Yacht Club to top up our water supplies. It seems we assumed the tanks were full on departure as whilst filling water it started overflowing. It seems the water intake is quite slow so with too much water pressure it backed up before filling up enough. Oops a reminder to check the inspection ports whilst filling.

January 30, 2019, 1730 Hrs

Anchored near Sea-world Southport, weather forecast is for a fairly strong Southerly to hit Sydney tomorrow and move up the coast to Port Macquarrie for Friday before dissipating so an overnight wait should allow it to pass before we get too far down the coast.

1200 Hrs

About to depart for Sydney from Boat Works Coomera. Welcome aboard again to Vince and his son Cameron for the first leg to Fremantle WA

January 28, 2019

Coomera

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