Nords Wharf

Now anchored at Nords Wharf, but not out the front of our house of course, and catching up with friends. My mobile number is 0437821206.

Lake Macquarie - home!

This journey started in Kota Kinabalu in July when Liz and the girls joined me after I put the boat back in the water after it sat waiting in the shipyard in Kudat for many months. The first two months saw us, as a family (as it always should be) sail around Sabah then across most of Indonesia and down to Darwin.

From there I sailed Reflections to Cairns on my own, experiencing all that solo sailing in contrary condition could have to offer. From Cairns I had the company of young travellers and without their knowledge of how good the conditions really were, ripped down the east cost of Australia.

So now I am back where we started from. I feel pleased that I was able to deliver her back here safely and intact. Now I wait to be reunited with my girls in December.

Love to all who read this...

Esmeralda Cove, Broughton Island

The wind and current has really pushed us along, with the boat sitting on 9-11 knots for a lot of the last 24 hours. I wanted to arrive at Swansea entrance at first light but the extra speed has put us too close so I decided to anchor here for the night and then arrive at the entrance for the higher early afternoon tide.

The strong northerly wind may make the bar a bit of a hazard, so its best to pick a better tide in full daylight.

Looking forward to a full nights sleep.

Hard to believe that tomorrow Reflections IV will be back in Lake Macquarie after leaving in April 2000. I so wish Liz and the girls were with me to do this final run home.

Passing Cape Byron

Half way from Bundy to Swansea!

After the lumpy start motor sailing out across Hervey Bay we found, in 200+ metre deep water, the south setting current and turned south to find an easterly wind around 15-20 knots and away we went. And that's been the story ever since. Sailing the boat slowly with the cutter and full main we've averaged 6.5 knots since leaving Bundaberg.

Being 25 miles offshore and in deep water the sea/swell has been gentle and the boat is moving very comfortably. The current has picked as we pass the eastern most point of the coast and the boat has been doing 8-10 knots for the last six hours.

The forecast looks good for continuing through to Lake Macquarie (the finish line!)and ETA is sometime on Monday.

Off Fraser Island and hunting the EAC

Left Bundaberg early (4am) this morning and headed out across Hervey Bay in less than ideal conditions but a tolerable 15 knot easterly wind that we motor-sailed out and over Sandy Cape hunting for deep water, smoother seas, and warm water that is the tell tale of the East Australia Current that set south and may give us a an extra knot or two.

I seem to remember the 100 fathom line (200m deep) is the sweet spot. I downloaded a thermal image from the weather bureau web site and that seems to match up. Still motor sailing now, moving easterly away from the tip of Fraser Island. Soon will turn south and follow a way-point off Cape Byron. If the weather forecast holds true will we have a bumpy ride down to the NSW border and then get a more northerly wind from there on.

I have one crew, Michael, who did the run from Airlie Beach.

Hoping this will be the final leg.

Bundaberg

All afternoon and most of the evening gave us 15-20 knots of N-NW wind and we ran downwind with the headsail poled out and holding 8-9 knots. This put Bundaberg clearly in our sights and we reached the leads of the Burnett river at 2:30am.
Coming in at night was relativity easy with clear navigation aids. All the port and starboard lights are synchronised to flash together, giving a real airport landing strip effect. We found many boats at anchor around the Port Bundaberg Marina and we anchored just out of the main channel and had a nice calm sleep for the rest of the night.
My two german crew, Denise and Birta, have left the boat and Michael intends to stay with me through to Newcastle. The girls were absolutely thrilled when a pod of dolphins came to the bow just on dark and stayed for ages. With Reflections really surging the water away and pushing the bow down at eight knots, the dolphins were almost in touching distance.
The expected southerly change came through with gusto and dumped lots of rain. I was able to fill my water tanks, saving a trip to a jetty. Really noticing the temperature falling as I continue south. The strong southerly winds now blowing will keep me here for three or four days at least.

Just out of reach of Fraser Islamd

Since leaving Airlie Beach we've had a good run without any stops. The wind has been mostly Northe East or Easterly and around 10-15 knots. Everyone on board seems happy and the first day upset stomachs seem to have settled.

Our first night took us past Hay Point Coal terminal and we sailed through the large fleet of anchored ships. The crew performed well, waking me at the right time as we approached a ship.

A southerly change is due on Monday morning and at our current pace we will just fall short of reaching the protection of Sandy Cape before the change comes through. The plan is to head to 1770 and probably head into there. With a stiff sea breeze we may go a bit further and go into Bundaberg.

The girls want to visit Fraser Island, so they will probably get off at the next port.

Leaving Airlie Beach with 3 crew

Just left Airlie Beach this morning with Michael, Birta and Denise, all young Germans. The two girls want to go to the Gold Coast and Michael is aiming for Sydney.

The first hours have been OK with an easterly wind allowing us to sail our course. I am hoping that they work out OK and we can go straight through to Surfers Paradise. The forecast is very promising.

So far so good. It's a lovely day to sail out through the Whitsunday Islands.