Days 134 to 136 The trip home begins, Gloucestor to Mackay

The trip home begins. A departing shot of Gloucestor passage at 630am as we head south for Shaw island. The only problem was, the wind went east and we were making great ground with ease, so we decided to press on to Mackay. We arrived in Mackay around 10pm with an easy 90miles up our belt. If we can keep pulling this off, the trip south will be too good to be true. (touch wood!!)

Whilst passing near Hamilton and Dent islands, a whale and her calf decided to give us a great farewell. These pictures were taken without zoom and the whales were running a muck with jnr able to do everything mum could, only boat lengths away! WOW!!!!!

We are so lucky to be a part of this!

Days 124 to 133 Airlie to Gloucestor passage (near Bowen)

After all the excitement of race week, we were after the quite cruising pace again before the trip back to Sydney started. We ambled our way up the coast, away from all the backpackers and charter boats, into new territory, Gloucester Island. The plan was to check out most of the bays and islands along the way, with a big day being 10 miles. Also, to try and catch a mackeral. This was all achieved with pleasure!

We had the pleasure of being joined by Angela and Stefan from "La Dolce Vita" and also meeting up with Pat and Phil from "Aquavista." We were lucky to have the great fisher king with us, as he kept us all fed with giant queen fish and makeral. Also a special mention to Phil's garfish fry up and very special mention of Pat's oysters kilpatrick!!!! yum yum.

Times were spent in Woodwark Bay, Olden island, Jonah Bay, Dingo beach, Bona bay and Cape Gloucestor having beach bbqs, pub dinners and resort lunches. We also went hunter gathering in packs with the tenders to get fresh oysters and fish. (i mostly just burnt fuel) THIS IS CRUISING!

Our last cruising day (before we are in go home mode) was spent by the pool at Gloucestor Eco resort with breakfast and lunch, topped off with dinner and beers with our new great friends at Monte's resort just up the beach from our anchorage. A very fitting end to our time here. We sure are going to miss this!

Days 109 to 123 Hamilton Island Race Week

Well..........WHAT A REGATTA!!!!
We had a fantastic time changing the pace up to do a great week of racing. Our home for the last few months was being transformed into a speed machine! The thought of this was a bit daunting at first, but thanks to a great team it wasn't a problem for us and Tania and I are greatfully appreciative for everyones help.
The UNREAL crew was all thanks to the following: Rick, Greg, Pete, Little Jim, The Don, Skolsie, Richie, Big Bruce, Mel and Katsie, Tania and Hayden. The boat went like a rocket and all had a fab time. Skill, strength, determination, persistance, guile and cunning got us through on the day to give some great results and a fun time. Many said that they have never seen the boat go so well. It was all too good to be true and it will take a long time for it to be topped by us. Thanks again to everyone!

http://www.topyachtsoftware.com/results/2008/hammo/series/cruz-spin/SGrp8.htm
The above link will take you to the series results, giving us a 5th in our division. As usual our handicap didn't do us any favours giving all boats but a 50ft carbon boat time at the start of the regatta. This was out of our control, so we just did our best and copped it on the chin.

Days 73 to 108 The Whitsundays

We are exploring all the magnificent offerings of this beautiful place. We are not heading any further north, so the remainder of our time until the Hamilton race week regatta will be spent here. Reception around the islands doesnt exist so i have been extremely slack keeping the blog up to date. When we return back to Airlie every 10 days or so, we are busy shopping, washing and getting prepared to head back out, so little attention has been paid to the blog.


We have been to most places, however you could spend years here checking out all the nooks and revisiting all the great spots already discovered. We have been to the following places......Stonehaven anchorage, Langford island and reef, Blue pearl bay off Hayman island, Cid harbour, South Molle island, Whitehaven beach, Hill inlet, Chance bay, Tongue bay, Border island, Hook passage, Nara inlet, Butterfly bay, Luncheon bay, Manta ray bay and Long island resort. And..........We still have plenty to discover!


Days are spent relaxing, walking, swimming, diving, snorkeling, eating, talking, exploring and being amazed! We have seen 10's of whales,100's of turtles, 1000's of bareboats and 10000's of backpackers! The first lot pleasant to discover and the later harder to loose. Time in the afternoons can be spent with the bino's keeping a sharp lookout for approaching boats. They tend to swoop in at last light and party hard until the wee hours of the morning. It has taken some time, but we do know where not to go now.

The weather has been FANTASTIC! Most days are just perfect. We have had a few blows with the last one a hum dinga. Gusts of 48 kts were seen whilst we were parked at the marina. Others were doing it tough with a few mayday calls going out over the VHF radio. Much better where we are!

Day 72, Depart for Airlie Beach

Well........what a stuff up. We have run out of gas on the boat. With all the excitement in leaving Mackay, I forgot to fill up the bottles. So it is time to pull up the pick and head for all the action at Airlie. The breeze was up around the 20-25kt level so it was quite a quick sail through the Whitsunday passage, between long and sth Molle islands, past shute harbour and around Pioneer rocks and up the bay to Airlie. We were to spend the next few days in Airlie doing all the choirs and getting ready to head out to all the islands.

Days 69 to 71, Thomas island

Kicking back on Thomas island was very very relaxing. We were hanging around as long as possible so as to avoid the crowds further north. Thomas is just far enough south to keep all the bareboats away. We only had the pleasure of 1 other boat in the bay with us, however we had the entire beach to ourselves.

An umbrella was set up with a few chairs and this was to be the spot for the entire day. A few supplies were brought to shore to keep us going for the day including some very refreshing beverages. We were in paradise! The most energetic thing performed was walking down to the water for a cool down swim. Unfortunatley, we had to return to base when all the beer and the bottle of gin was gone to keep our fluids up. The tide had also come in and we were sitting in a foot of water. It would have been too much effort to move camp in the condition we were in.

Days 66 to 68, Goldsmith island

We sailed late yesterday afternoon to Goldsmith island, a small run of about 10 miles. The island has 2 very peasant bays on its northern side offering good protection. The first bay has a little nook in the reef in which you tuck the boat into to get away from any swell wrapping around the point. This proved a little difficult to define, so we ended up in the next bay.

We have a fair amount of fringing reef around the bay and it proved to be quite good snorkeling. It was a great surprise for Hayden and I to find a lobster in about 4m of water under a small ledge.

The sunsets just keep getting better and better! This can be our highlight of the day. Kicking back in the cockpit of the boat, having a nice red wine or 2, waiting to see what is dished up. Nothing special, but a very special time.

Days 63 to 65, Brampton island

The resort at Brampton isnt very yachtie friendly so we spent little time in there. Most of our days was taken up doing the spectacular walks on the island. We walked the island loop the first day, which was a 9 klm circuit. Discovery of several southern facing bays and beautiful bush senery, varying from big hoop pines to maiden hair ferns. A very worthwhile walk.

The next day we took the walk up to Brampton Peak. A moderately steep walk and Hayden found it challenging. He was most upset if we opted to continue past a rest stop. The view was Awesome and well worth the effort! A height of 219m was reached which is much higher than my usual height of being flat on my back.

We also met a couple, Andy and Donine who had travelled on there boat Rose, from Alaska. It had taken them 5 years to reach Australia and were in their second season. As they pointed out, their boat is Much tougher than them and i think this applies to most.

Day 62, Mackay to Brampton island

A pleasant sail for 14 miles in good following conditions put us in Brampton island easily. We were unable to head out to Scawfell island, but hopefully we can pick it up on the way home. It was great to leave the marina behind us and to save some money by not buying 7 icecreams a day for the little one.

Days 55-61, Mackay

Repairs are being made on the winch and we are taking in the sights of Mackay.
Thursday was pull apart the winch day.
Friday check out the marina and relax day.
Saturday we ventured in and around town on the bus and by foot.
Sunday was spent at the botanic gardens with a relaxing stroll and refreshments at the cafe.
Monday was a shopping day for Tania whilst i did boat cleaning duties.
Tuesday was a lazy day around the marina.
Wednesday was a marina wall walk day and start of winch assembly. As well we had a beautiful indian meal at the yacht club and watched a bad game of footy. (Qld won again!)
Most days at 5pm you could find us at the bay with happy hour drinks and bad sailing conversation with the other travelling yachties.
Too many days here, but things could be worse!



They breed them big around here. This little 37m superyacht dropped in from England. "Unbelievable"