The repair on our holding tank for engine went well, the welder used silver solder and managed a successful weld on the copper neck. That was Saturday morning and I installed the tank immediately, checked every thing out and we then got under way by 2pm hoping to get to Great Keppel island tomorrow afternoon.
The winds were a bit on the light side so it was slow sailing, we motored a bit and sailed abit and then about midnight the wind switched around so it was on the nose. It was a pitch black night, no moon and cloudy. We motored a bit more and then more sailing and then sailed slowly most of next day but could not make the island before dark. As we neared Great Keppel to try and anchor in the dark the wind switched back to the north which is unusual for this time of year. A North wind makes this anchorage dangerous and the wind picked up to 20 knots and rained started so we gave up on going in here and just kept going. It made for a long night as we thought we would be in bed by now. We kept going and late the next afternoon pulled into Port Clinton. There are few protected anchorages on this stretch of coast and this was one of them. It was not a really pretty spot but we were glad to get the hook down and rest.
The SW winds arrived next morning and we headed out after a lazy breakfast to catch the tide out of the entrance to port Clinton. We headed for Pearl bay only 5 miles away. Had a pleasant sail there and launched the dinghy to go ashore for a walk up and down the long beach. A beautiful place and perfect day.
We were up at 2:45AM to do the 50 miles to S Percy island next morning. After motoring for an hour the wind got up and we were soon sailing along nicely. Dolphins played of the bow for a while until they tired of our slow speed. We got some reading done, had a nap and enjoyed the relaxing sailing. We arrived at our anchorage in the late afternoon and dropped the hook of another great beach with time to go ashore for a walk.
The next morning we were off by 6:45am, not quite so early as yesterday. We were headed for The Island of Curlew which had been recommended to us by several people. We did not even start the engine this morning but sailed right off the anchor as no one was around to see us if we screwed up. The wind came up stronger than it has been and we soon had 2 reefs in main and we made a fast passage and dropped anchor in time for a late lunch.
Next morning it was another early start to get to Scawfell island 48 miles. Saw the big dipper in the sky for the first time since last year so must be getting closer to the equator. Had more good sailing today with winds behind us as usual. Often a beam reach or sailing wing on wing with the head sail poled out.
Next stop was Lindeman island as we wanted to be close to the protected Cid harbour as the winds were suppose to come up to 30 knots for next few days. Next morning we left Lindeman and were soon down to our 3rd reef in main as we left the lee of the island. It was very rough steep seas and we healed right over in the strong winds. Not relaxing sailing today, hand steered all the way in the gusty winds. It was a fast passage to Cid harbour on Whitsunday island. These islands are the most popular with sailors on the east coast. We went ashore later and climbed the 450 meter Whitsunday peak witch had fantastic views from the top. The next morning we headed across the channel and to Airlie Beach 15 miles away. We were getting gale force winds at times and had a rough ride over. My hand held wind instrument had a steady 30 to 35 knots with some 40 knots. We did 6 to 8 knots all the way across with 3 reefs in and a bit of genoa out for balance, which is fast for our steel boat. Airlie beach has a good protected anchorage though a bit bouncy in the strong winds as we were out a bit far. We now got our first Internet in a week and made a trip to shore for fresh food.
INFO
Anchorage in port Clinton about 160 miles beyond Bundaberg is good, nice you you can have the tide with you when entering though not necessary. We anchored in 28 ft at 22 32.542 150 45.322 Not a interesting spot nothing here. The next anchorage a Pearl bay 5 miles further is much nicer, not quite as protected, anchored in 16 ft at low tide at 22 26.634 150 43.985.
Next stop South Percy island is very nice as well, good anchorage in prevailing winds. Anchored in 28ft at 21 44.209 150 18.556 Had not Internet at the last 3 stops, got some at port Clinton.
Next stop Curlew island 29 miles away. This is a good anchorage and great spot. The chart plotter is off quite abit here, the depths and bay is a lot bigger and deeper than chart plotter shows, use your eyes and depth sounder when entering, no problem, don't trust plotter. Anchored in 35ft at 21 35.545 149 47.781E.
Scawfell 48 miles away is great also anchored in 30 ft at 20 51.623 149 35.946
Lindeman was next stop, Shaw probably better and has Internet I hear, but we went here to be close to Cid Harbour for next stop as winds coming up also wanted to do a hike. Note Shaw and Lindeman are part of the renowned Whitsudnay Islands. It got bouncy during night as wind came up should have been into bay a bit more. Anchored at 30 ft at 20 26.057 149 01.620 We went ashore and did a hike up Mt Oldfield as needed the exercise.
Next did the 15 miles to Cid Harbour on Whitsunday island and was well protected in the strong winds. We anchored in 30 ft 20 15.684 148 56.460. We did the hike up mt Whitsunday a 2 hour round trip. No Internet here, almost but not quite work.
Next stop Airlie Beach 15 miles away. Anchored in 18 ft at 20 15.542 148 43.131 good Internet here and shopping.
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