Time: 1100 hours. We are at 17 43 S 165 09 E. After re-fueling in Vila thanks to a substantial motivating probe (bribe) from Jack (they don't normally pump fuel on Sundays) we left Vila at 1100 hours on the thousand mile passage across the top of New Cal to the hole in the wall, known as the Hydrographers Passage. This is a frequently used passage by bulk ore carriers transporting coal from Hay Point, just below Mackay, to destinations in China. Once inside the protection of the Great Barrier Reef, and out of that south east swell that Speedbird doesn't like, we make our way through the maze of reefs that will take us to Mackay where we intend to clear in. This passage is well marked but intricate with a number of course changes that will take us through the outer reef and into Mackay. This territory is familiar to me having spent time here in the early eighties. Then its the coastal hop south some one thousand miles to Port Hacking and the end of our very enjoyable journey. Jack had to leave us in Vila and fly home regarding business and remarkably the weather took on a state of complete tranquility with soft winds and smooth seas for our final destination to Aus. There may be some crew changes and Jack will re join us for the final passage home.
Cheers for now.
Roger.
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