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

Friday, 10 March 2023, 1115 Hrs

Arrived, 11.15 am

Update later as we scramble for the airport. Well done guy’s big mission

Thursday, 9 March 2023, 0730 Hrs

34 27 S 115 04 E, Getting closer now just 120 Nm to Mandurah, looks like a little over 24 Hrs until Sagres III is in her new berth. Finally a nice sunny and warm day after the last several weeks freezing down in the Southern Ocean whilst the rest of Australia swelters in the heat. Look out WA!

Wednesday, 8 March 2023, 0800 Hrs

35 10 S, 117 24 E Only around 250 Nm to go so the ETA is looking like Saturday at this stage. Forecasts are good and we are 20 Nm west of Albany now. All’s fine.

Tuesday, 7 March 2023, 1000 Hrs

34 38 S, 119 43 E, 21 Nm SE of Bremer Bay WA. Only about 4 days to Mandurah now. Despite light winds we made good distance over the last day so we should be passing Albany in the early hours of tomorrow morning and some stronger Easterlies are forecast to get us straight to the Cape. All well as we get used to being out in the swell again.

Monday, 6 March 2023

Leaving Esperance, we should enjoy some light winds today as we point the boat towards Albany and beyond.

Saturday, 4 March 2023

Land, the best cure for cabin fever! Arrived 1730 Tokyo time which is 1630 WA time I think? Anyway beer o’clock.

Saturday, 4 March 2023, 0700 Hrs

34 24 S, 122 12 E, About 40 Nm south of Esperance, still no reception so updating this as I log on for a Sat phn weather update. Not looking good as the barometer has fallen sharply in the last 24-48 hrs and now we have 20 Kts from the WSW (on the nose) Hopefully the forecast wont be too bad but maybe I’m dreaming. Will update on whether we are stopping at Esperance or pushing on.

Friday, 3 March 2023, 0830 Hrs

34 34 S, 124 33 E, Well it wasn’t to be light and variable winds yesterday. The breese filled in nicely giving us a good speed on a reasonable course for the last 24 hrs. Currently approximately 130 Nm from our waypoint to the South of Esperance so will hope to get a weather update then. We are not planning to stop at Esperance but will update once our reception returns some time tomorrow.

Thursday, 2 March 2023, 0930 Hrs

33 58 S, 126 55 E, Finally under engine after stretching the available wind as far as we could go. Expecting light and variable winds for the next 2 days so motoring along slowly to conserve what we have. Again it will probably be two days before the next update on the Sat phone before we may start to get intermittent reception. All is well.

Wednesday, March 1 2023, 0830 Hrs

33 39 S, 129 11 E, Light and variable SE winds increasing at times. Making reasonable progress on the best course we can hold. Nothing much happening out here which works for us.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023, 0800 Hrs

34 26 S, 131 28 E, somewhere in the Great Southern Ocean. Still about 450 Nm to Esperance or phone range. Finally some excitement on the fishing side! One big Tuna jumped on the end of the line to make Shannon’s day. Should be able to fit some of it into the freezer but with 9 Kg of frozen meats plus this monster I think we will need a crane to lift us off the boat in WA. Photographic evidence to be provided on landfall. All is fine, the next update is planned for Thursday.

Monday, February 27 2023, 1000 Hrs

34 46 S, 133 42 E Nothing much to report, we are just 100 Nm into the Bight with around 400 Nm to the other side.

Sunday, 26 February 2023, 1400 Hrs

35 57 S, 135 31 E, 5 Nm West of Cape Carnot, That puts us about 80 Nm from the deep water in the bight. Light winds but now with full sail up so saving some fuel for now. Downloaded a weather update and are expecting to be away from reception soon meaning my next planned update will be Tuesday via the Satelite Phone. Reminder if you don’t see any updates make sure you are on the “Posts” page of this site.

0815 Hrs

Anchor is up finally. A few issues with the anchor winch meant hauling up by hand. An addition to the work list on arrival in WA. We have gained an extra hour and a half today as to keep the sunrise and sunset approximately right have now moved to + 9 Hrs GMT (Tokyo time)

Sunday, 26 February 2023, 1900 Hrs

34 58 S, 135 59 E, Anchored in Memory Cove

1245 Hrs

Leaving Port Lincoln. The forecast is looking good from Sunday morning for at least 7-10 Days which should see us across the Bight. The plan is to anchor tonight in memory Cove whilst the S-SW wind dies off and head off again Sunday morning. Fully provisioned and fuel and water topped up. Hopefully we will get enough sailing in to conserve fuel but at the same time there will be a bit of motoring in the light winds forecast. Update again tomorrow.

Thursday, February 23 2023, 0930 Hrs

Arrived Port Lincoln, update soon. All well

Wednesday, 22 February 2023, 0800 Hrs

35 39 S, 137 47 E, We left the anchorage at 0630 Hrs and expect to be in Port Lincoln within 24 Hrs. Light winds after the past day at a very windy anchorage. All is well.

Tuesday, 21 February 2023, 1130 Hrs

34 46 S, 132 52 E, Anchored in American Bay Kangaroo Island. We arrived early in the morning (01.45 Hrs) with the wind building from the SE. By daylight it was blowing up to 35 Kts here so who knows what it reached on the open water. Anyway its looking like it should start dropping off in the afternoon so we are planning to get away again then provided it does. Will update when underway again.

Monday, 20 February 2023, 0930 Hrs

36 33 S, 138 58 E, No reception here. Around 45 Nm NW of Kingston SA. Still motoring along with little wind however the wind should start building through the day from the SE which will speed things up a bit. Will update when back in phone range but for now we are monitoring the Sat phone. All well I think Bangers and mash is on tonight’s menu.

Sunday, 19 February 2023, 1030 Hrs

37 53 S, 140 15 E, Slowly making our way NW in variable winds under engine. Currently off Cape Banks but not expecting much in the way of wind for the next day or so. There’s no hurry however as the Port Lincoln regatta is currently underway and berthing is a problem until Thursday which could see us at anchor a day or two whilst we wait. Anyway all is fine on board.

Saturday, 18 February 2023, 1215 Hrs

Leaving Portland and heading for Port Lincoln. Note we are now on Adelaide time. Update again tomorrow.

Wednesday, 15 February 2023, 1230 Hrs

38 21 S, 141 37 E, Safely tied up at the Portland Marina. Thank you Phil for your much appreciated help getting us started. Enjoy the Emporium and fish and Chips and beer here during your stay

Tuesday, 14 February 2023, 1100 Hrs

38 56 S, 144 19 E, Just getting back into reception, 35 Nm East of Cape Otway. Warmer conditions than the last few days with the sun shining and the fishing gear back out. We expect to be in Portland in around 24 Hrs or so to re-provision, make a few minor repairs / adjustments and send Phil off on his next adventure hung over. All is well

Wednesday, 15 February 2023, 1230 Hrs

38 21 S, 141 37 E, Safely tied up at the Portland Marina. Thank you Phil for your much appreciated help getting us started. Enjoy the Emporium and fish and Chips and beer here during your stay

Monday, 13 February 2023, 1430 Hrs

37 08 S, 146 20 E, Just rounded Wilson’s Promontory and now under sail after a few hours motor slamming around the corner. That’s as far south as we want to go so warmer (not hot I hope) weather on its way. Normal phone service should happen for much of the way to Cape Otway with maybe 12 hours or so overnight without. All is well.

1100 Hrs

Leaving Sealers Cove. Just a short detour into refuge Cove before making our way to Wilson’s Promontory and heading further North again. Has been a bit cool down here despite the rest of the country having heatwave conditions. Shannon finally landed a fish but is too embarrased by its size to allow a photo. Its back in the water for a second chance of life.

Oops, how did this photo get here !

Saturday, 11 February 2023, 1700 Hrs

39 00 S, 146 26 E, Sealers Cove (well not quite yet) Planning to anchor in the next hour however I don’t expect any reception whilst inside the Cove. Will probably move to Refuge Cove for Sunday night and get a weather update along the short journey so will update again then. Shannon’s onto Thai Green Curry for tonight to keep us warm in these Southern extreme climates!

1100 Hrs

38 24 S, 147 08 E, Around 30 Nm to the entrance to Corner Inlet where we are planning to Anchor for approximately 36 Hrs whilst a Westerly blows through. We have predominantly been motoring or motor sailing in light conditions for the last day. A day or so at anchor will give us a chance to get a few odd jobs onboard done as well as a cooked breakfast or two. Reception will still be intermittent depending on the anchorage we find. Updates when able.

Friday, 10 February 2023, 1000 Hrs

37 44 S, 149 42 E, Around 20 Nm into Bass Strait just south of little Rame Head. The sun is out and the wind has dropped right out giving everyone a bit of a rest from the wet and rocking first two days. Currently under motor which looks like the forecast for the next 36 Hrs. We will be loosing reception today intermittently so may not update tomorrow but will do when able. The plan based on the forecast will be to anchor at Wilsons Promontory for Sunday whilst a westerly pushes through and hopefully be underway again on Monday. All well on board.

Thursday, 9 February 2023, 0900 Hrs

35 42 S, 150 34 E, 15 Nm East of Batemans Bay. Damn wet and windy overnight making the first night at sea a bit uncomfortable for us all. Hopefully everything will calm down from Friday for everyone to find there sea legs. Forecast is at least for good wind directions but a wet day still ahead. Hopefully my website will be up and running soon after being Hacked yesterday.

Wednesday, 8 February 2023, 11425 Hrs

Leaving CYCA Sydney for a run down the NSW Coast before entering Bass Strait on Friday morning is the plan. Shake down cruise to Portland Victoria.

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. SORRY NOT ON AIS

Position Log

Position Report and other info UTC (+10 Hrs QLD 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, 13 December 2022, 0620 Hrs

32 42 S, 152 04 E, Soldiers Point Marina. We have arrived. Thank you so much all crew. Dinah, William and Peter. I will try and update this a little later as there are lots of stuff I need to get up to date now that the shore has caught up with me again.

Wednesday, 14 December 2022, 1200 Hrs

32 00 S, 153 11 E, 35 Nm ENE of Foster. We are a fair way offshore in 10-15 Kts of wind waiting on a Southerly change due around now. Fortunately the wind is currently lower than forecast so hopefully the southerly will also be lower than expected. Making reasonable speeds of up to 6 kts but it drops down to 4 Kts on the larger wave size every now and then. ETA is still late tonight but most likely early Thursday morning. All still well on board.

Tuesday, 13 December 2022, 1200 Hrs

29 48 S, 153 19 E, Currently off Wilson’s head which is 5 Nm North of Wooli Creek for those familiar with the weather reporting area. Our current ETA in Port Stephens is tomorrow night or early Thursday morning. There are almost 200 Nm to go so hopefully the predicted Southerly Wednesday night wont slow us up too much. Its been a very difficult year in forecasts as the weather has been very unpredictable changing frequently. All well on board

Monday, 12 December 2022, 1530 Hrs

28 06 S 153 35 E, approximately off Southport with 25+ Knots of wind expected for the next 12 hours or so. A busy day after leaving Wide Bay Bar and we are all exhausted but happy to be in deeper waters.

Sunday, 11 December 2022, 1200 Hrs

25 47 S, 153 09 E, Just crossed the Wide Bay Bar, Phew All is well. A quick stop off tonight to pick up crew, another Peter and hopefully we will have good winds for the second half of our journey.

Saturday, 10 December 2022, 1000 Hrs

Leaving the anchorage and moving closer to Tin Can Bay. The wind is forecast to go more to the east tomorrow making a safer Bar Crossing as its currently forecast to be up to 20 Kts SE this afternoon, which it feels like its already reached. Anyway its a good chance to do our engine checks and install a third reef in the main for part 2 of the trip South. All is well after a huge sleep.

Friday, 9 December 2022, 1330 Hrs

25 44 S, 152 59 E, Anchored near Elbow Pt in the Sandy Straits. Phew what a long 18 Hrs or so. There were thunderstorms, rain and squalls last night as we travelled down Hervey Bay. The timing was perfect to keep traveling through to the shallows for high tide and following current. Anyway time to rest up because neither of us managed to get more than an hours sleep since midnight.

Thursday, 8 December 2022, 1100 Hrs

23 57 S, 151 49 E, 7 Nm East of Bustard Head. On track to make it into Hervey Bay and then through the shallow for High tide tomorrow morning. Managed a bit of non engine assisted sailing overnight but a forecast short southerly blowing through Friday / Saturday should see us popping out wide bay bar either Saturday or Sunday conditions dependant. All is well.

Wednesday December 7, 2022, 1000 Hrs

21 50 S, 150 14 E, 7 Nm SW of South Percy island. Under engine since leaving with slightly more wind predicted this evening and tomorrow. On track to be inside Fraser island before the wind turns south for Friday and Saturday. All is well.

Tuesday, 6 December 2022, 1245 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. 503138880

“Aleka”

Position Log

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

Friday, 4 November 2022, 1830 hrs

Sojourn III is now in her New berth! Will update soon but a very big Thank you to the Crew, Nelson, David an JP (John). Not forgetting our shore crew Dinah. Thank you all for making it a safe and pleasant trip despite the weather delays. Hope you can join me again in the future.

Beer o’clock!

1100 Hrs

38 22 S, 144 43 E, A bit frustrating as the wind angle made us have to tack a few too many times yesterday slowing our progress. We are drifting around just 7 Nm from Port Phillip Heads as we need to wait until close to the next slack water at the heads. Anyway we now expect to enter the bay around 1430 Hrs so arrive at our destination around 6pm this evening. Oh well its Friday so hopefully a good pub nearby.

Thursday, 3 November 2022, 1100 Hrs

39 08 S, 146 20 E, We are now off SW Point of Wilsons Promontory, yeah Ha. Heading North and fortunately the wind had dropped by the time we rounded so still on schedule for a Friday afternoon arrival at Martha Cove. Update again tomorrow.

0730 Hrs

Leave Refuge Cove, The weather is expected to improve in the early afternoon. Wilson’s Promontory is still blowing at 35-40 Kts so expecting a very slow rounding before the wind angle improves and starts to drop down. Anyway we are well rested and enjoyed the heater installed on board for a few hours overnight. Damn cold down here.

Wednesday, 2 November 2022

We have moved to Refuge cove now for the night. (3 Nm) Unfortunately we will not have full internet or phone until we are underway in the morning. We are still hoping to be underway on Thursday morning with an ETA for Friday afternoon. Will update again once we are underway.

Tuesday, 1 November 2022, 1300 Hrs

Anchored in Sealers Cove. Based on the current forecasts we intend to leave early Thursday morning for Port Phillip. All going well we hope to make slack water at the Heads around 10 am Friday and then at Martha Cove around 1400 Hrs Friday.

1000 Hrs

38 56 S 146 39 E, Seal Island is 500M to our North and we are heading for Sealers Cove to anchor (12 Nm East) The SW came in right on schedule which sent us a bit North of west overnight. Its been a very slow morning motoring down the coast. As much as I would like to keep moving and there is a chance to make it to Port Phillip heads by Wednesday morning there is a Gale warning for the area for Wednesday making it a bit too risky to attempt outrunning it. Depending on reception will update again later

Seal Island, “Lets go Clubbing Tonight !”

Monday, 31 October 2022, 1200 Hrs

38 26 S, 1489 14 E, Just passing “Kingfisher B” Production Oil well in the Bass Strait oil fields. That puts us pretty much half way through the first leg of the Strait. Currently nice and sunny with a light Northerly breese however that is forecast to change within an hour or so as a SW change moves through. The barometer has dropped significantly so am expecting it will slow our progress significantly. We should have phone reception again in say 24 hrs to get the forecast and decide if we need to anchor again to let this system blow through. All well on board.

Kingfisher B Oil Rig, Bass Strait

Sunday, 30 October 2022, 1200 Hrs

37 33 S, 149 59 E, 2Nm East of Gabo Island. Currently 20Kts blowing from the South slowing our progress however the wind is forecast to drop off soon then start to blow from the NE during the afternoon. The next front coming through on Monday may see us at anchor again at Wilson’s Promontory but hopefully it wont be too strong otherwise it may be Thursday before we can continue on. Regular reception will be sketchy until Wilson’s so will try to update around lunchtime tomorrow via the Satellite phone.

0445 Hrs

Leaving Eden. Underway expecting to motor through the morning before the wind changes to the east in the afternoon. Hoping to get most of the way through the strait before Monday night when a westerly is predicted again. Will update in several hours near Gabo island before reception will start to get intermittent until Wilson’s Promontory.

Friday, 28 October 2022, 2200 Hrs

Anchored in Eden

1100 Hrs

36 17 S, 150 12 E, 2 Nm South of Montague Island making our way to Eden to anchor for Saturday with the view to be leaving early Sunday morning to get through the Strait before the next of the westerly gales blow through. All is well should be anchored around sunset with the current conditions.

Thursday, 27 October 2022, 1430 Hrs

Underway from Shell Cove Marina. Heading next to Eden to Anchor for Friday night / Saturday. Hopefully we will have a small window from Saturday night through to Monday night to get through the Strait. Weather patterns are quite hard to predict at the moment so will be keeping a close eye on it as its looking unstable for the next week but hopefully we can inch our way closer to Melbourne.

Tuesday, 25 October 2022, 1230 Hrs

Arrived Shell Harbour Marina.

1030 Hrs

Leaving Kiama for Shell Harbour. Yesterday with the continual rain and swell and tides made preparations and provisioning quite difficult, with the forecast for Bass Strait from Thursday night on looking a bit dubious we will finish preparations here before moving south with a view to leaving NSW in the best weather window after the westerlies abate on the weekend

Monday, 24 October 2022

In Kiama preparing to depart for Martha Cove tomorrow. Welcome aboard John, David and Nelson

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.  503598900

Position Log

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

If not seeing updates check you are on this page Satellite updates Here

Monday, 19 September 2022, 0415 Hrs

Arrived RSYS, Thank you very much to the team, Dinah, Jan and Gillian. At total of 1022 Nm

Sunday, 18 September 2022, 1300 Hrs

32 58 S, 151 54 E, 7 NM SE of Newcastle. Successfully closed the coast a little bit however there seems to be a fuel problem with the engine. Calculations say there should be at least a third of a tank but the gauge is unreliable (Gauge reads ¾ full). Will top up the tank when the wind finally eases. Currently we are seeing 22-35 Kts from the west. All wind warnings were cancelled for the 4 am forecast so who knows where this stuff is is coming from? Anyway looking like a very late arrival, probably still going to be early morning however.

1000 Hrs

32 50 S, 152 03 E, Just entered Stockton Bight near Stockton Beach. Under engine trying to stay close to the Coast for less wind and waves predicted for offshore.

Saturday, 17 September 2022, 1000 Hrs

31 19 S, 155 02 E. NE of Port Macquarie (8 Nm). Currently motor-sailing again as the wind dropped out yesterday afternoon despite strong wind warnings all around. There are still warnings of strong wind (15-25 Kts) all the way to Sydney but will see as time progresses. Exact ETA is still too hard to predict given the accuracy of the current forecasts but most likely Monday Morning. All is fine.

Friday, 16 September 2022, 1000 Hrs

29 17 S153 32 E, Around 10 Nm NE of Yamba. Have had a fast 24 hour run to here with an average of over 7 Kts boat speed. The wind gusted up over 30 Kts at times from the North giving a few exhilarating downwind wave rides but Euphoria handled it very well. The crew was very excited with the display the Whales put on for us yesterday off Cape Morton. ETA could be Sunday now depending on the next few days of weather conditions. All is going well.

Thursday, 15 September 2022, 1015 Hrs

Leaving Mooloolaba, weather looks great (Northerlies going West) over the next few days so we are expecting a Monday morning ETA at this stage. Sydney here we come.

Monday, 12 September 2022, 0500 Hrs

Mooloolaba Marina, Time for some sleep after a celebratory drink! Will be topping up supplies and fuel whilst a southerly blows through. Weather is looking good for a Thursday morning start for the second half of the trip. Will update before leaving.

Sunday, 11 September 2022, 1200 Hrs

25 46 S, 153 17 E, Currently off Double Island Point with only 50 Nm to Mooloolaba. The wind is variable however so its slow going with us now on our fuel reserves. So its sailing as much as possible and hoping to be arriving with a good tide otherwise we will be waiting until its on the rise again in the early morning. Back again in phone reception and doing fine.

Saturday, 10 September 2022, 1200 Hrs

25 06 S, 153 05 E, Just 15 Nm from the “Breaksea Spit”, which is 20 Nm from the Northern most tip of Fraser Island. From there we will start getting intermittent internet and phone coverage and the AIS should start updating more regularly. A nice hot sunny day with light NW to W winds. Currently motor-sailing with the headsail up but expecting variable winds all the way to Mooloolaba.

Friday, 9 September 2022, 1200 Hrs

22 33 S, 151 30 E, It feels like the middle of nowhere but we are around 40 Nm due east of Port Clinton. Currently in variable winds so at least not being slowed by any headwinds. Still at least 36 hrs until everyone’s phones start to “ping” with any incoming messages. The only thing to worry about is who is cooking tonight and what will we be eating. Last night was Pork Casserole al la Newland.

Thursday, 8 September 2022, 1100 Hrs

21 05 S, 150 00 E, Slow going at the moment as currently motoring SE into a light SE wind. Around 45 Nm due East of Mackay but lovely weather. It will probably be 2-3 days before we have phone reception again which should be part way down the outside of Fraser Island. All going fine.

Wednesday, 7 September 2022, 1500 Hrs

20 24 S, 148 56 E Just South of Dent and Hamilton Island. We are expecting to be out of internet and AIS range in a few hours for perhaps several days. Updates will be posted daily on this site via the Sat elite phone in the meantime. All is well

1045 Hrs, Leaving Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach

Emergency Contact for this delivery

Tony Coleman, +61 (0) 400 540 010, tony.m.coleman@gmail.com

Apps for following on the AIS system, Marine Traffic, Findship or Vesselfinder

MMSI No. 503089420

Position Log

Brisbane to Sydney

Commenced Saturday April 11th, 2015

Royal QLD Yacht Squadron, Manly, Brisbane

Elliott 11 Sloop – Spirito

Yoti Website for Boat information

Friday, 17 April 2015, 2300 Hrs

Arrived CYCA Sydney

1500 Hrs

33 18 S, 151 46 E, Just past Norah Head, making better progress now the wind has dropped off after very slow going this morning and last night after the southerly arrived. ETA after midnight will update in a few days now as will be busy cleaning up and transporting equipment etc. All is well

Thursday, 16 April 2015, 1300 Hrs

31 54 S, 152 51 E Currently 6 Nm South East of Crowdy Head. Finally the wind swung last night to a light Northerly which has slowly built to 15 Kts now. Great to finally have the engine off and speed has picked up to around 6 Kts. With only 150 Nm to go it should be an ETA of 24 Hrs however a brief southerly forecast will probably see a realistic ETA of early Saturday morning instead. Fuel, food and crew are holding out well.

Wednesday, 15 April 2015, 1400 Hrs

29 43 S, 153 31 E. 14 Nm North of North Solitary Island. The headwinds dropped off this morning to variable and the seas have started to ease so we are finally making 6 Kts of boat speed (including current) after averaging around 3 Kts since leaving Southport Bar. Extremely hot on board with summer making maybe its last showing. Wind is looking variable for the next day or so making an ETA difficult as fuel usage may demand a stopover for a top up. All well apart from slowish progress.

Tuesday, 14 April 2015, 1300 Hrs

South of Crab Island and abeam of Runaway island, Left the anchorage at 0745 Hrs and topped up fuel and ice in Runaway bay. Hopefully the wind and seas have now abated enough for leaving Southport Bar. Will be crossing in around an hour and finally start to head South in open water. Next update probably in around 24 hrs time. Expecting a fair bit of motoring as the wind dies off to variable in the North here, further south we may get some northerlies from Wednesday if we make enough ground.

Monday, 13 April 2015, 1730 Hrs

27 48 S, 153 25 E, Anchored off Couran Island, Successfully made it through the shallows just before high tide. The wind stayed up over 25 Kts from the south all day keeping our speed lower than anticipated as we motored through. All is well expecting to top up fuel and water as the wind should ease off Monday afternoon to variable for Tuesday and Wednesday. Could be late in the week before actually sailing

0830 Hrs

Leaving Manly Harbour, planning to be through the shallows before high tide and depending on te updated forecast travel right through Southport bar and continue south or perhaps go to anchor for the night should the seas and wind not dropped off a little by tonight.

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
Its only a maximum of 160 Characters and you need to leave the subject or
message header blank

Saturday, April 1 2017, 1500 Hrs
17 00 N, 61 46 W, Nelsons Dockyard, English Harbour. Customs and immigration sorted for now. A good crossing and will update when able over the next few days. Thank you Simon, Mia and Pawel!
Next leg will see me drafting a complaint to the telecomunications ombudsman, Bloody Telstra just stole $260 from my pre-paid account so fortunately there is a free wifi not too far away. Have been useing this modem travelling for years and instead of useing the additional international roaming pack (still intact) it used Australian data, don’t think i’m not P&$@)d off.

Wednesday, 29 March 2017 0900 Hrs
17 24 N, 55 45 W, Now Jusy 350 Nm to go to English Harbour, Antigua. Note the time change as we are now on -3 Hrs UTC on board. Currently with light SE winds now, for the first time since leaving Cape Verde we have the full sails up as the wind angle now allows us to. Acording to the weatherman this will drop out completely tomorrow so will be back under engine for the duration of the trip from then. (motored most of last night) Its a shame as we have only needed the generator to charge the batteries for the last 2 weeks saving a fortune on fuel. I was hoping not to top up again until Panama but will see once we arrive. All well and looking forward to our favorite foods if available when we land.

Sunday, 26 March 2017 1000 Hrs
17 32 N, 49 58 W. Under 700 Nm to go so we are past 2/3 rds of the way across the Atlantic now. Thanks Duane for all the weather updates, so yes a little bit light and directly behind but its very comfortable on board. I will see what I can find to rig up on the head-sail for the Pacific crossing. Murphy for sure will have it dead downwind making it difficult to run both sails (not really a bad thing safety wise but another knot or 2 would be an advantage). All well on board with supplies holding out well.
Thanks also Diana, yes the first Pod of Dolphins this leg showed up some 12 hours after your message predicting them. How did you know?

Thursday, 23 March 2017, 1000 Hrs
17 42 N, 43 31 W, We are now just over half way across the Atlantic. All going well, the first water tank has some amount of water remaining and we are still on the first of 3 gas bottles, so provided we continue being frugal there should be no issues with supplies. (food and diesel are still well stocked)

Wednesday, 22 March, 1000 Hrs
17 44 N, 41 08 W, Note Time change as we have put the clocks back one hour. Almost half way now should be some time on Thursday The wind is lightening off a little, thanks for your updates Duane all as forecast. Yes the hull will be due for a scrub in Port, at least the water will be warm and clean whilst anchored waiting for clearance.

Monday, 20 March 2017, 1100 Hrs
17 31 N, 36 37 W, Not quite one third of the way there yet. The good news is (touch wood) there should be enough gas for the duration. Hopefully we can make another 5 days without switching over the water tanks. Not wanting to sound like a “Nag” can be quite difficult when the scenery, sailing conditions and general day to day routines don’t change on a three week passage. Oh well I guess for now its “shut the bloody fridge”, “put the plug in the sink and wash all the dishes” and “don’t boil the FULL kettle”.

Sunday, 19 March, 1100 Hrs
17 58 N, 34 20 W, As the weather man keeps telling me ENE at 15-20 Kts. Finally however we are starting to get some blue skies and a good sunset. Its been very overcast and grey since leaving port so its great to see the sun. May get to see if the solar Panels work and reduce our charging hours.

Saturday, 18 March 2017, 1100 Hrs
17 09 N, 32 15 W, A little slower the last 24 Hrs as the wind has dropped slightly. A curious thing seems to be happening with our chartplotter as its log reading is less than distance actually travelled. Diana picked it up on the last leg and despite travelling in a straight line the log reads 95 Nm in the last 24 hrs when via the chart we have actually travelled overground 145 Nm. This can’t be current (yesterday would be 4kts if so) as we have no physical log in place and therefore should only be able to measure distance and speed over the ground. Anyway speaking of DIANA a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! I have no idea why you would want to spend it at home alone when you could be here with all your friends on board “Wind Sprite”

Friday, 17 March 2017, 1100 Hrs
16 58 N, 29 48 W, Just over 300 N from Mindelo so averaging over 6 kts currently. Forecast is more of the same trade winds (NE 20 Kts) for the next week or more hopefully. Its been quite overcast since leaving but thats probably a good thing keeping the temperature down. Anyway its only been 2 days so no signs of Cabin fever yet but early days of course. Will update in another 3 days.

Wednesday, 15 March 2017, 0700 Hrs
Leaving Cape Verde, Last minute filling tanks and grabbing some “Emergency Provisions” in case of delays or Fridge / gas issues underway. Made it a full day yesterday so leaving now at first light. Updates again in a couple of days.

Position Report and other info UTC (00 Hrs Canaries 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

March 9, 2017, 0900 Hrs

Tied up at the fuel dock (fuelled up also) Waiting for a berth allocation, thank you to the crew for another good trip

0600 hrs

Thursday, 2 March 2017, 1500 Hrs

Leaving Tenerife for Cape Verde Islands

February 28, 2017, Crew Change

Welcome aboard to Mia and Pawel.  Looking forward to seeing Simon again in a weeks time in Cape Verde. 

A big thank you to Paul and David for your help all the way from Athens to here. You have been fantastic crew and its been great fun. Hopefully you will join me again on another trip some time. Final preparations tomorrow before leaving hopefully in the afternoon or early morning.

Sunday 26^th February

Sorry for the lack of updates. Currently organising crew change timings so we are able to leave in a day or so.

Peter

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

Wednesday, 22 February 2017, 1715 Hrs

Marina del Atlantico, Tenerife, Canary Islands  😕

1400 Hrs

28 30 N, 16 03 W, Approximately 10 Nm North East of Marina del Atlantico, Tenerife. We expect to dock in around 2 hrs and check in with the Port Authorities. Such a relief to be free of the Med’s winter with a gradual warming over the last days. Will update well after de-brief tonight but all went well.

Tuesday, February 21^st 2017, 1100 Hrs

30 05 N, 13 17 W. Under 180 Nm to landing, hopefully in daylight Wednesday. Although the seas have been up we are travelling quite comfortably. Update on arrival. All fine

Monday, 20 February 2017, 1100 Hrs

31 45 N, 11 41 W, Around 300 Nm from Tenerife now. Wind is from the North at 25 Kts so we are running fairly square and comfortably. Thanks for your messages Duane, yes it was wet, windy and a growing sea state but cant call it exciting as the squalls brought the wind more to beam. Had to slow the boat enough to give us a better attitude to the conditions.

Sunday, 19 February 2017, 1000 Hrs

33 21 w, 09 33 N, A bit wet today but making good progress, the first day out had NE winds to get us out of the Med and now with the squalls it’s gone a bit more westerly for now. Thanks for your update Duane ‘re the weather, Looking forward to a much improved average speed with these Northerly winds. Finally conditions which suit Wind Sprite better. All going well on board.

Friday, 17 February 2017, 0900 Hrs

Leaving Gibraltar for the Canaries. Further updates will be via Sat phn and appearing on the ‘Posts” Page. What a shame the only warm dry day here was the first day we attempted to leave before our starter motor problem. All well.

Thursday 16^th February, 1700 Hrs

Fuelled up.  Engines all running, starter motor obviously, so ready to go. Phew. Looking forward to the northerly air flow to send us south and into a warmer climate hopefully. Will leave now at first light and hope to be clear of the straights by the evening. Will update on departure.

Tuesday, 14 February 2017, 1700 Hrs

Well no hitches with the authorities clearing out for a change. Unfortunately we seem to have a starter motor problem however on one of the engines. Currently having it looked at but if its not a simple fix we will not be able to get fuel in a couple of hours and therefore need to delay starting until the problem gets resolved. Unfortunate in that its perfect weather wind wise and so far the only day it hasn’t absolutely bucketed down since out arrival.

1000 Hrs

Ready to leave in a few hours from now. The wind has died off finally and the wind is turning to an easterly which should help the waves / sea die down for our run South. Only a few things remaining to sort out before we leave such as duty free fuel and checking out / clearance. Will only update via the Satellite phone every couple of days from now but on current forecasts it looks good for being in the canaries within a week.

Sunday, 12 February 2017 1000 Hrs

Sorry for the lack of updates as we are basically waiting on the weather to blow through. Current forecasts show the winds easing on Monday and swinging to the North for a good run South. We have been stocking up on a few items and minor fixes for the last few days. Today, Sunday will probably see a lack of shops open so it looks like a good day to have off and go rockclimbing (despite the overcast conditions) Looking forward to Diana Joining me again for another trip and wishing Frank safe travels as he has left us and is preparing to leave Cape Verde islands for an Atlantic crossing as well. He is a couple of weeks ahead of us but we may catch up to him in the Caribean. Update ! No rock or monkeys as the rain just won’t let up.

Wednesday, 8 February 2017 1030 Hrs

36 09 N, 05 21.3 W, Tied up at Ocean Village Marina, Gibraltar! Phew that was a long 160Nm. Managed to stay in close to shore for the secound 24 Hrs and out of the choppy seas and current. Will update soon but for now its chasing up work people and getting some sort of reliable internet. Why do the marinas claim this service but just cant deliver.

Tuesday, 7 February 2017, 1230 Hrs.

36 52 N, 04 00 W Just a few mile South of Malaga. The sea and wind doesn’t want Wind Sprite to leaves the Med. Have come in closer to shore this morning seeking some slightly more moderate sea conditions. Slow going as we are sailing twice as far at a slow pace. Short choppy speed humps limiting us somewhat. Looks like a Wednesday morning arrival now.

Monday, 6 February 2017 0400 Hrs

Leaving AquaDolce Marina. The wind has calmed about as much as we can expect so hopefully will be in Gibraltar in a little over 24 Hrs. Have managed to load lots of supplies for the next month or so just needing a top up of fresh foods along the way.

Friday, 3 February 2017, 1300 Hrs

Certainly has been a big shake down cruise since leaving Greece. A temporary fix on the sail drive seals has worked fine, will be getting the experts in Gibraltar to check and make the repair more permanent. While they are at it they can also take a look at some electrical / charging issues. A few other minor repairs are underway and will be taking advantage of this short (hopefully) stop over to commence provisioning for the long haul across the Atlantic. Provisioning here in Spain will be easier and cheaper than in Gibraltar. The westerlies should start to die off on Sunday evening so hope to get away then for an arrival in Gib on Monday. Will update once underway again.

Thursday, 2 February 2017 2000 Hrs

36 48 N, 02 34 W, Puerto Deportivo Aquadolce Marina. Update tomorrow, all well.

1230 Hrs

36 44 N, 02 14 W, Currently SE of Almeria, Spain. The wind is currently blowing at 25 + Kts from the West unfortunately with the seas building. There is only 180 Nm to Gibraltar which would be just a day sail in good conditions but the weather is not looking like playing ball with us. I am hoping that close into the coast the sea and wind will be more favourable but if there is no improvement in the next few hours its looking like a stop until this blows through will be prudent. All well on board

Wednesday, 1 February 2017, 1230 Hrs

37 12 N, 00 42 W, On the wrong side of the world again, passed the Greenwich Meridian. Currently sailing near Cartagena, Spain. Just turned off the engines after around 24 hrs. motoring again. We had issues with a warning light going off on one of the engines but seem to have solved the problem for now. The forecast winds look like hanging around for a bit longer than first thought. Only around 260 Nm to Gibraltar but could be slowed by the forecast conditions. Should be able to update most days from now.

Tuesday, 31 January 2017, 1230 Hrs

N, E, Around 18 Nm South of Ibiza, Light Southerly winds 10 Kts with full sail up, have been taking the opportunity to attend to a few household duties and maintenance whilst everything is calm and flat. A little over 400 Nm to Gibraltar now however on forecasts downloaded last time in range we will probably need to anchor on Thursday evening whilst a bit of a gale blows through. Heading to the Spanish coast to update our forecast and find a suitable anchorage whilst the storm blows through.

Monday, January 30^th, 1200 Hrs

38 21 N, 04 23 E, Approximately half way from Sicily to Gibraltar now, currently the wind is from the SSE at 15 Kts and making reasonable speed as its close hauled and the waves (speed humps) are limiting us a little. Forecasts show similar conditions with perhaps a more favourable wind swing to the south which should assist us. Have done a reasonable amount of motoring on one engine as conditions till now have been quite light. Looking forward to some consistent trade winds and warmer temperatures after the Canaries.

Sunday, January 29, All day

Happy Birthday Dinah and Jane Eagle!

Saturday, 28 January 2017, 1200 Hrs

38 49 N, 09 03 E Near the Southern tip of Sardinia. Made good progress overnight with the wind off the Port Quarter at 25-30 Kts. Expecting the wind to drop off and head us through the day before turning to the North. A few issues with charging currently but working through the solutions currently. Close enough again for telephone internet so making the most of a quick update.

Friday, 27^th January 2017, 0600 Hrs

37 30 N, 12 28 E, At the Western tip of Sicily about to head towards Sardinia. Just picking up the last of phone reception for a few days. The wind is now building after a light Australia Day under engine. Expecting to be sailing fully within a few hours and keep it up for several days. All is going well.

Thursday, 26th January 2017 AUSTRALIA DAY, 1230 hrs.

36 56 N, 13 51 E, Not sure what happened to the original post I put up here it seemed to have disappeared. Anyway followed the coast of Sicily in light conditions and celebrated Australia Day at happy hour. Bit colder than I’m used to, there were no prawns this year so the best we could do was lamb mince in our spaghetti Bolognese

Australia Day 2017

Wednesday, 25 January 2017, 1100 Hrs

Ready to leave Siracusa, Just waiting on Fuel which we have had ordered for days and the “Frontier” Police to clear us out. Went to visit their office this morning as booked but was told they would come to us. Hopefully we will be underway in an hour or so.