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.

Scawfell-Curlew-Hexham Islands

Wednesday, 7 September

Another early start and long day takes us further South from Scawfell Island to Curlew and then on to Hexham Island. You may remember Curlew Island from when we stopped on the Southern side of the island. Due to Northerly winds we weren't able to enjoy the best anchorage.... but not this time.





We arrived just before dusk to a unique anchorage between a sandy shoal and the shoreline. Curlew is another for the list of staying a couple of days next year.


From Curlew we headed to the most Southern of the Island in the Duke Group before we sail on to The Keppels.


Another very pretty anchorage but proved a bumpy overnight anchorage.

Farewell to Hamilton Island

Monday, 5 September

We begin the voyage home. Our plan is to day sail until Roslyn Bay (Yeppoon) where we will will refuel, restock and pick up Bill Neil, who will join us for the rest of the trip allowing for overnight shifts.

Our first leg is planned to be Scawfell Island but we are met by strong southerlies slowing us to 4 knots. An alternative anchorage is found. Goldsmith Island.






Goldsmith wound up being a great find that will definitely be on the list for next year. Pity we couldn't stop for an extra night but Scawfell awaits.

Goldsmith to Scawfell was a great day's sail. Still blowing from the South but terrific sailing conditions with us averaging around 8knots under headsail only.

Scawfell is another gem of the islands south of the Whitsundays..... and yep .....another wonderful sunset.

The Mantra of Manta

Thursday, 1 September 2011

Leaving Nara Inlet we turn North and spend the afternoon snorkelling at Butterfly Bay followed by an enjoyable but bumpy night. Marvelling at how pretty this spot we had no idea of the magical Bay we would discover the following day.


MANTA RAY BAY is on the eastern side of Hook Island and is THE most picturesque bay you will find. Not suited for overnight stays but wonderful snorkelling.

Having the bay to ourselves we took time to meet the locals. Not only constantly surrounded by marine life but also greeted by a Maori Rass whilst exploring the coral.

We even had a whale try to muscle in on our day too.

Time - Out

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

After a successful and exciting race week is complete Greer & I bid farewell to crew and guests and set sail for a couple of days exploring the Northern end of Hook Island beginning with our favourite anchorage of Nara Inlet.





On the way a quick toast and why not when you're surrounded by so much beauty.

Check out the colour of the water!

Yes, it really is THAT colour!

Yachts give back Hamilton Island

Sunday, 28 August

Quietly Hamilton Island begins normal life again.






One of the locals






Greer takes a walk along the deck of the Yacht Club






How's this for a view?