Sydney for the Weekend.

Sunday night here and typing the blog from Balgowlah Heights. We have been back in Sydney for our friends/neighbours, Rose and Scot's wedding. What a day Sydney turned on for the outside wedding down in the garden. It was great to see our friends yesterday as well as seeing Lachlan and Jillian. The house is still standing and not quite up to the "Kirsty Hunter" standard of house work but nonetheless looked pretty good.

Fly back up to Brisbane tomorrow morning where we have left a hire car and then driving back up to Gladstone and Evening Star. We plan to stay a few days in Gladstone to do a bit of maintenance on the boat and of course I will be re-stocking with food for our next leg of the trip. No deadlines from now on. Very pleased about that, as we can take it easy and begin to stay in places for a couple of nights rather than sail in late afternoon and take off first thing the next day.

So stay tuned for our next port of call. Will probably be Great Keppel Island ....

I loved my first leg, Southport to Gladstone and itching to get back out on the water.

Here's a few photos - so much easier to up-load for you on our Mac at home.

Boat all packed up at Gladstone Marina.

Having fun with Mish, Frazer Island 

Who know's where this was taken - somewhere nice !

Kirsty doing some work !

Ali goofing about !

Fish photo

Bundaberg to pancake creek

The skipper here, I thought that I would post a blog and talk about the good ship Evening Star, so that those readers itching for yacht information will be satisfied. apart from the initial rigging issues that no one could have foreseen, ES has performed magically. unfortunately the winds have Ben light so we have effectively motored all the way from Sydney, have a look at the sea conditions in the fish photo and you will see what I mean. The sails are up everyday and do provide some power, yet I get compliants that they block out the sun! I have no doubt that over 15knots that the engine will not be needed. we are averaging 7 knots and get up to over 8 knots in any wind gusts, when you think that a good time in a yacht race (what are they again)is an average of 7 knots, then we are doing ok. Fuel wise has been an eye opener for me, having a tank of 1000 liters, not including the forward tank, the pump bill does not fit into the new Hunter family austerity program me, luckily it was only 1/2 a tank too Hervey bay, at 1200rpm she doesn't drink too much diesel. engine wise the 120hpford Lehman has chugged allong and not missed a beat, we have put approx 120 hours on the meter, so are due for oil, filters, and fuel filter changes. the previous owner used to do this himself and has left Onboard plenty of spares to do the task. It will not be as hard as you think as there is a puand a tunamp that actually removed the engine oil, then just refil, and with the generic Coles brand oil, now that fits into the austerity program.
Bildge pump decided not to work as I clogged it up trying to degreaser the bilge, now that was a stink cleaning out the strainer. other jobs have been minor repairs to woodwork and catches, remember ES is over 30years old, so fairly young when compared to Yumsing, which is nearly 100. just reminded myself that it is Carl Halvorsens 99th birthday today, he is still going strong and lunches Fridays at rays.
Power wise ES is very well set up thanks to the previous owner Simon, 800 ah is more that enough for laptop, iPad two iPhones, and alastairs iPod and ps2!! there is a very sexy xanrex meter that gives the ah usage, running the engine so often and the odd night hooked up the shore power, thus battery chargers, has meant that they are nearly always fully charged.

Now the fish! We caught a tuna yesterday on a red head lure and Ben lillymans tackle, mmm shasmi and a tuna dish for dinner, it could have fed 20 of us, unfortuantley there were just two eating, alastairs only interest is in the catching, not the eating!

Once a day I plot our position on a website called www.skipr.com search for Evening Star and you can see what port we are in.

Enjoy work
Mark

IT JUST GETS BETTER EVERY DAY !

Skipper getting us over the bar.

Sorry I haven't been blogging for the last few days. I have been trying to get photos up and it is driving me crazy. I might have to start using the Skippers laptop (which is currently out of bounds).

The last few days have been wonderful. We left Mooloolaba early last Friday and motor sailed with big swells up to Wide Bay Bar (the entrance to Frazer Island). It was a 6 hr trip and none of us novices were sea sick ... Yah ! Mark and Noel managed the bar magnificently despite surfing in on waves and only 5 metres deep. It was a pretty intense moment and relief when we turned the corner around into Inskip Point.

Checking out the yoga instructor!

Ali fishing at sunset

A gorgeous anchorage, we sipped champagne, and watched Alastair drift in his dingy trying to catch some fish. The next morning we got up early and did yoga on the sand bar. Not a bad way to start the day ! Sailed all morning, whilst the girls sunbaked on deck and had lunch at Gary's Anchorage, another nice spot. Couldn't stay long as we had to tackle the sand bars whilst it was high tide. So very carefully Mark navigated the Great Sandy Straits. I didn't think it would get more intense than surfing the bar the day before, but OMG, this was scary. At times we got into 2 metres deep. At one point, Noel and Ali got into the dingy and threw out a lead-line to check the depths.

That night we anchored at White Cliffs (Frazer Is), our favorite spot so far. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset. There was not a breath of wind and it was just magical.

Sunday morning we sailed up to Urangan, Hervey Bay so Mish and Noel could get off Evening Star. Their friends the Walkers were waiting for us at the Boat Harbour. So sad saying goodbye to the Turners. Noel has taught me some pretty handy rope and anchor work and I know Mark is going to miss his help with the boat. Crew leave and it's back to being domestic. Coles shop and then the washing (yes, we still have mundane chores living on a boat).

Monday morning, more boat chores before we head off to Platypus Bay which is on the far north of Frazer. Motor sailing here today, with no swell and light winds, we saw lots of small whales and then anchored off the beach. At first, I was a bit anxious, as we are in the middle of no where. No people ! No boats !

Platypus Bay

We went ashore and I collected shells and Mark and Ali caught some yabbies. The boys swam (too
cold for me) but very pleasant lying on the beach. Very exciting moment just then - Ali caught his first fish for this trip. A baby snapper but unfortunately we had to let it go. Looks like Balgowlah Heights Deli lasagna for dinner.





Happy Hunters

A DAY IN MOOLOOLABAH THEN SAILING NORTH.

Winter? Not in Mooloolabah!Woke up to a beautiful day. Bacon and eggs for breakfast.schoolwork with Ali then just lying in the sun reading! Mark doing a bit of "boat stuff" How good is life! Koo and I went ashore to do some washing,I got caught in my PJ's! We then tried to look for our little quote for the day,but washing is not covered in the sea wife's handbook.. Might have to pass that job to the boys!
Then went for a walk on the beach to surf club for lunch...G &T for the girls! Twin Waters for dinner with Rob and Helen...early night.for our 6am start.

QUOTE FOR FRIDAY.

Sunrise sail

"There was a time when a woman aboard a yacht was content to be decorative,to get on with her fancy needlework and leave the work to her menfolk and their paid crews.
Well Kirsty and I are certainly not looking "decorative" at the moment.... But at least we are not sea sick today! Got the heads up from the local chemist, got up with the Boys,had toast and kwells for breakfast! Sailing up the Sunshine Coast watching the sun rise.....beautiful.
Have lots of pics, but can't load to the iPad....can anyone help us there?

Breakfast for the girls!

Will be very hard for Noel and I to leave the Hunters and Evening Star..what a time they are going to have!!

All the sails up

Skipper Mark said we had better do a crew description for those of you who don't know us! On board fom Southport, Mark, Kirsty and Ali. Mish (me) Mark's sister and my husband Noel. We are the lucky ones to go on the family holidays.
Ali has now woken up 8.30 and we are getting him to catch us a fish for dinner!

Kirsty will be back to blog tonight!

Southport to Mooloolabah !

Thank goodness that day is over !

Noel and Mark left the club @ 5.30 this morning for our long day of sailing. As soon as the engine went on and the bower thruster your awake, so from basically 6am til 6pm I was feeling disgusting. We had 12 hours of min. 25 knot winds, hitting 30 at times. Winds were from the west so we were rolling all day long. We motor sailed all day with only the mizzen up.

Mish didn't get out of her PJ's all day as she couldn't move from the cockpit (sea sickness) and Ali was also sick ! All I could manage to eat for 12 hrs was a bite of my Mums Anzac biscuits and a segment of a mandarin.

It was pretty challenging coming into Mooloolabah as there is a sand bar and not a very wide entrance. Mark sent me down below to watch the AIS chart but I had to delegate to Ali as I had to be sick ! Ali read the chart perfectly navigating Mark down the channel.

I went all day with being sick then vomited in the last 5 mins of trip. Noels Navy friends met as as we arrived. They all started on wine and cheese and biscuits. Mish and I were still drinking water and dried crackers. Positive of today: I think I might loose some weight with this seasickness thing !

Lay day tomoz - and possibly the flw day sail to Frazer island.

Many of you know we inherited this little book Onboard called "the Sea Wife's Handbook" ! It has some really helpful hints and quotes that we would like to share with you landlubbers. Today's quote is relevant because Mish and I have been failures ....

"no women is welcomed afloat if her prime concern is her appearance, since this usually entails a massive array of lotions and beauty aids. By the same the same token the majority of men like their handy sea-mates to look almost band-box fresh even when they step ashore after an arduous sail" ......

Stay tuned for tomorrow's sea wife's handy tip!!!!!

All Onboard at Southport !

Bye Lach

My first blog Onboard the boat at Southport Yacht Club !

So the idea was that Mish, Ali and I would be up early to watch the boat sail into Southport but that didn't happen as they docked at 6am ! Lachlan got off boat and flew back to Syd and then Mish and I went to Main Beach for provisions.

Funny shopping experience in Tedder Ave with my new granny shopping trolley. Got a few bad looks from the glamerama's ! Decided to stay put at club for the day as it looked too tricky to sail up past Strabroke and Morteton Bay (with the sand bars) and maybe it would better to have a really early start tomorrow and sail the ocean to Mooloolabah. So I have one more days grace before I have to conquer my fear and hit the ocean.

Ali sailing 

Today was just gorgeous, sunny warm day. Ali sailing in his Bic, vino's in the cockpit with Mish, and dinner at Club. Mish made Ali do some school work - a word search over dinner ! He did do some science work - splicing some ropes for Mark.

Having some tea before bed in the Rockefeller Lounge - it's 7.30pm !!!! What an exhausting day. Will put up photos when I figure out to do it from the IPad.

Nighty night, K xxxx

Take 2 ! Evening Star is enroute to Southport !

After leaving Newport yesterday at 1pm in the freezing cold and bleak rain, Evening Star had to turn around at Lake Macquarie at 9pm. Mark said they had only just put the sails up after motoring for 11 hours and he heard a familiar snap (same as when Ali hit the stay). This time the turn buckle (part of the brand new rigging) had pulled apart. Not good, but they managed to pull the sails down and headed back to the Club. I got the call from Mark last night and we were all so disappointed. All I could think about was all the frozen meat and my cooking that would go to waste and Ali thought he would have to go back to school !

This morning the boys had a look at the damage and realised it wasn't going to be as bad as they first thought. Phil Smidmore did some repairs, and I farwelled the boat just 24 hours after the last time she left. New parts are going to be sent from the States and will be sent to us in Qld.

Lachlan, Ali and Jillian 

Cold cold day for departure # 1

Mark - Take 2 !!!

Two brothers saying their goodbyes !


You'd all be so proud of me ! I did not shed one single tear ! I have had to farewell Mark so many times at the start of races and recently Lachlan (OMG, who could forget the last Hobart farewell) and I am always a complete mess.

It was so different this time being your own boat. I just had this sick anxious feeling hoping the boat would get to Southport with no issues.  So off they went today, a much nicer day for a sail.

I think it was my friend Rose that said to us this week, you should never have a sail departure on a Friday. So very true Rose !

I am currently paying bills, tidying the house and getting ready for what should have been 3 months away from Sydney.  Tomorrow, Ali and I fly to the Gold Coast to see Mish who has been very patient waiting for our arrival. 

Next blog, I should be onboard Evening Star. How bloody exciting ....

Seeya. Kirsty xx

PS. I just want to say, I am so very proud of my husband who is living his dream :) 

Evening Star is already to go!

A big few days ! Mark, Noel and I are absolutely exhausted getting our little boat in ship shape. The mast is in with it's brand new rigging, and electrics. Evening Star is looking beautiful.

Frances, Sam and Luke O'Connor came to the club yesterday to say goodbye. Fran who has no idea about boats couldn't watch the mast being lifted by crane back into the boat and made me go for a walk ! She realised that if they got it wrong we might have one big hole in our deck (thanks Frannie)!

It was at this point that Fran suggested a walk !

Going to miss this girl !

Sam & Luke saying goodbye.

Alastair was pretty pleased with the naming of his little Bic sailing boat - I had stickers made with "Flash" and a flash symbol.

I have spent today cooking casseroles, soup, another Coles shop and packing Mark and Alastairs clothes. I still haven't packed my gear. It's just too hard figuring out what I can take and what will fit in my cupboards on the boat. Will work that out tomorrow ! 

Crew Evening Star 

The Captain & his wife !

So thats it for tonight's blog. The boys hope to leave RPAYA at lunchtime tomorrow. Oh, before I forget, Jillian just wants me to let you all know that she is part of the Hunter family as well ! Apparently I haven't mentioned her in this blog... xxxxxxx

Love Kirsty x

Lots of jobs can be ticked off this weekend.

After a week of frustration, the following can be ticked off:

• Crew arrived - Noel has flown in from Tweed Heads and Lachlan arrived home in one piece from the snow. 
• New leather, chesterfield style settees have been installed (gorgeous georgeous)
• Mark finally worked out his new PC with the on-line charts and GPS.He is still to work out the AIS software (gives us the ability to see ships within 10 kms of our boat). Wouldn't be good to do a Jessica Watson out there !!!!
• 3 loads of dry food now on board (including 3 dozen ginger beer for my sea sickness). Some how we still have to find space to store our wine and champagne !

Busy week ahead: masts back in, rigging and electrical back in, sails back on,  and all to be checked. Perishables to be put on, casseroles to be made and clothes to be packed. What does one take for 3 months with limited space, and two seasons to dress for ! 

Still hoping to leave on Thursday - will keep you all posted.

Love K xxx

    

Mark not happy ! Trying to get the GPS to work with his new chart software.

Getting frustrated it is taking so long to get Evening Star ready for departure !

As you are probably all aware, Alastair kicked one of the stays (30 years of rust) and we were told we had to take out both masts and re-rigg Evening Star. The problem was we were going to the States for a holiday and Mark wanted to supervise this process. 

So, the masts came out about 2 weeks ago, and now we await the new parts for the rigg (being a 30 year old boat with American fittings).  Hopefully it will go back in next Monday and we can set sail Wed or Thurs next week.

 Mast coming out !

Our 49' ft stink boat !

We are also redecorating down below, Italian black leather settees. Thinking it will look like a classy "Lounge", in keeping with the boats pedigree. Evening Star's  first owner was Congressman Lawrence Rockefeller ! Hence my new name, the Rockefeller Lounge. Can't wait to drink the odd champagne down below ...

This is proofing to be very challenging for the Upholsterer and thank goodness we have a few unemployed men in our household to help with this boat building.

Lachlan, using his HSC woodworking skills

Beautiful black leather Chesterfield !