Blog Entry 38 - 27th November 2008

Hi Folks,
Direct Gold Coast to Port Hacking arriving at 1210AM and after a good sleep came into Burraneer Bay with the tide to be greeted by family and friends.

We had a great time and would not hesitate to do it all again however next time via the Marquesas and Tahitian group in a Nordhavn of course.

As a matter of interest after successfully negotiating the many islands and on the Australian coast some 100 coal ships we nearly came to grief when it was necessary to turn sharply to avoid a yacht with only a weak mast head light showing visible for about 200 yards.  This yacht only showed as a pin point on the Radar and it was really touch and go.  Small boat owners do not realise the risk they run when a radar reflector on the mast would have saved a dangerous situation.  This said he will no doubt need to visit the laundry when he arrives at his next port and I hope the lesson will be well learned.

Love to all 

Jack.

Blog Entry 37 - 25th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Cleared Gold Coast Seaway 0600 pushing into a lumpy SE swell.  It was nice to get a mobile call from Harry who observed our departure from his high rise apartment.  Cleared Tweed Heads 0830 and being officially back in NSW reverted to daylight saving time which incidentally put me closer to lunch so it was a win win situation.  Lumpy and confused seas will eventually turn from SE to NE.  We are currently 6NM off shore running at speeds 9.5 to 10.5 kts. Swell SE, abeam Lennox Head 1325, Ballina shortly.  All is well and looking forward to coming into Port Hacking.  Will give an accurate E.T.A when passing Coffs Harbor.

Love to all,

Jack.

Blog Entry 36 - 24th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Departing Runaway Bay Marina early 25/11 and heading south to take advantage of a favorable weather window.  

On arrival at the marina here we were pleasantly surprised to see Erin and Leon waving us into a good berth.  This was a remarkable feat when you consider we were at sea off Morton Light at 8AM when I rang to inform them that we were breaking the trip and entering the Gold Coast.  They were on the next plane out of Sydney and arrived at the marina in time to give our details to the marina office and still beat us by 10 minutes.  It was great to catch up with our old friends Harry and Sue and we look forward to their Sydney visit in the new year.  We were also surprised to see our old mate Niel Clarke who called in to have a yarn and spent some time with us at a local restaurant.  Erin and Leon went out of their way to make sure we had a happy time and were, as usual, excellent hosts putting on a superb barbecue at their Allisee apartment.  

Sadly our old mate Roger decided he had had enough of the good life and left for home in Tasmania a few days ago.  His dry humor and navigational expertise will be sadly missed however we are sure on this part of the trip it will be necessary to rescue those lost and confused Swedish female sailors and take them on board to safety.   

Love to all,

Jack.

BTW - When I get back I will tell everyone the real facts about our stabilizers, be careful not to listen to any rumors.

Blog Entry 35 - 19th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Small update on our progress.  We are currently 23 48S - 152 55E and after dodging large coal ships and fishing fleets we now anticipate an arrival at Fraser at 1400 today and Thursday morning at Morton light.  We received adverse weather conditions from our weather router and on nearing Morton light we will get a further report.  If adverse, we will go into Mooloolabah or alternately into Morton Bay traveling the back passage through to Southport.  Couple of days there we will probably see the expected gale force winds to blow through.  Best be sure than sorry.

Jack.

We have been towing our normal lure the past twelve hours and have caught nothing.  This lure has been really successful and I am not sure why the Australian fish don't want a piece of it. Come to think of it I had better check that there is still a lure on the end of the line...   Roger has just brewed a fresh batch of plunger coffee which is a new addition to the boat thanks to Bruce and we are going to have a slice of Christmas Fruit Cake.  At this rate I think I will need to put a piece of tree branch in a cup and throw some tinsel on it because although we are coming, so is christmas.

Lots of Love,

Scott.

JACK again:

I just read that and guess who's going to be swimming home.

Blog Entry 34 - 18th November 2008

Hi Folks,

Departed Mackay 5AM this morning and now abeam the Percy Group heading south to arrive at Morton Light (Abeam Brisbane Thursday 7PM) so at this stage should be home lunchtime Sunday.  This will of course depend largely on weather conditions which we believe will be favorable.  We are expecting a weather update from our weather router 'Clouds' which will assist in determining a more accurate eta.  

Love to all,

Jack and the boys.

Blog Entry 33 - 13th November 2008

Hi Everyone,

Well we are still in Mackay Harbour with light South Easterlys blowing.  We have our Customs clearance but that was only current for 24Hrs so now we have to apply for another one before we can leave Mackay.  Bruce had to return to Sydney because we are not underway yet and Jack and John Magiros are coming up on Monday.  Tuesday should see the wind back into the East Nor East which will allow us a good run south if we have a five to six day window we will make the run of 1000 odd mile with out stopping which will put us into port hacking on Sunday.  In the mean time we will be here twiddling our thumbs.

 

Cheers for now,

Roger.

SPECIAL POST

SCOTT: 

Hey all,

I wanted to make an extra note with this picture of Jack with Dick Smith while we were staying in Musket Cove.  We were fortunate to meet Dick, owner and founder of Musket Cove Island Resort.  In 1880's an American sailor sailed into the bay of Malolo Lailai Island, Fiji, and decided to stay. In 1959 Dick Smith sailed into the same bay and couldn't bring himself to leave either!  In 1976, he divided the Island in two and still owns half the Island today at the age of 75.  He had just returned to his paradise after visiting Sydney for hospital treatment.  It was an honor to meet him and we wish Dick and his family all the very best.