Sunday, 18 September 2011
Twenty tons is good
This is a picture as we came around Cape Bowling Green, the pilot says to keep 5 miles offshore, you can see why. The depth is under10 meters, yet it is the direct route to Cape Upstart, luckily we have a 120 hp ford lehman to push us through.
Friday, 16 September 2011
Cape Upstart
After a fairly ordinary trip from Cape Bowling Green in 25-30knt headwinds and 2-3 mtr short steep breaking seas, we decided to wait out at Cape Upstart for a weather window to continue south.
Pic is sunset at Cape Bowling Green, what is that saying re a red sky?
This is a national park, yet has hundreds of holiday shacks along the entire shoreline which is approx 5 miles long. The anchorage is in a place called 'shark bay' so there was no swimming, we met some locals on a beach walk the first day we were there; ended up the usual way, too much to drink, tall stories, a trip out to a prawn trawler, then a dragging anchor when the wind got up to 35 knts!
We moved closer to a rock called the Bun, which was local knowledge and not the anchorage that the book suggested, it was a lot better.
The huts are mainly occupied by retirees from the local area, these were great people who have owed the huts for generations, fishing and drinking are the main pastimes.
Our trip to the prawn trawler was a highlight, we were invited out as the fisherman was a mate of one of the guys that we had been drinking with on the beach, to have prawns and evening drinks; sounds good eh?
Well it was but good in a way that we are not used to.
It is obvious that prawn trawlers are doing it tough, the boats are crewed by just 2, husband and wife! They had just ripped up their nets on logs out of the burdett river, a place they call 'Sherwood forest'. Prices they get for their prawns are less than 10 years ago due to asian imports, they were keen to sell off their boat for $10/kilo for fresh bananna prawns, we would have bought some yet we stuffed ourselves on the boat already.
I offered my services the next day to help with their nets, which they took up, so at 9:00am I turned up with Alastair, my job was pulling dead fish out of the nets for the next 2 hours!
Ali got to hang around and talk to the wifes, while the trawlermen were already drinking beer and smoking rollies!
Oysters straight of the rock were small but very satisfying, Ali put one in his mouth but spat it out!
Weather window finally opened up on Friday morning, so we escaped, Ali not too happy as he was going crabbing with a local, Kirsty and I were keen to leavt after 3 days though. The Cape is a must stop for anyone sailing past, and remember to anchor just arround the first point and not further down the bay.
Pic is sunset at Cape Bowling Green, what is that saying re a red sky?
Our trip to the prawn trawler was a highlight, we were invited out as the fisherman was a mate of one of the guys that we had been drinking with on the beach, to have prawns and evening drinks; sounds good eh?
Well it was but good in a way that we are not used to.
It is obvious that prawn trawlers are doing it tough, the boats are crewed by just 2, husband and wife! They had just ripped up their nets on logs out of the burdett river, a place they call 'Sherwood forest'. Prices they get for their prawns are less than 10 years ago due to asian imports, they were keen to sell off their boat for $10/kilo for fresh bananna prawns, we would have bought some yet we stuffed ourselves on the boat already.
I offered my services the next day to help with their nets, which they took up, so at 9:00am I turned up with Alastair, my job was pulling dead fish out of the nets for the next 2 hours!
Oysters straight of the rock were small but very satisfying, Ali put one in his mouth but spat it out!
Monday, 12 September 2011
Magnetic Island, a reiteration of why we are living our life's to the max
skipper here, I am about to pen a blog that has a sombre tone to it based on our three days at Magnetic Island, I will try and keep it factual and not pen it in any other tone as I do expect that this will probably be read by people I don't know and who were more affected than us.
The owner of the yacht beside us at the marina on magnetic island had an apperent heart attack and died on the Friday night, I say apparent as the post mortem results are not yet done.
His name was Rod, and although we didn't get to know him, he did help us tie up, and we passed the odd pleasant comment across the 4 metres gap between our cockpits.
We did get to meet one of his crew who had just arrived from Sydney to help sail the boat, a Hanse47, back to Sydney.
We suggested dinner in the restaurant at the marina, which to landlubbers may seem strange as we didn't really know either of them, yet we both had yachts from Sydney, sailing in Qld, doing exactly the same thing having the time of our lives on the water.
They were decided to go to the pub at horseshoe bay instead, so we dined in the marina restaurant by ourselves.
A howling southerly/easterly blew up during the night which made it very noisy outside with waves and halyards banging.
then came the distressed banging on evening stars hull at approx 430am on Saturday morning, with loud calls of "mark mark mark" from the crew member who was in a very distressed state. I was a little disorientated, bang around in the dark trying to quickly get on deck to see what was making him so distressed, my thoughts were a broken dock line or similar, I did not expect to have him tell me that his mate Rod was onboard and in need of help, his voice tone did tell me that it was serious.
I climbed onboard and went below, now firmly in autopilot type mode, expecting to have to do some quick first aid, but also to be prepared for a shock, considering the distressed state of the crew member.
Unfortunately, Rod was obviously dead and had been for a while, there was nothing I could do.
I then told the crew member firmly that his mate was dead and that nothing could be done, a very harsh message and one that I think he already knew, but in these circumstances he needed someone else to confirm it, which is why he got me up.
First mate, Kirsty then took over calling 000, and also the marina manager who had over the previous month become good friends with rod.
The entire Saturday became one of police, forensics, detectives, and finally undertakers.
The police were very through, even though they had been up all night with the backpackers half moon festival, as was the young paramedic. They decided to call it a crime scene as there was blood on the deck and wharf.
We were all interviewed by each policeman and detective, and the crew member was, in his distressed state asked a lot more questions.
By the end of the investigations, it appears that the police were happy with a natural causes explanation; in the meantime though we were given a full demonstration of police forensics and the detailed work they do. This the police explained to us was done to remove any doubt as to the cause of death.
By mid afternoon, it was just the marina manager, myself and the two fully suited, older undertakers to get Rod off his yacht. I made sure the undertakers knew his name, it was a sombre sight as they wheeled him away off the marina.
The only commentary I will add is that Rod was feeling off, did complain of chest pains earlier, and this now highlights to me and I hope anyone reading that chest pains means hospital straight away.
I have completed the medical mariners course done out of the CYCA, and even though I didn't use any life saving skills, the knowledge in the course was of benefit.
Rod seemed to be living his dream on his yacht, he has only reiterated to me that we are doing exactly the right thing.
Rod was 47 years old.
The owner of the yacht beside us at the marina on magnetic island had an apperent heart attack and died on the Friday night, I say apparent as the post mortem results are not yet done.
His name was Rod, and although we didn't get to know him, he did help us tie up, and we passed the odd pleasant comment across the 4 metres gap between our cockpits.
We did get to meet one of his crew who had just arrived from Sydney to help sail the boat, a Hanse47, back to Sydney.
We suggested dinner in the restaurant at the marina, which to landlubbers may seem strange as we didn't really know either of them, yet we both had yachts from Sydney, sailing in Qld, doing exactly the same thing having the time of our lives on the water.
They were decided to go to the pub at horseshoe bay instead, so we dined in the marina restaurant by ourselves.
A howling southerly/easterly blew up during the night which made it very noisy outside with waves and halyards banging.
then came the distressed banging on evening stars hull at approx 430am on Saturday morning, with loud calls of "mark mark mark" from the crew member who was in a very distressed state. I was a little disorientated, bang around in the dark trying to quickly get on deck to see what was making him so distressed, my thoughts were a broken dock line or similar, I did not expect to have him tell me that his mate Rod was onboard and in need of help, his voice tone did tell me that it was serious.
I climbed onboard and went below, now firmly in autopilot type mode, expecting to have to do some quick first aid, but also to be prepared for a shock, considering the distressed state of the crew member.
Unfortunately, Rod was obviously dead and had been for a while, there was nothing I could do.
I then told the crew member firmly that his mate was dead and that nothing could be done, a very harsh message and one that I think he already knew, but in these circumstances he needed someone else to confirm it, which is why he got me up.
First mate, Kirsty then took over calling 000, and also the marina manager who had over the previous month become good friends with rod.
The entire Saturday became one of police, forensics, detectives, and finally undertakers.
The police were very through, even though they had been up all night with the backpackers half moon festival, as was the young paramedic. They decided to call it a crime scene as there was blood on the deck and wharf.
We were all interviewed by each policeman and detective, and the crew member was, in his distressed state asked a lot more questions.
By the end of the investigations, it appears that the police were happy with a natural causes explanation; in the meantime though we were given a full demonstration of police forensics and the detailed work they do. This the police explained to us was done to remove any doubt as to the cause of death.
By mid afternoon, it was just the marina manager, myself and the two fully suited, older undertakers to get Rod off his yacht. I made sure the undertakers knew his name, it was a sombre sight as they wheeled him away off the marina.
The only commentary I will add is that Rod was feeling off, did complain of chest pains earlier, and this now highlights to me and I hope anyone reading that chest pains means hospital straight away.
I have completed the medical mariners course done out of the CYCA, and even though I didn't use any life saving skills, the knowledge in the course was of benefit.
Rod seemed to be living his dream on his yacht, he has only reiterated to me that we are doing exactly the right thing.
Rod was 47 years old.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
More random pics
The last race at Hammo waiting for wind to start and rain to stop, neither happened and the Audi slipped away from my grasp!
the pool party was fun
Monties in Gloucester Passage is a great place
Who owns this child, long hair and pj in the afternoon!
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Some more Piccies ...
Manta Ray Bay, amazing Snorkelling.   |
| Asleep at Manta Ray Bay |
 |
| Too pokey to do this in the boats shower. |
 |
| Very nice reading in our Aft cockpit. |
 |
| Today, heading to Cape Upstart. |
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Back out Cruising !
Sunday 4th September 2011 - Fathers Day (happy Fathers Day Jimmy) xxx
So glad to leave Hammo and have a bit of a detox! We left Monday morning and nearly all the race boats had cleared out and all the big Stinkers were coming back and taking up their berths. Instead of a sea of white plastic yachts we were being hemmed in by a wall of Stinkers. It was time to leave. So The Brashers farewelled us at the dock (thanks Richard for being our star crew and thanks for a great dinner at Bommies).
Dull overcast day, drizzling rain, we headed over to Whitehaven Beach. We were now into out 7th day of dull weahter but Whitehaven was still so beautiful. It was great to go ashore and have a long walk along the sand, a bush walk and some yoga. Needed to do some exercise after all the excesses on Hammo. Thought we were going to have a good anchorage that night as the conditions were good for an overnight at Whitehaven.That changed during the night and we had the usual rolly swell at Whitehaven.
Next day we spent trying to find the best spot to get out of the swell. Wind was light but we just couldn't find a calm bay. Tried about 3 spots and Ali wass getting pretty tired of putting down the anchor. It was still overcast and dull and I was beginning to feel like I shouldn't have been bragging to all you Syndeysiders about our run of 5 weeks of glorious Queensland weather.
The next 3 days we spent in Butterfly Bay at the top of Hook Island. The last time we were there with the Turners it was like Pitt St with lots of dive boats, but this time we didn't take any notice of the 2 hour limit on the moorings and were able to enjoy this magic spot with only 4/5 boats.
Note for Mish and Noel: navigated the passage between Hayman and Hook where we hit the reef last time. Mark was extra careful and had Ali on the binoculars looking for the markers!
Had a fantastic morning around in Manta Ray bay with only one other yacht. The 100 Magic Miles book listed this as the best snorkeling in the Whitsundays but I guess us Hunters are just too spoilt with our diving and we thought it was pretty average. Pretty freaky seeing the resident Maori Wras (bloody big fish) following us around. Amazing watching whales breach just off shore. We all agreed this was one of the best places visited to date .....
We also had a snorkel around at Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman. Mark and I had been there before when we were staying on Hayman. The Resort packs a picnic lunch for you and they take you to the beach for a snorkeling day. This time we could swim off the back of Evening Star and watch all the hotel guests sitting on their beach chairs waiting for their dingy pickup.
Now we are back in at Airlie Beach trying to get out of the 30knot winds. Had drinks at the Sailing Club last night with some people we met at Race week and note for Simon B, Graham and Barbara on Tusa 2 have just been over to say hello to us. They said to say hello to both you and Julie.
Quickly typing up this blog (before I loose Internet coverage) as the Skipper is getting anxious to leave for Glocuester Passage where we will spent a few nights at Montys Resort.
Happy Fathers day everyone.
So glad to leave Hammo and have a bit of a detox! We left Monday morning and nearly all the race boats had cleared out and all the big Stinkers were coming back and taking up their berths. Instead of a sea of white plastic yachts we were being hemmed in by a wall of Stinkers. It was time to leave. So The Brashers farewelled us at the dock (thanks Richard for being our star crew and thanks for a great dinner at Bommies).
Dull overcast day, drizzling rain, we headed over to Whitehaven Beach. We were now into out 7th day of dull weahter but Whitehaven was still so beautiful. It was great to go ashore and have a long walk along the sand, a bush walk and some yoga. Needed to do some exercise after all the excesses on Hammo. Thought we were going to have a good anchorage that night as the conditions were good for an overnight at Whitehaven.That changed during the night and we had the usual rolly swell at Whitehaven.
Next day we spent trying to find the best spot to get out of the swell. Wind was light but we just couldn't find a calm bay. Tried about 3 spots and Ali wass getting pretty tired of putting down the anchor. It was still overcast and dull and I was beginning to feel like I shouldn't have been bragging to all you Syndeysiders about our run of 5 weeks of glorious Queensland weather.
The next 3 days we spent in Butterfly Bay at the top of Hook Island. The last time we were there with the Turners it was like Pitt St with lots of dive boats, but this time we didn't take any notice of the 2 hour limit on the moorings and were able to enjoy this magic spot with only 4/5 boats.
Note for Mish and Noel: navigated the passage between Hayman and Hook where we hit the reef last time. Mark was extra careful and had Ali on the binoculars looking for the markers!
Had a fantastic morning around in Manta Ray bay with only one other yacht. The 100 Magic Miles book listed this as the best snorkeling in the Whitsundays but I guess us Hunters are just too spoilt with our diving and we thought it was pretty average. Pretty freaky seeing the resident Maori Wras (bloody big fish) following us around. Amazing watching whales breach just off shore. We all agreed this was one of the best places visited to date .....
We also had a snorkel around at Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman. Mark and I had been there before when we were staying on Hayman. The Resort packs a picnic lunch for you and they take you to the beach for a snorkeling day. This time we could swim off the back of Evening Star and watch all the hotel guests sitting on their beach chairs waiting for their dingy pickup.
Now we are back in at Airlie Beach trying to get out of the 30knot winds. Had drinks at the Sailing Club last night with some people we met at Race week and note for Simon B, Graham and Barbara on Tusa 2 have just been over to say hello to us. They said to say hello to both you and Julie.
Quickly typing up this blog (before I loose Internet coverage) as the Skipper is getting anxious to leave for Glocuester Passage where we will spent a few nights at Montys Resort.
Happy Fathers day everyone.
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