Malua
An Adams cruising yacht
Ready, set, GO. With full diesel tanks and water with a few precooked meals in the freezer Jim G and I left Bermagui (lines all packed or at Jim’s home) we set off with a slight wind behind us.
As I have done this trip many times before we hugged the coast trying to pick up the counter current from the south flowing East Coast Current. In most cases up to Jervis Bay it works very well. Just south of Jervis the wind rose above 20 knots from the North West and we took in a reel and furled the genoa as we turned the corner at the north eat headland of the Jervis cliffs. The moon was up as the wind increased to over 35 knots but the sea was flat.
This continues most of the night but at dawn the wind dropped and on came the engine as we steamed north towards Sydney to try to beat the change in wind direction predicted to come from the north.
We did not make the shelter as the north wind increased so we turned to port and sort shelter at Quarantine Bay just inside the north arm of the heads. Jim picked up a courtesy mooring and we had dinner and turned in for a good sleep.
Up at daylight and out the heads with a slight wind from behind. We hoisted the reacher but could not carry it for more than two hours as the wind dropped. On came the engine and we steamed north all afternoon and into the night with the full moon keeping us company.
At Smokey Cape the sea condition deteriorated and it was uncomfortable with a bit of rain and just a slight breeze from the east. Not enjoyable. We pulled into Coffs Harbour for some fuel but there was a fishing boat alongside unloading so we asked if we could tie up and someone said yes. We secured and started to run the long diesel hose to our tanks. I had just half filled the front tank when the pump stopped. What has gone wrong? Well the skipper of the fishing boat had returned saw us so switched off the diesel pup and told the crew to cast off with us still tied alongside. Thankfully common sense prevailed and we returned the pump hose cast off and then let the fishing boat return to their pen and we continued filling with fuel. I expected the crew to get fish and chips but I was disappointed.
The fickle wind and south flowing current continued all night with us just making the Gold Coast seaway by sunset where we dropped the anchor and settled down for a good nights sleep. I dropped Jim at Runaway Bay to fly home to Bermagui.
Now for the Wide Bay Bar and the correct tide. It is always a balance between speed and arriving at the destination in conditions that are safe and easy to cross a river bar, The wind was not helping but still light and over the stern so I kept going and made an anchorage with no moon at Double Island point as it was getting light. Off to sleep for an hour or two then schedule the crossing at the top of the tide with little outflow. I had requested the virtual marks from the VMR and plotted them in all charts so I was confident I would follow the track correctly but it almost was not required because of the number of boat crossing the bar at the same time.
Crossed the Wide Bay Bar and started to motor sail north to find a place to anchor for the night not too far from the famous shallow spot at Sheridans Flat which you have to pass over right at the correct moment of change in tide and high water Passed through the shallows with 2.5 under the keel but a few tense moments as I strayed off course. A few more miles for the night then on to Urangan to a berth for some diesel and more food. Watched the Australian women's soccer team – Matildas play as I sat in the cockpit with a glass of wine. North wind forecast for next few days so will leave marina and seek shelter at anchor before going to Bundaberg.
Arrived Bundaberg after good sail north with wind behind. Entered river and anchored waiting for berth. This place has not changed since I was here in 2004 except it has got shallower and added a few more berths. Great group of people although the cats seem to have drinks on board not at the BBQ place.
This has been a 17 days passage with stops. Now to watch the Matilders - womans soccer team.