Logbooks:
Sydney - Whitsundays 2016
Bait Reef, The Great Barrier Reef
| Date: | Oct. 9, 2016, 12:32 p.m. |
| Position: | 19 47.94 S, 149 4.22 E |
Perfect weather, low tide was at 0930hrs and was a sunny clear day. Upon arrival, we cruised up and down past the lagoon entrance waiting for one of approximately 10 moorings to come free and we did not have to wait for long.
Once inside and comfortable on our mooring, we made haste to get into the water for some serious snorkelling play on this magnificent reef. As soon as I hit the water, a large black Trevally was directly under the boat and very curious to see what was happening. We spent the next 2 hours in the water, seeing the most amazing corals and a multitude of different fish species.
As beautifull as the weather was, it was amazing that more boats were not visiting this incredible reef. As a consequence, the mooring was ours to spend the entire day, and night. An incredible sunset over calm seas bid farewell to this amazing day.
Blue Pearl Bay Snorkeling
| Date: | Oct. 5, 2016, 12:28 p.m. |
| Position: | 20 2.57 S, 148 52.84 E |
Snorkelling in Blue Pearl Bay, a fantastic day!
Nara Inlet - Blue Pearl Bay - Nara Inlet
| Date: | Oct. 2, 2016, 4:41 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 2.64 S, 148 52.82 E |
Went to Blue Pearl Bay for some snorkelling, really fantastic coral here. Looked a bit goofy in our stinger suits, but better safe than sorry! Stayed overnight on a mooring, and made our way back to Nara Inlet in the morning
Macona Inlet to Nara Inlet
| Date: | Oct. 1, 2016, 4:30 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 8.29 S, 148 54.68 E |
Explored the Ngaro caves to see the Aboriginal art work today and caught up with Richard and Dawn from Por Dos (WWSA Lady, also anchored up with them at Garry's anchorage in the Great Sandy straits). We met up in the tenders and had a pleasant hour or so just drifting south towards their boat and chatting.
The following day, we whilst at Nara inlet, we kayaked to the waterfall. A BBQ was had for dinner and G & T's for sundowners. Colin and Sharma arrive and anchor up just up from us.
Sunday, 2nd October - Cabin Ransacked! Invaded by Sulphur Crested Cockatoos!
Turtle Bay to Macona Inlet
| Date: | Sept. 30, 2016, 7:04 a.m. |
| Track to here: | Download |
Wedding anniversary! Spent the day exploring and Kayaking.
Whitehaven to Turtle Bay via Solway Passage
| Date: | Sept. 28, 2016, 4:58 p.m. |
| Position: | 20 18.54 S, 149 2.25 E |
Transited the Solway passage at 1500 hrs @high tide and found the pass to have slack water, a pleasant transit!
Whitehaven Beach
| Date: | Sept. 27, 2016, 6:53 a.m. |
| Track to here: | Download |
CID Harbour to Whitehaven beach via the Hook Passage. My new Surfer Joe's get a workout on the white sands of Whitehaven beach - Thanks Peter Wilson!
We both get on the beach for a walk and a swim it these magnificent turquoise waters. BBQ snags for dinner, logged 19 miles today, all motoring.
Sawmill Bay, Whitsunday Island
| Date: | Sept. 26, 2016, 6:43 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 15.70 S, 148 56.44 E |
I arrived back at Hamilton Island after seeing Dad out of hospital and back home on the road to recovery. Today, we visit Bruce and linda from 3rd Wish for 2nd breakfast and also meet Bruces brother Mark, and his wife Linda. 3rd wish departed for the marina at hamilton, while we set off to CID harbour and anchor at Sawmill Bay.
I kayaked over to Sawmill beach and find the start of the track to the Whitsunday lookout. That night, we counted in excess of 40 boats in the anchorage, though everybody has plenty of room.
Hamilton Island
| Date: | Sept. 16, 2016, 12:10 p.m. |
| Position: | 20 20.77 S, 148 56.91 E |
We checked into Hamilton Island marina so Jemma could organise her day trip/dive out to the reef (on Saturday the 17th), and so Sonja could finally get off the boat to exercise her injured knee.
We caught up with Col (from the Atwood Eagle) and his wife Sharma and had a nice time with them, exploring the various nice spots on the island.
Jemma flew home on Sunday the 18th, I also flew home with her as Dad was in hospital following a mild heart attack. Sonja will remain at Hamilton Island to keep an eye on Singita.
Stonehaven Bay (Hook Island) - Chance Bay (Whitsunday island
| Date: | Sept. 15, 2016, 10:14 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 18.59 S, 149 2.31 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Dumbell Island, Whitehaven beach Updates soon!
Airlie Beach to Stonehaven Bay, Hook Island
| Date: | Sept. 13, 2016, 10:10 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 6.08 S, 148 54.12 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Updates coming soon!
CID HARBOUR - AIRLIE BEACH
| Date: | Sept. 12, 2016, 10:04 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 15.68 S, 148 43.45 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Sinking of the trailer sailer ODEA MARINER!! Provisioning, sailing club memberships and beers at sunset.
Shaw island - Hamilton Island - CID Harbour
| Date: | Sept. 11, 2016, 9:58 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 15.58 S, 148 56.51 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
The arrival of daughter Jemma! Updates coming soon. Shaw island - Dent passage (Hamilton island) - Sawmill bay (CID Harbour)
Brampton island - Shaw Island
| Date: | Sept. 10, 2016, 9:53 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 29.74 S, 149 3.31 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Departed this morning at 0700hrs and arrived at Shaw Island at 1200hrs. More Humpback whale sightings along our route, 3 groups with calves. The weather was initially overcast then fined up for a great afternoon of exploring on the Hobie Kayak. Sonja unfortunately was not able to get off the boat due to her injured knee.
Scawfell - Brampton Island
| Date: | Sept. 9, 2016, 9:49 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 47.93 S, 149 15.93 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
After spending two nights at Scawfell Island, we set off at 0640hrs into calmer weather, forecasted as an easterly wind 10-15 knots and seas around one meter. Actual conditions were E-SE at 5 knots, calm seas around 1/2 a meter.
Todays route to Brampton Island is via the Cumberland channel, and the route held the promise of more Humpback whale sightings. We were not disappointed.
We arrived at the Brampton Island anchorage at 1115hrs, todays engine run time was 4-1/2 hours.
We met the islands resort caretaker, Steve, who gave us a quick spiel on the resorts history (closed since 2011 due to the world financial crisis). He also gave us a crash course in coconut de husking, and we enjoyed some beautiful firm coconut flesh and milk. Lovely.
That afternoon, we took the tender into the beach to have a sundowner or two with Steve on the beach with a nice bonfire burning. On getting back into the tender to go back out to Singita, Sonja unfortunately wrenched her knee and is in a fair bit of pain.
Middle Percy - Scawfell Island
| Date: | Sept. 7, 2016, 9:16 a.m. |
| Position: | 20 51.67 S, 149 36.00 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Departed West Bay at 0600hrs, reefed main set, poled out head sail and motoring. logged on with coast guard Thirsty Sound on channel 80 (after 0800hrs as they were not open before that.
At 0810hrs, had to take avoiding action for a Humpback whale that cut across our bow. Need to keep a good watch around here!
1100hrs, position 21 12.51S, 149 51.02E, SOG 7 knots, COG 324 degrees tru, wind SE 18 knots apparent (25 knots true), easterly swell, 2-3 meters.
Gusts up to 35 knots true were encountered and swell picking up to 4 meters. Much excitement and reefing going on!
Surfing down waves and high speed over ground, highest noted was 11.1 knots. the auto helm was having trouble in the conditions, so spent the next couple of hours on the helm.Arrived at Refuge bay, Scawfell Island at 1500 hours. Average trip speed today, 7.0 knots
A two masted schooner, Freedom, that we first saw in Manley (Brisbane) and then again crossing Wide Bay bar and at Garry's anchorage - has arrived here this afternoon. He had great trouble getting his CQR anchor to set. Got to feel sorry for him, he was still mucking around just before dark. Our Rocna set first go, no problems. Planning on sitting out the feisty weather here for a couple of days. Engine run time today, 2 hours.
Good holding and shelter from strong SE trade winds, be aware of bullets of wind flying down into the bay however
Pearl Bay - Middle Percy Island
| Date: | Sept. 4, 2016, 9:14 a.m. |
| Position: | 21 39.15 S, 150 14.67 E |
Departed Pearl Bay at 0820 hrs, main sail set and motoring while we made some water with the water maker and did some battery charging. Swell was around one meter, seas 1-1.5 meters and getting good tidal assistance making 7-7.5 knots SOG (speed over ground), course over ground 328 degrees true, heading 327 degrees magnetic.
Position @ 1021hrs, 22 12.79S, 150 36.95E
Position @ 1112hrs, 22 06.72S, 150 33.11E SOG 7.6 knots, COG 331 degrees true, abeam Cheviot Island 6-7 miles to starboard.
1309 hrs, SOG 7.3 knots, COG 320 degrees true, position 22 55.11S, 150 24.28E
1400 hours, speed dropping to between 5.3 - 5.6 knots. In the interest of making West Bay (Middle Percy) before sunset, we put the engine back on. Fishing with a lure out, got a good strike, but lost the rig unfortunately.
1420hrs, motor sailing at 6.8 knots SOG. Arrived at west Bay @1615 hours. Average trip speed, 7.12 knots.
We stayed here at West Bay until the 7th September.
During our time here, I made a nice walk up to the homestead and met Kate, the current lease holder of the Island. She offered me a nice cup of tea and we had a chat about the Islands history, very entertaining and a nice lady. They get mobile phone signal up at the homestead, a little sketchy at times, but as they have a decent antenna, you gan get the weather for the upcoming 7 days from them.
We had a go at leaving on the 6th for Scawfell Island, as we were getting sick of the SE swell rolling around the Island and into west Bay, however, the conditions were a bit too feisty, so we deemed it prudent to return to west Bay and put up with the rolling for another day.
The next morning, on the 7th, we got up at about 0500 to get ready for an early departure. We heard rather than saw, a helicopter flying pretty close to the island, then we saw a search light stab out of the darkness in the direction of Pine Islet. This is the story (we did not find out this out until later in the day), the yacht Banshe, a 12 meter vessel, was anchored up with us in West Bay during our stay here on the Island. Apparently, he had been here for about a week, and he too, must have been sick of the rolling in this Bay. He decided to leave and head south sometime around midnight. God knows why, because there was a decent south easterly blowing, somewhere around the 20-25 knot mark. The story is, that his headsail blew out and ended up over the side, then fouled his propeller and subsequently, blew onto Pine Islet where his yacht was wrecked. He spent the night very cold and wet, in a cave, until he was winched to safety, later that morning. We heard some of this drama on the VHF whilst we were sailing for Scawfell Island.
Port Clinton - Pearl Bay
| Date: | Sept. 3, 2016, 9:09 a.m. |
| Position: | 22 26.61 S, 150 43.97 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
We departed Port Clinton (south arm) at 1215pm for Pearl bay, tide 3.4 meters and falling with low water at 1640hrs today, and high water at 2251hrs.
We averaged 6.5 kts SOG until we left the creek, then our speed dropped to 3.5 - 4 knots due to a southern set from the outgoing tide from Shoalwater Bay.
Arrived at Pearl Bay @ 1437hrs, engine run time, 2.5 hours. Northern breeze, 5-7 knots, 1018 Hpa.
Pearl Bay was a beautiful anchorage, clear skies and a gentle northerly breeze. After a relaxing afternoon and some debate as to weather or not we should make for Island Head creek (to shorten our transit time to Middle Percy Island tomorrow), we eventually decided to stay here for the night and make for Middle Percy in the morning.
GKI - Port Clinton
| Date: | Sept. 1, 2016, 9:04 a.m. |
| Position: | 22 39.89 S, 150 45.45 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
This morning we departed GKI for Port Clinton at 0700 and logged on with Great Keppel Sands, who advised we log off prior to entering Port Clinton due to poor coverage because of high terrain. For the first couple of hours, we were motor sailing with main and genoa set, then at 0930 we set the gennaker and had a pleasant sail for a little over an hour in a light NE breeze of 7-8 knots. Pretty tight on the wind, but achieved reasonable speeds of 5-6 knots.
1100 hours, dropped the genre and put the engine back on.
1200 hours, position 22 42.3S 150 48.9E, SOG 5.7 knots, COG 348T, depth 33 meters, lots of brown reef spawn? in the water.
1330 hours, position 22 35.0S, 150 48.9E SOG 4.6 knots. The tide was running against us at 1-2 knots from Port Clinton. COG 340T. Quoin Island ahead to port, 1 Nm.
1412 hours, off Port Clinton, logged off with GK Sands. We anchored under Mt Flinders, in 8 meters of water. At low tide, we were in approx. 4.5 meters of water, it appeard we were close to the sand bar and shallows, but the tide running in and out ensured we stayed in the deeper water. Holding here is good.
Yellow patch - Great Keppel Island
| Date: | Aug. 31, 2016, 8:59 a.m. |
| Position: | 23 9.72 S, 150 57.13 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Off to Great Keppel Island today, weighed anchor at 0730 at high tide and made our way out of yellow patch via the same track that we used on the way in yesterday. The minimum water depth we saw was 3 meters, so all good!
Todays forecast was for Easterlies, 10-15 knots decreasing to 10 knots throughout the day, seas below 1 meter, swell easterly 1 - 1.5 meters.
Some cloudy weather today, winds were lighter than forecast so we motor sailed to GKI, arriving at 1230 hours.
Pancake Creek - Cape Capricorn (Yellow Patch)
| Date: | Aug. 30, 2016, 6:40 p.m. |
| Position: | 23 30.34 S, 151 13.20 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Sad to be leaving Col and Dini after a great time cruising together. They will stay for a while longer before heading to Gladstone, then onto GKI via the narrows. After a stay there, it will be getting close to the time that Dini must fly back to Tasmania for work.
We departed the head of the creek at 0715 hrs. 1015 hrs position 23 49.8 S, 151 30.4 E COG 295 degrees magnetic, SOG (speed over ground) 5.7 knots, motor sailing, goose winged sail configuration. Water maker run for two hours. 12 large ships anchored outside the Gladstone fairway, so threading our way through!
We decided to rig the gennaker after a while and today was one of those days where nothing went right, much swearing and cursing on the foredeck as I struggled with this big sail on a heaving yacht due to the swell. We arrived at Capricorn at 1500 hrs, and proceeded to anchor up for the night. Big mistake, this anchorage is a devil of a place in any kind of swell from the south, as it wraps around the point and made us very uncomfortable! After an hour or so, we received a call on the VHF from a guy anchored up in yellow patch. He had seen us rolling gunnel to gunnel almost and offered to give us instruction and a guide to get Singita into Yellow patch. We had to wait for the incoming tide to be +2.0 meters, as at low tide, this area dries out completely.
As daylight was soon to be getting short, we got moving to the agreed waypoint (where we were to meet old mate). On the way over, there was barely enough water, with us slightly skimming over the sand and feeling the odd bump or two. After following these two guys in there large aluminium tenders, they guided us in to the deep channel that leads to Yellow patch, and we anchored up in 7.5 meters of water on a rising tide. Tidal range today was 3.5 meters. We appreciated the help greatly as we would have had a hell of a night of the point at Capricorn due to excessive rolling.
Bundaberg to Pancake Creek
| Date: | Aug. 26, 2016, 11:02 a.m. |
| Position: | 24 1.85 S, 151 44.55 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Departed Bundy at 0530 (weighed anchor) Pancake Creek - what a lovely place! We departed the heads outside the Burnett river at 0600 hours and set course at 0610. Todays wind is WSW 15-20 knots.
Position @ 1015 hrs 24 21.8 S, 152 06.4 E SOG 7 knots, COG 300 degrees magnetic.
Position @ 1245 hrs off 1770 and Agnes waters 24 09.53 S, 151 55.6 E SOG 6.7 its and COG 313 degrees magnetic. Motor sailing.
Sailing in company with FreeSpirit (Col and Dini) and a Catamaran, One more day (a WASA lady)
Arrived in the creek at 1445 hours.
This is a fantastic place, we loved our time here. We spent our time here (5 days) entertaining ourselves with ukulele, eating, drinking (of course!), fishing and crabbing. Score for the week, one escaped flathead and one captured whiting!
The walk up to Bustard head lighthouse was amazing!
At the end of our time here, we sadly left Col and Dini from FreeSpirit as it was time we got moving up to the Whitsundays to meet daughter Jemma, who has finished her contact in London and is coming to visit us in the Whitsundays. 11 days to get there, better get moving!
Fraser Island - Station Hill to Bundaberg
| Date: | Aug. 21, 2016, 10:59 a.m. |
| Position: | 24 47.01 S, 152 23.10 E |
Well, time to refuel, re provision and get rid of much accumulated rubbish!! Col and Dini met up with us again in Bundaberg, very nice to see them, we have so much fun together!
We hired a cheap car ($50 per day) from Bundaberg car hire, he very kindly picked us up and dropped us off on cessation of the hire period. Highly recommended!
This stay was all about stocking up as our next retrovision will be in Airlie beach, the Whitsundays, as well as visiting the marina hard stand area, where we plan to place Singita on the hard stand in November, prior to heading for Perth.
Fraser Island - Arch cliffs to Station Hill
| Date: | Aug. 18, 2016, 10:51 a.m. |
| Position: | 24 51.14 S, 153 11.10 E |
Col and Dini on FreeSpirit left us at Arch Cliffs as they had some electrical issues that needed sorting, so they took FreeSpirit over to Hervey Bay marina (Urangan) for repairs and some re provisioning.
Sonja and I continued north up the inside of Fraser Island, stopping at the Lagoon anchorage for some exploring by dinghy. To shallow for us, we stayed anchored well off while we took the tender into the lagoon. The tide was rushing out while we were in there, thus limiting our exploring time. We were also trying to find any provided bins (Alan Lucas in his guide suggested there were campsites and bins here), but alas, we found neither.
After lunch, we then made our way up to Rooney Point (north western corner of the island) but, found it a bit exposed from the prevailing easterly wind. So, we made our way east a little and settled on a comfortable anchorage at Station Hill.
We stopped here until the 21st, where we enjoyed numerous whale spotting experiences, with at least on one occasion, a mother and calf swam over to our boat (drifting off Station Hill, approx. 500 meters from shore in 14 meters of water) and proceeded to check us out, very slowly like, and even swam under the yacht a couple of times, from one side to the other. Amazing!
While here, we encountered some electrical problems of our own, the starter circuit relay for the main engine failing. After jury rigging in a temporary switch to get us going, it was time to make our way over to Bundaberg for fuel, provisions and getting rid of stacks of rubbish! (all accumulated since leaving Manly, Brisbane)
Fraser island - South White Cliffs to Arch Cliffs
| Date: | Aug. 17, 2016, 10:47 a.m. |
| Position: | 25 7.21 S, 153 6.46 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
We left South White Cliffs to complete our passage through the great sandy straights and into Hervey Bay proper, to Arch cliffs.
Departed at 0700 hours, arrived at Arch Cliffs at 1440 hours, distance logged for this journey 44 nautical miles, our route taking us in between Pearl Bank and Fork Bank, before entering Hervey Bay. Once in the bay, the sailing was great, but unfortunately involved some tacking to get into Arch Cliffs (by choice, of course we could have had the engine going!)
Col and Dini on Free Spirit were already anchored when we arrived. We found the anchorage a little rolly, however, cured that with the deploying of the flopper stopper.
Fraser Island - Garry's anchorage to South White Cliffs
| Date: | Aug. 16, 2016, 10:40 a.m. |
| Position: | 25 31.27 S, 152 58.36 E |
Well, I did not have many notes in my hand written log for this section, so here goes from memory!
South white cliffs was a decent, if deep, anchorage, where the holding was good. The depth of water we anchored in was 12-15 meters, so the best part of 60 meters of chain was deployed. Colin and Dini (Free Spirit) were also anchored up with us, and we had another crack at setting the crab pots to see what could be achieved!
When I woke in the morning, there was no sign of the crab pots! It appears the tide swept them away during the night!
After searching with the binoculars, I could see in the distance my fluorescent green float, approximately 500 meters to the south. So, after paddling the kayak over to retrieve said pot, it returned one female blue swimmer (thrown back) and a just size male which we kept for the future (in the freezer!).
Double island point to Gary's Anchorage, via Wide Bay Bar
| Date: | Aug. 13, 2016, 11:27 a.m. |
| Position: | 25 37.75 S, 152 58.43 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
I'm a little late posting my update on this particular leg of the journey, but here goes, I will need a few memory joggers from my written log!
We departed Double Island Point at a gentlemanly 1030 hours for the Wide Bay Bar crossing and into the Great Sandy Straights inside of Fraser Island. We were in company with our good friends Col and Dini from Freespirit (Tasmania). Earlier we contacted Tin Can bay coast guard and obtained via text message, the latest latitude and longitude of the approach points for the best entrance to cross the bar. They are as follows.
Waypoint 1 - 25 47.45 S, 153 08.4 E
Waypoint 2 - 25 47.22 S, 152 06.33 E
It was recommended by them that all vessels travel 100 meters north of this line due to the sand bar shifting northwards.
From waypoint 2, use a heading of 238 degrees true for the leads into Inskip point.
This worked well for us, never seeing anything less that a depth of 5 meters. We made the crossing at approximately 2 hours before high tide, as recommended. The swell was as forecasted at 0.5 to 1 meter.
Several yachts made the crossing with no sails set and seemed to roll from side to side quite heavily. We left our main sail out and had a better time of it. Good idea to have at least some sail set in case of engine trouble whilst in amongst what they call the 'mad mile'.
After the crossing, it was calm motor sailing in very pleasant conditions to Garry's anchorage.
Here is a story about the one that got away....
Col and Dini kindly donated a fish for me to bait the crab pot, so off I kayaked to set it and wait to see what I could catch. After a couple of hours, I checked the pot to find a nice mud crab in it. Excellent! So, as it was Col and Dini's bait, I gave them the mud crab to enjoy. They placed it in a tin bucket and began to look up recipes for chilli crab. When they went back up into the cockpit, they found the crab had gone! He had climbed out of the (pretty deep!) bucket and got into the cockpit, claimed over the side onto the main deck, and promptly made his way over the side into the water!
Well, sorry Col and Dini, but you have done your dash as minders of future mud crabs! Ha ha :), we have since named that crab, Harry Houdini.
Mooloolaba to Double Island point
| Date: | Aug. 12, 2016, 8:44 a.m. |
| Position: | 25 56.50 S, 153 10.00 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
After a bit of a wild night in the river, (Thunderstorm and strong winds, Col and Dini's Free Spirit dragged anchor, much mayhem!) we weighed anchor at 6am and left the river mouth for Double Island Point at 0620 hours.
The forecast for the day was SW-S winds, 10-15 knots. As soon as possible, we had the main sail set, Gennaker set and off we went for a lovely sail. There were several humpback whales to see, and quite a few other yachts sailing for the same destination.
We arrived at our destination in the afternoon around 3pm and anchored up in what we hope to be a favourable anchorage. So far so good!
Moreton Bay to Mooloolaba
| Date: | Aug. 8, 2016, 8:22 a.m. |
| Position: | 26 41.40 S, 153 7.30 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
When we left Moreton Bay Marina, we had a fantastic sail over to Tangalooma, the engine went off outside the marina and went back on at the anchorage, averaging 6.5 knots, loved it! Unfortunately, cannot say the same for the anchorage, we rolled like crazy all night, most uncomfortable. We weighed anchor as soon as it was light in the morning, and made our way up Moreton bay, via the north eastern passage.
We sailed in company with Col and Dini on Free Spirit (whom we had multiple Ukulele sessions with in the marina :)
Free Spirit came extremely close to a pair of Humpback whales, who breached almost directly ahead of them, it was a real sight to behold! Colin and Dini may have had some washing to do though after that (read brown undies, hah ha!)
Arriving in te Mooloolaba river went without incident, the only hazard to navigation was the dredge at the river mouth, which presented no problems. We made our way to the pond and found this to be a very pleasant anchorage.
Over the next few days, we caught up with an old work mate from the Atwood Eagle, Waggy and his wife Jill. We spent the day in there most excellent company and they drove us around, showing the sights of the Mooloolaba and Maroochydore region.
The four days we spent here were spent also with Col and Dini from Free Spirit, again having much fun with Ukulele sessions, meals and drinks together. Fantastic time.
Other happenings were having the fuel tank stolen from the tender whilst ashore, very inconvenient when you have to row back upwind to our boat! A good samaritan came along after 2-300 meters and offered us a tow, much appreciated!
Moreton Bay marina
| Date: | Aug. 5, 2016, 2:13 p.m. |
| Position: | 27 27.25 S, 153 11.35 E |
Due to a forecast potential east coast low, with southerly winds predicted to reach 40 knots, we decided to spend this period in the Manly boat harbour. We spent 3 nights here, and had a great time on two occasions catching up with our friends on Free Spirit (our old Jarkan 10.5) where we had a couple of dinners, and on one of those occasions, way to many drinks :) and played plenty of Ukulele tunes as well. Great fun was had.
The forecasted weather was not to bad here, sustained winds for a period of 15-20 knots with the occasional gust to 30 knots. Was probably a lot worse further out in the bay and off shore, so nice to be secure here anyway.
We plan to head off at high tide, tomorrow at midday, to Tangalooma (western side of Moreton Island, where we will spend the night, before heading off to Mooloolaba on Sunday.
Koureyabba to Peel island
| Date: | Aug. 2, 2016, 2:11 a.m. |
| Position: | 27 30.40 S, 153 21.40 E |
We awoke this morning to a beautifully calm anchorage, tide slowly running in. The yacht anchored behind us, a Catalina 44, 'Escapade' was also heading north up into Moreton Bay, Brian, the skipper, came over for a chat and discussions were had regarding water depths up the passage. As Brian had done the trip many times, we elected to make use of his local knowledge and follow his course up the channel. The tide was high at 1.8 meters and the lowest depth we saw was 2.9 meters.
There are numerous shifting sand bars here, and the recommended tracks according to Navionics, do not always come into play, although navigation is still within all the lateral marks. Both parties went very slow through the shallow sections just in case.
Upon exiting the passage, we were greeted with calm conditions in the bay, and easy motor up to Peel Island where we dropped anchor at Horseshoe bay in 6 meters of water.
Bums Bay, Southport to Canaipa passage, North Stradbroke Island
| Date: | Aug. 1, 2016, 8:44 a.m. |
| Position: | 27 42.10 S, 153 24.00 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
We upped anchor this morning to catch the incoming tide at 0630 hrs and motored our way up to Jumpinpin via Tipplers passage, where we dropped anchor and enjoyed a walk to the other side of South Stradbroke island to see the sea. The wildlife we encountered on this walk was a Brahminy Kite and plenty of little soldier crabs (in there thousands!).
After lunch and the just as the incoming tide made itself known, we weighed anchor and made our way from Jumpinpin to the Canaipa passage, to go up the western side of north Stradbroke Island. This journey, with the incoming tide, presented it's challenges, with us being stuck on sand bars on two occasions, first at the slipping sands (after extricating ourselves, thank you rising tide, we waited in deeper water for an hour to get some more water over the sand bar. Secondly, we also got stuck on another sand bar just before Koureyabba, our planned anchorage for the night.
Even though we stayed religiously in the marked channel, shifting sand bars played there share of havoc with us. Regardless, making this passage on an incoming tide saw us have no issues with getting off again. No harm, no foul!
We are now anchored at the coffee coloured cliffs on the western side of North Stradbroke Island at Koureyabba, in the Canaipa Passage.
For your own future reference, if you download our track, you will see the two areas we had trouble with the sand bars in the channel, they appear as a few loops, in two places.
Gold Coast, Bums Bay to Coomera
| Date: | June 29, 2016, 11:33 a.m. |
| Position: | 27 52.30 S, 153 20.07 E |
| Track to here: | Download |
Coomera is where we have hauled Singita out for maintenance and insurance repairs after the storm at Coffs Harbour. Updates coming soon!
Catherine Watts: Hope repairs go smoothly and quickly! My Father (currently sailing around the Pacific) occasionally works with Craig at Boatworks when he is passing through. Unfortunately he's not there now to look after you but it is a pretty good team there. All the best, Cat SV Tuuletar July 5, 2016, 8:57 p.m.
Scott Fleming: Thanks Cat, we finally got away from the boat yard with Singita all painted nicely, looking great. We are now on our way northwards again! So sorry to hear of your damage to Tuuletar, hope the repairs are going well also Cheers, Scott and Sonja Aug. 1, 2016, 8:43 a.m.
Add a commentByron Bay - Gold Coast
| Date: | June 22, 2016, 11:26 a.m. |
Updates coming soon
Yamba - Byron Bay
| Date: | June 22, 2016, 11:24 a.m. |
Update coming soon!
Yamba/Illuka - Cruising the Clarence River
| Date: | June 16, 2016, 11:22 a.m. |
Update coming soon! Here we cruised the Clarence river between the 16th and the 20th June.
Coffs Harbour to Yamba
| Date: | June 11, 2016, 11:19 a.m. |
| Track to here: | Download |
Updates coming soon!
We arrive in Coffs Harbour
| Date: | June 10, 2016, 10:15 a.m. |
As soon as my working month in Singapore was complete, I flew direct to Sydney where Sonja was waiting for me. Friday morning, we hopped on a Qantas flight and flew direct to Coffs to check Singita over and if all ok, we plan to get out of there and head for Yamba.
When we got to see her, it was apparent that the gel coat on the port side had received a fair bit of damage that would require a repair through insurance. After a dive underneath to check for any unseen damage, all appeared ok. I took the opportunity while under there to scrape the marine growth off the prop and the sail drive - time for a new application of prop speed!
Carnage in Coffs Harbour
| Date: | June 5, 2016, 12:01 p.m. |
| Position: | 30 18.20 S, 153 8.80 E |
East coast low strikes! I was in Singapore working, and Sonja was back in Perth. A very stressful time. Sonja contacted someone she knew at Coffs on the Saturday, and asked them to check our lines etc. to be sure Singita was secure. After tightening a few lines, all was good and ready for the east coast low to hit. What we didn't count on, was the poor state of the marina! During the night (early morning), the finger jetty we were tied to broke loose and flipped upside down, as well as drifting away into the fairway. It was only the quick thinking of some people who were also frantically trying to save their own boats, that saved Singita from a nasty fate on the southern breakwater! Kudo's to those guys and girls! Very quickly, Singita was moved over to the fuel jetty where at least she was safe. Work on this entry is ongoing.
Scott Fleming: These photos show Singita the day before the low struck, and the morning after, with the finger jetty flipped over and damaging her gel coat. It was lucky she was not lost on the southern breakwater, as she had drifted out into the channel. It was lucky that some people recovered her for us and relocated her to the fuel jetty, avoiding further damage. June 28, 2016, 12:10 p.m.
Add a commentPort Stephens to Coffs Harbour
| Date: | April 14, 2016, 10:48 a.m. |
| Position: | 30 18.52 S, 153 9.10 E |
We stayed the night in Shoal Bay, having left Soldiers Point marina in the afternoon, covering the 6 mile to Shoal Bay for an early AM departure in the morning. I wish we hadn't really, damn uncomfortable rolly night was had!
We departed Port Stephens for the trip to Coffs Harbour, planning an overnight sail of 164 miles. Big trip! Average speed for the trip was 5.4 kts and the trip duration was 30 hours. It was an uncomfortable trip due to an annoying easterly swell that accompanied the southerly swell. Coupled with this, overnight we had issues with the auto pilot, deciding he wanted a mind of his own!
It was a relief to be finally at Coffs Harbour, as it was a demanding overnight sail. Sloppy conditions were the norm.
The entrance into Coffs was without incident, however there was a large swell to follow us in through the breakwater, impressive, but of no concern, as it was only a large rolling swell, well spaced. Plenty of depth as we came in, approximately 5 meters at the most shallow point.
Whilst in Coffs Harbour, we caught up with a work mate from the Eagle, Tony Moore. Tony took us out sightseeing for a couple of days, thoroughly enjoyable. When I remember some of the places we visited, I will edit this entry!
Distance logged, 164 Nm
Newcastle - Port Stephens
| Date: | April 2, 2016, 8:49 a.m. |
| Position: | 32 41.12 S, 152 10.78 E |
Well, a lot has happened since arriving in Newcastle, we only stayed overnight in the marina and then had a pleasant sail up the coast, past the Stockton Bight and into Port Stephens. Whilst there, we caught up with our new cruising friends Bruce and Linda McKenzie on 3rd Wish.
Our first evening in, we stayed at Jimmy's beach where we met a WA couple, Eva and Brian Oldfield on Zophia. We had a fun evening with them as well as Bruce and Linda and had a BBQ and a few beers. Over the next few days we spent time in Fame Cove, a very quite anchorage with about six moorings, and sheltered from all directions other than a westerly. During our time in Port Stephens (5 days), we had an old mate from the teenage years come up to visit, Steve Whale and his wife Catherine.
Steve towed up his little ski boat, an absolute cracker fitted with a Holden 202 red motor. We had a fun day out in this, getting absolutely soaked! Good fun!
Well, all good things must come to an end, so once again, on April 7th, it was time to go back to work to pay for all things boat!
Distance logged, 28 Nm
Broken Bay - Newcastle
| Date: | Feb. 28, 2016, 10:19 a.m. |
| Position: | 32 54.60 S, 151 45.60 E |
Finally the northerlies are over, at least for a few days, and a 10-15 knot south easterly is forecast, along with a 1.5-2 meter easterly swell. Time to move. Departure from Coasters Retreat.
Conditions were fairly light, with the breeze being somewhat less than what the BOM forecasted. So, it was a pleasant motor sail up to Newcastle. There was a visit from the dolphins etc. and otherwise, was a pretty uneventful trip. In places we experienced an opposing current (from the east Australian current) but it came and went, but we still stayed as close to the coast as was safe to do so.
So, we organised a berth at the NCYC, $55 per night and very good service when we arrived. Time for a beer.
Distance logged, 50 Nm
Ettalong beach
| Date: | Feb. 24, 2016, 10:07 a.m. |
| Position: | 33 31.08 S, 151 20.11 E |
Today, we took a break from Coasters retreat, to check out the Brisbane waters area, Ettalong beach. We came into the channel at just before high tide, the minimum depth we saw under the keel was 2.2 meters and otherwise, we just had to be careful over the selection of the moorings as the spring tides were on and the tidal range was just not there as far as a safe depth for Singta's 2 meter draft was concerned.
The police mooring however was in 4 meters of water and was fine for us, so we feigned windlass issues and stayed overnight on this mooring. Maritime seemed fine with this, as the time allowance for this sort of situation is up to 24 hours.
We were very impressed with Ettalong beach, it afforded plenty of opportunity for beach walks etc. as well as good access to provisioning (IGA within walking distance) and a fuel station within 15minutes walk.
Back to the boat. Having had a nice early beach walk, we lost the tender after it must have been swamped by the ferry and drifted off down stream with the incoming tide. A long unplanned run and a swim later, dinghy recovered! Better set an anchor next time....
Leaving Sydney
| Date: | Feb. 17, 2016, 12:01 a.m. |
| Position: | 33 51.36 S, 151 19.91 E |
After spending the night at Rose bay on a courtesy mooring, we finally got under way. As in the Sydney - Pittwater - Sydney log book, our departure from Sydney was hindered by electrical problems (alternator and house batteries etc.), but never mind, we finally got underway, into a fair old swell leaving the Sydney heads and a southerly breeze of 20 and up to 25 knots in the gusts.
A fairly boisterous sail up to Broken bay, where we plan to pick up the new house batteries from the electrician at RPAYC and then wait for the return of the southerlies as tomorrow, brisk northerlies are forecast.
We spent the next few days at Coasters retreat, a relaxing time was had.
