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

Wednesday, 17 March 2021, 0230 Hrs

Port Geographie Marina, Bussleton WA

Tuesday, 16 March 2021, 1530 Hrs

33 55 S, 114 57 E, Almost there just 50 Nm to Bussleton so expecting a late night arrival. Nice hot sunny day now and the winds which have slowed our northerly progress are dropping right out. All has gone well and will update eventually after arrival.

Monday, 15 March 2021, 1200 Hrs

34 50 S, 115 26 E, Approaching Cape Leeuwin around 30 Nm to the Northwest. Timing is good for us to continue on to Hamelin Bay and be anchored before the brief Northerly winds blow through overnight then its another 70 Nm to Bussleton which should see us there on Tuesday evening.

Sunday, 14 March 2021, 0900 Hrs

Leaving Albany, We took a day off in Albany to wait for the Southerly winds to blow through and as the forecast is showing some North to NE wind on the west coast from Monday to Tuesday morning we are expecting to anchor maybe near Cape Leeuwin or even in Hamelin bay should we get that far in the next 30 hours.

Friday, 12 March 2021, 0830 Hrs

Arrived in Albany, sorry I didn’t post this on Friday as I thought I had. Anyway all is fine and our next mission is to have a hangover installed in celebration.

Thursday, 11 March 2021, 1100 Hrs

35 29 S, 119 47 E, Heading for Albany as a Short duration southerly moves in. Around 90 Nm to go so expecting to be in very early Friday morning. Should be able to be underway again within 24 hours as the next high moves on in. A good crossing all up with fuel and water holding up well. Finally now we are back into regular internet services.

Ocean Kitten Gardner

Tuesday, 9 March 2021, 1100 Hrs

38 05 S, 152 12 E, A changeable day yesterday with the code zero out and in again several times as the rain clouds played havoc with the wind direction. Currently 15 kts blowing from the SE so again making good progress with the Zero. Around 170 Nm SE of Esperance but with the winds seemingly consistent in direction I expect we shall be able to continue straight through to Albany at least, Another 350 Nm. Getting there with around 1700 Nm behind us.

Monday, 8 March 2021, 1100 Hrs

Code Zero up!!! Speed up from 3.5 Kts to 6 Kts and on course, Yippeee

0900 Hrs

34 42 S, 127 57 E, Around 300 Nm to the other side of the Bight. Light winds today so slow progress. May have to give the Code Zero a try to relieve any crew boredom. Unfortunately despite numerous attempts since leaving SA it seems no posts have made it to the website. This message is being relayed via Dinah but due to the difficulties getting any post up this will be the last before we reach regular reception (3-5 Days)

Sunday, 7 March 2021, 1600 Hrs

Skipjack tuna, we have one happy fisherman on board, may have to measure it for legal size but we are in international waters?

1000 Hrs

34 40 S, 130 19 E, Bang on 1400 Nm from Sydney which is over half way to Bussleton. Our next milestone is 90 Nm away which marks half way across the Bight. The winds are still good with a SE blowing at 15 Kts although it was more easterly yesterday making a straight line course a little harder all is going well. Cabin fever is just showing some signs of appearing but crew are slowly getting used to not starring at devices.

Friday, 5 March 2021, 1000 Hr

35 88 S, 135 00 E, We are now out of phone reception area. Updates will be every second day from now unless other messages are being sent out. We are approximately 40 Nm West of Cape Catastrophe (phew we made it) and well and truly in the Southern Ocean SMS Messages can be sent direct to the Satellite phone above but there may be a delay in responding. All well with a good forecast for at least a week so expecting to be back near reception by then

Thursday, 4 March 2021, 1900 Hrs

34 47 S, 136 02 S, Around 10 Nm SE of Port Lincoln, We topped up on fuel but I’m not sure the several hours diversion and now the slow motoring south was worth the 120 l of fuel we topped up. It will be a slow night until we get to turn West at Cape Catastrophe, Hmmm Not sure I like that name? Anyway we may get another weather update tomorrow but soon to be out of phone range so updates will be via the sat phn only and probably only every other day. A slow moving high pressure in the bight is followed by another high which hopefully will move just as slow giving us a comfortable passage once we turn the cape. Note we are now on Tokyo time which will suit for the next week for our shift times.

Wednesday, 3 March 2021 1100 Hrs

Leave anchorage Kangaroo Island, A nice sunny day, finally we are warming up after some freezing nights since entering Victorian waters. A good easterly air flow pushing us along at 7 kts or so should see us in Port Lincoln by daylight for hopefully a quick turnaround.

Tuesday, 2 March 2021, 2200 Hrs

Anchored near American Beach Kangaroo Island, We had a pleasant afternoon shore excursion today which gave us a chance to enjoy a change in menu for dinner (Pizza) and a top up of fresh provisions from shore. This should allow a quick stop over in Port Lincoln for fuel only so we can get out and underway and take advantage of the favorable forecast for the coming week.

Monday, 1 March 2021, 1400 Hrs

37 88 S, 139 17 E, East of Robe on the SA coast. Limited reception

Sunday, 28 February 2021, 1200 Hrs

38 24 S, 141 38 E, Only 7 Nm to SA and 10 Nm south of Cape Nelson. Sorry for the lack of updates but wanted to give those unclean Melbournians a wide berth. The weather is looking great for following winds right up Backstairs Passage and on to Port Lincoln.

Thursday, 25 February 2021, 1130 Hrs

38 49 S, 144 06 E, 25 Nm from Cape Otway, the wind is now building so we will be seeking shelter for around 24 hrs whilst this weather passes through. All is well on board.

Wednesday, 24 February 2021, 1130 Hrs

39 10 S, 146 20 E, approaching Skull Rock off Wilsons promontory, another front with westerly winds is expected in 24 hours, hopefully we will be far enough across towards Cape Otway where we can again go to anchor briefly while it blows through. Regular internet will be out again for the next 24 hours but should be able to update again by thursday evening. All is well.

Skull Rock

Tuesday, 23 February 2021, 2000 Hrs

Still anchored in Sealers Cove, may go clubbing tonight. Tonight and tomorrow the winds are forecast to die right out and the seas to start settling down. Early morning we will be on our way again to make the most of the improving weather and make as much progress as possible before it changes again Friday. Hopefully will be able to update around lunchtime tomorrow before the reception drops out again for a day.

Monday, 22 February 2021, 0730 Hrs

38 48 S, 146 39 E, Passing the entrance to “Corner Inlet” around 16 Nm to refuge Cove where we will need to wait until probable Wednesday morning whilst a SW blow moves through. It has been a frustratingly slow and bumpy last 24 hours we sailed out of the Northerlies. Will update when underway as reception is expected to be fairly limited once at anchor.

Sunday, 21 February 2021, 1700 Hrs

Lat-38deg28’35” Lon+147deg16’36” Alt+002ft GPS Sats seen: 10 2021-02-21 06:59UTC 

Saturday, 20 February 2021, 0900 Hrs

37 35 S, 149 56 E, Just rounded Gabo Island, another 200 Nm to Wilsons Promontory where we look like anchoring for one or two nights whilst a SW front moves through. Internet and phone connection will be limited for the next 2-4 days but updates will happen occasionally.

Friday, 19 February 2021, 1200 Hrs

35 54 S, 151 11 E, 15 Nm east of Moruya in a light easterly slowly motor-sailing along still. All well with calm conditions expected for the next 24 plus hours.

Thursday, 18 February 2021, 1800 Hrs

34 21 S, 151 11 E, Currently 15 Nm NE of Port Kembla, although Easterlies are being forecasts its still very southerly at around 15 kts so its looking like motoring most of the way down the NSW coast.

1100 Hrs, Left the CYCA and fuel dock

Wednesday, 17 February, 1100 – 1230 Hrs

Moved Ocean Kitten from Cabaritta Marina to the CYCA Rushcuters Bay for the final Preparations before departure. Had to send one of the crew to Windsor to collect a hired liferaft but all is now good to go.

Saturday February 13, 0900 – 1200 Hrs

Moved Ocean Kitten to Cabaritta Marina as berthing was difficult on the Harbour this weekend. Thank you Dinah for your help in getting the boat down from Corlette Nelson Bay to Sydney

Friday February 12, 0400 Hrs

Anchored in Athol Bay near the Zoo, some strange sounds to wake up to from the local residents. We had a good sail down the coast with a 25 Kt North Easterlies to send us South, all is well.

View from our room

Thursday February 11, 1045 Hrs

Left Corlette Marina Resort for Sydney

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

Sunday, 11 April 2021, 1500 Hrs

30 02 S, 153 17 E, Abeam of North Solitary Island. We topped up fuel in Coffs Harbour a couple of hours ago and are back underway again. Currently a nice sea breeze and clear warm skies. A Southerly is now moving up the coast and expect it will catch us up in the next 3-6 hrs. We will monitor the sea state as its forecast to be up to 30 Kts but hopefully the sea will not get too high allowing us to continue on to the Gold Coast without the need to shelter. All is well on board.

Saturday, 10 April 2021, 1900 Hrs

32 48 S, 152 25 E, 15 Nm south of Seal Rocks. All going well at 8-10 Kts over the ground. Lots of stars about combined with a bit of lightning to light the way whilst the moon is currently absent. Next stop Coffs for a fuel top up tomorrow, update around lunch time expected

1415 Hrs,

Newcastle YC fuel Dock. An error on the starboard fuel gauge caused a sudden change in fuel in that tank. Although we had only been running for 7 hours we thought a fuel top up and reset of electrics may solve the error. Unfortunately the starboard tank is still reading near empty but at least we know it not to be the case and therefore have a good estimate on consumption at the current rate of Revs.

0645 Hrs

Left RPAYC, Pittwater

Pantomime, Moody 35 ft Sydney to Airlie Beach QLD

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

Thursday, 17 June 2021 0645 Hrs

Leave Shoal Bay with a 20 Kt Westerly to assist us up the Coast to some warmer weather, all good on board after a pleasant night with a warming Japanese Chicken curry prepared for us by Amy. Well done yum.

Wednesday 16^th June, 2021, 1300 Hrs

32 43 S, 152 10 E, Public mooring, Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, A pleasant but chilli motor up from Sydney to wait out an afternoon / morning Northerly to blow through.

Tuesday 15^th June, 2021, 1715 Hrs,

Leaving CYCA for Airlie Beach QLD

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

Saturday, 12 February 2022, 1400 Hrs

34 07 S, 132 59 E, Just a sniff of internet so a quick update. The wind is dropping off so now we a giving the new “Screecher” a go (asymmetrical)

0800 Hrs

34 15 S, 133 36 E, 130 Nm due South of Ceduna SA. Starting to make good progress with a nice sunny morning giving us a pleasant 2 sail reach. The wind is expected to ease through the day so planning to increase sail area as the day progresses.

Friday, 28 January 2022

The WA border continues to cause problems for our plans. Unfortunately its looking unlikely that we can stop in WA on our way overseas which means we could be offshore and isolating for up to 45 or more days. Thank you very much Ashleigh for your assistance in getting us at least this far and I fully understand that your first big ocean trip should not be of such an unknown and long duration. Hopefully these restrictions will improve some time and you will be able to join us again in the future.

Sunday, 23 January 2022, 0900 Hrs

Arrived CYCSA Part one done!  Beer O’clock after a bit of a clean up. Thank you Russel for your help to SA. All well on board.

Saturday, 22 January 2022, 1130 Hrs

36 03 S, 138 41 E, South of Backstairs Passage by around 40 Nm, expecting to be in Adelaide around lunchtime Sunday. Fantastic to be out of Bass Strait, its amazing the difference with the seas and therefore comfort once into SA waters. Busy now trying to work out logistics since that clown of a premier in WA decided to shut out fully vaccinated travelers indefinitely. Will update planned timings etc as plans evolve. All well on board.

Thursday, 20 January 2022, 1600 Hrs

38 27 S, 141 44 E, Just 10 Nm South of Portland but we aint stopping. Wind is around 25 kts from the east and forecast to stay pretty much the same for the next few days so should be good to continue on straight to Adelaide. Looking forward to start heading north again in a couple of hours as its been fairly cold despite the sunny last few days. All is well on board.

Wednesday, 19 January 2022, 1400 Hrs

39 03 S, 144 41 E, Half way between Wilson’s Promontory and Cape Otway and making good progress after the last 2 days. An easterly of 25-30 Kts certainly helps on a westerly course. All is well but with the seas building its time to bring out the pre-prepared shepherds Pie for dinner tonight and save the crew some preparation. Thanks Dinah, looking forward to enjoying it later.

Tuesday, 18 January 2022, 1500 Hrs

38 59 S, 146 30 E, Around 4 Nm NE of Sealers Cove where we will be waiting a couple of hours for a predicted easterly change this evening. The plan is make the most of it and hopefully go all the way through to SA over the next 4 or so days. Glad to have the last 24 hrs behind us as its been a slow bumpy passage across the first half of Bass Strait. Reception may be intermittent until we close land again on the western side of Victoria.

Monday, 17 January 2022, 1600 Hours

38 10 S, 147 48 E, closing in on the coast and the wind is easing. Hopefully the seas will follow suit so we can make some southing whilst the SW wind blows through.

1200 Hrs

38 30 S, 148 14 E, Just entered the Bass Strait oil Fields as the SW came in. Now Heading due west on the best windward angle we can make. The coast should give a bit of shelter from the wind and waves but I expect it will be a bumpy ride for several hours yet. All is fine.

Sunday, 16 January 2022, 1800 Hrs

37 35 S, 149 56 E, Gabo Island, Entering Bass Strait with variable winds and calm conditions. Unfortunately there is only around 18 hours before a West to SW change is forecast. Hopefully it wont be more than 20 Kts but that will be enough to slow our progress. It should turn around after 18 plus hours but if we didn’t get off the east coast we could have been waiting another 3 days. Burning fuel but this is no place to be hanging around.

1130 Hrs

Leaving anchorage at Boydtown, Eden. Tsunami warning overnight had us on anchor / weather watch in case NZ or somewhere else reported significant waves. All we had was a short burst of a 1 meter swell come through at around 0530 Hrs which could be seen crashing on the normally sheltered beach. Thank you very much Dinah for keeping a weather watch from shore every 1.5 Hrs to advise of anything significant occurring.

Saturday, 15 January 2022, 1200 Hrs

36 35 S, 150 12 E, 30 Nm North of Eden. A SW wind coming through overnight so we will be anchoring for the evening and expect to be able to move on again Sunday and get a fair way through the Strailt before another forecast front will slow us down for a while. Hopefully the following Easterly winds will be as forecast as then it gives us a good run through the rest of the Strait. All well on board.

January,  2022, 1100 Hrs

At the Shell Harbour Marina fuel dock awaiting a top up before heading off as far south and west as we can over the next week. Will start updating this page more frequently now that we are underway.

Beneteau 47.7 “Imagination

Gold Coast City Marina to Sydney

Commencing Friday August 23 to 27th

Monday, 16 December 2019, 1030 Hrs

Bermagui Fishermans dock. Damn engines, dirty fuel I suspect, needed a tow from VMR into the entrance of the Harbour as unable to prime the fuel after changing the filters at sea. Despite all the fuel set and diesel additive the southerly must have rocked us around too much last night then everything went to sh*@

Sunday, 15 December 2019, 1000 Hrs

35 06 S, 151 00 E, 10 Nm East of Point Perpendicular, All well under motor as we adjust to new sleep patterns and minimal winds.

Saturday, 14 December 2019, 1815 Hrs

Leave CYCA Rushcutters Bay

Friday, 13 December 2019, CYCA Rushcutters Bay

1200 Hrs, Leaving RMYC after fueling up heading for Sydney