The Count farewells 2011 on Sydney Harbour

The Count and guests enjoyed what could only be described as THE most spectacular New Years Eve EVER!
Our guests decided to get a jump on 2012 and celebrate a full day earlier than their friends and neighbours back home in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Count cruised down the Harbour past Blues Point and McMahon's Point where it was standing room only.


From there we continued our way east under the Bridge and past the Opera House and Farm Cove where you could have effectively "walked on water" by jumping from boat to boat.




We made our way to the commercial boat anchorage just off Bradley's Head where, as the photos show, we had the perfect view to the city.... WOW!


We watched the light of 2011 diminish over the city with last sunset of the year and readied ourselves for the "appetiser" fireworks at 9pm. Our guests were suitably impressed when we explained that "you ain't seen nothin' yet!"

Guests then settled into Wagyu Beef, Ocean Trout and an assortment of salads......what else would you expect aboard The Count? Sydney's pocket super yacht!

Anthony Bell congratulates Anthony Bell of Investec Loyal

WHAT A RACE!
I'd like to take this opportunity as Anthony Bell aboard The Count to congratulate Anthony Bell aboard Investec Loyal and his crew for their outstanding efforts in taking line honours in this year's Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony at this year's Hamilton Island Race Week as The Count was berthed near Investec Loyal and her tender Ghost.

The Count was in position at the South Head turning bouy to wish Anthony and his crew good luck as they began their chase down of Wild Oats XI.

3 minutes separated them after a bit over 2 days of racing. Great stuff!
After a tense night whilst awaiting an International Jury's decision on a possible rule breach the crew of Loyal were able to bask in the glory of winning one of the world's great ocean races.

Well done Anthony Bell

2011 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Start - Offshore

As Investec Loyal races by The Count at the South Head turning bouy the remainder of the fleet follows.







Guest of The Count, Abby Gazzard (of Boatique marine apholstery) was cheering her partner Billy Sykes aboard Loki as they sailed within a boat length from our bow.








The remainder of the fleet will be spending a few more days than these speedsters.


The Count bids good luck and farewell to the fleet for another year.

2011 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Start

The 2011 Rolex Sydney to Hobart was met with stiff northerly winds, overcast skies and a 3 metre swell offshore.
The Count ventured out to see the fleet out of the Harbour taking up our vantage point on the South Head turning bouy.





On the way out super maxi's Wild Thing (pictured), Wild Oats XI and Lahana prepared their safety gear for the start.


Every yacht must hoist their storm sails as they parade past the start boat. It makes for a colourful start.


As we saw last year Wild Oats XI lead my name sake's Investec Loyal out of the heads.


As Investec Loyal reached the South Head turning bouy it was clear that they mean't business.

SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE 2011

Places are still available aboard The Count for the start of this year's SYDNEY to HOBART YACHT RACE.

BOXING DAY 26 December 2011

Book now to experience Australia’s premier ocean race start.

Enjoy the excitement of pre-race maneuvers before heading out to the South Head turning bouy to mix it with the maxi’s as they turn and head for Hobart.

Cost: $195. per person includes light lunch
Pick-up Wharf: CASINO WHARF, Pirrama Rd Pyrmont.
Cruise Times: 11:00am - 3:00pm

To secure your place please contact us on 0419 207 600 or via our website.

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Make it Count - Latest Offers & Experiences

For the best in Sydney Harbour Yacht Charter enquire about the availability of The Count. Sydney's "pocket super yacht".

Sea Pups to SEA DOGS! - We're home!

Friday, 23 September 2011

Just short of 2 months and 2,000 nautical miles The Count returns home. Our early start yesterday along with strong following winds ensure that we arrive well before the threatening Southerly.
Did I say well before? Overnight The Count was clocked at 13knots whilst "surfing" the swell. Needless to say that averaging 10knots when we had accounted for 7knts meant we arrived at 0900hrs well before the 1600hr Southerly.




We bade farewell to an escort of dolphins along with a salute from 2 whales just North of the Heads. Our last radio check with Marine Rescue is made, the final position plotting is completed below...

Champagne is cracked to celebrate the end of an adventure.

A sense of sadness fell over The Count as we entered Sydney Harbour with our amazing adventure coming to a close but along with that a tremendous sense of achievement


We left Sydney Harbour mere Sea Pups but returned 2,000 miles later as true SEA DOGS!


A big thank you from The Count, Greer & I to everyone that made this trip a memorable occasion:
Crew: James Leonard & Alan Stannard plus special guest appearance from Nikki Bell. Bill Neil and Una (return voyage).
Support: Steve Kemp, ensuring The Count was ready and rigged for success.
Audi Sailing Sport: Nairn Johnson

Coffs Harbour - Port Jackson

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Similar to our leg to Coffs, a strong Southerly is predicted for Friday afternoon so we decided to have a shot at getting back home to Sydney before it hits....so we're up and away from Coffs at 0500hrs. A day made all the more exciting with a strong wind warning for the following Northerlies for the coming evening.




The highlight was beautiful sunrise and more whales off my favourite place in the world - Trial Bay & Smoky Cape.


The water was extremely clear and calm allowing plenty of time to enjoy time with the whales off Laggers Point.

Check out some videos on our Facebook Page.

Southport - Coffs Harbour

Monday, 19 September 2011

With a Southerly predicted for Tuesday evening we decided to head off at 2300hrs with the aim of being tucked up in Coffs by dusk on Tuesday.




Our regular escort of whales became alot more crowded than usual with sightings of around 2 dozen heading south in different pods just after sunrise.

Heavy following seas made things pretty exciting particularly as the sun was setting approaching Coffs. On arriving we discovered Wild Oats XI at anchor near the pier and were advised by Marine Rescue to anchor between the pier and the breakwater to the inner harbour.

20 minutes later, BOOM the Southerly arrived. We were happy to be there.

We moved into the Marina the following morning to prepare for the final leg of our voyage.

What a view from Mutton Bird Island?

Wide Bay - Southport

Saturday, 17 September

After a terrific day transiting The Great Sandy Strait we awaited the high tide the following day for the next leg to Southport where we will refuel and restock for the long legs down the NSW coastline.





On leaving the Wide Bay bar we were greeted by a mother and calf that appeared to be in teaching mode as the calf mimicked the actions of the mother.

This was a day to remember as we launched our spinnaker of Double Head Point and ran with it for the next 5 hours. WOW!

As a result we made good time into the evening and arrived in Southport in mid morning on Sunday.



Bill's partner, Una, will be joining us for what we plan will be 2 overnight legs from here.

The Great Sandy Strait

Friday, 16 September 2011

The Great Sandy Strait
So why have we made the choice of tackling the "inside"? We were encouraged by fellow B57 owners aboard Gnak Gnak. They remained further north but would be following this route a month later. This along with Bill Neil, who joined us in Roslyn Bay, had travelled this last year.

Awakening to a lake like water way was a great way to start our day. As we prepared The Count a large ketch (Crusoe) anchored near by upped anchor and appeared to be heading down the Strait so we quickly followed. Why? The Count needs just under 3 metres of water to navigate the waterway so it's nice to follow someone to "test" the water.

The Straits will actually dry in some places so meeting the tide is VERY important to us. Our plan is to arrive at the first shallow point of Sheridan Flats about an hour from high tide.

The interesting things about the tides through the Straits is that at the Northern end there are 3 metre tides but at the Southern end only 1 metre tides so you need to plan well.


Was it worth it? You bet ya! A passage that must not be missed by travellers ... and even better is the wonderful anchorage of Pelican Bay at the Southern end. The water really is THAT clear!

Roslyn Bay - Fraser Island

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

After refuelling & restocking at Roslyn Bay The Count headed South. We have decided to travel down the "inside" of Fraser Island which added a whole new timing issue....the tides. More about this later.

Strong Southerlies meant that we motored to ensure we kept time to arrive at the Northern end of The Great Sandy Strait whilst the full moon tides were still about.



Our first stop was Cape Capricorn, very pretty but a bumpy overnight anchorage. The lighthouse is serviced by Qld's only tramline that has a 1 in 7 gradient.

The following day our destination was Pancake Creek. Another one of these amazing "bolt-holes" in the Queensland coastline. Unfortunately it was a short visit with us arriving at dusk and departing at 1:00am the following morning.... again to ensure we made the tides.

The long night-day sail meant we arrived at Kingfisher on Thursday evening ready to tackle The Great Sandy Strait the following day.

Getting Wrecked 30 years on...

Friday, 9 September 2011

We left Hexham Island early (0600hrs) for the long day's travel to Great Keppel Island. We motored much of the morning as there little wind and we were keen to beat the Southerly change predicted for 10 pm tonight.




We averaged around 7knots for most of the day either under motor or sail but as the afternoon progressed we quickly realised that the Southerly was going to arrive early.

At 4 pm BOOM! slowing us to 3knots and covering The Count with salt. It was a welcome relief to anchor in time to enjoy the sun setting over the mainland.

The next day we explored parts of the Island and even walked past the old resort that I had been "wrecked" on 30 years ago.

Greer even had time to spend some time up the mast......what a trooper!

The water was amazingly clear and in 4metres of water the sandy bottom was easily in sight.