Whitsundays

We have arrived back at the Whitsundays. We will wait here until the winds become favourable again before heading further south. While we are here we are going to spend a few days at the Hamilton Island Marina.

Cape Upstart Again

We left Magnetic Island yesterday for Cape Upstart, however, the wind was right on the nose and we were forced to anchor at Cape Bowling Green which is not the image the name presents. It is a long sand spit only metres above sea level which gives good south east protection. Although it wasn't the ideal anchorage it was very welcome as it was a long tiring day.

We left CBG this morning in better conditions and have now arrived at Cape Upstart - 60 nautical miles north of the Whitsundays. As you can see we are now heading south.

Magnetic Island

Moved across from Townsville Marina to Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island. The marina is part of Peppers Resort and we are able to use the full facilities including pools and restaurants.

Townsville

Motor Sailed from Orpheus Island to Townsville today in light winds. We will spend some days here getting a repair done to the hydraulic auto helm. We will then go to Magnetic Island for a few days before moving south.

Orpheus Island

We left Hinchinbrook this morning on our way south to Brisbane. This is now the most northerly point on the trip.

Hinchinbrook Chanel

We entered via Lucinda and into the Hinchinbrook Channel today. Spectacular scenery, rugged mountains and tropical rainforest.  Crocodiles also inhabit this area so needless to say we are not going swimming.

Orpheus Island Beach

Orpheus Island

We motored in nil wind conditions to Orpheus Island today. Weather very hot and expecting south east Change tonight.

Palm Island

We left Townsville this morning in no wind but very hot. We had to motor 30 nautical miles to Palm Island where we are anchored for the night. We won't be going ashore as the island is owned by the Aboriginal Community. Tomorrow morning we head for Orpheus Island. Today we saw a white whale for the first time just metres from the boat.

View from the top

A nice easy walk Townsville (not)

Townsville

Sailed from Cape Bowling Green to Townsville in a 15 knots North Easterly. We had to anchor off the marina for a couple of hours waiting for the tide to rise so we had enough water to enter the marina.

Cape Bowling Green

Cape Bowling Green

Left Cape Upstart this morning. Had a good sail in 20 knots of south easterly. Now anchored at Cape Bowling Green. This is a large sand spit which offers  easterly protection.

Cape Upstart

Left Airlie Beach 0600 today and have now anchored at Cape Upstart for the night. Had a great downwind (wing & wing) sail with 20 knots of wind, heading towards Townsville. Cape Upstart is a very rugged rocky cape. We are anchored off a sandy beach out of the swell.