Passage: Mackay to Great Keppel Island

24th to 30th September, 2021

After spending a week R&R in Mackay John and I were ready for the next leg of our trip south. The trade winds (are supposed to) turn more easterly and even northerly at this time of the year allowing for sailing boats to head south to their home bases safe from cyclones. The reality is often different.

24 September 2021: Mackay to Curlew Island On the first day John and I left early, but not too early, as it was around 45 nm (9 hours) to Curlew Island. The wind was from the wrong direction – south east – but quite light, the sea was flat and there were scattered showers – definitely a motoring day.

In the morning we motored past all the ore ships waiting outside Hay Point. The wind instruments stopped working (again) and to top it off we left the shade protectors on the windows so when the rains did bucket down the saloon was drenched in water seeping through the edges of the windows. At least it was rain water.

After 8 hours we arrived. There were lots of other yachts in the anchorage when we arrived. We had found our people.

25 September 2021: Curlew Island to Hunter Island We had planned to sail to one of our favorite spots – Middle Percy Island however “our people,” all 11 vessels, were going south so we followed them thinking they may have some information that we didn’t.

The change of plan turned out well as the sea was flat and although we couldn't sail it was much easier to see sea life as there is no swell, wave or chop. We had a beautiful time, a lovely light cool breeze and we saw lots of whales and dolphins throughout the day. No photos for the doubters (Sandi) – there never is. We stopped multiple times to watch the whales play.

It was a perfect day.

26 September 2021: Hunter Island to Port Clinton The winds were expected to increase in the next few days so we wanted to get into a safe harbour before then. John and I up-anchored early (for us) and motor sailed to Port Clinton which is a very large and protected inlet in Shoalwater Bay. We saw a few whales in the distance but unfortunately, we didn’t have time to deviate.

Poor Tallis was happy to arrive after waiting 23 hours to go to the toilet. These long passages are difficult for Tallis as we leave to early to take him to shore. He would to stand on the side of the boat looking longingly at the shoreline wondering why we weren’t taking him there....otherwise it was bed-rest.

It was a 9 hour sail - again, all "our people" anchored with us. It always amazes me that one day it is a glass out and the next it's too windy to sail.

27 - 29 September 2021: Port Clinton There’s not a lot to do when you’re trapped by the weather. Fortunately we were only trapped for 3 days this time and it wasn't too unpleasant.

We did the usual – sleeping in, creating tasty meals, a little boat maintenance and cleaning. John’s hair was getting a bit long so I cut it. We even had a shower.

On the final day, the wind dropped and the sun came out. As often happens, everyone on the other yachts were suffering from a little cabin-fever so we had a great “sundowner” session on the beach with a fire, lots of nibbles and a few drinks. We caught up with some friends from Bella and Cat Magic and met lots of other people. A great evening.

30 September 2021: Port Clinton to Great Keppel Island Keen to get to another of our favorite spots, we departed soon after 6am with plans to spend a week or two in the area.

Because there was planned military exercises – this is common in the Shoalwater/Broadsound area – we had to sail much further out to sea than required to avoid them or more accurately to avoid a big fine. John was really happy that we were able to sail most of the way – although how fast the wind was blowing was a mystery due to the failed wind instrument. On the way we saw whales and battle ships – a funny combination.

We dropped anchor off Long Beach Great Keppel Island by mid-afternoon and almost immediately a man started waving his arms

around and yelling that we were anchored too close to him. By this stage of our sailing career we had purchased a range-finder (a golf tool) that tells you how many metres you are away from an object. We thought we were OK but not wanting to be "those people" we up-anchored and moved away.

Not long after that same man came over to us in his tender - we realised it was Zophia's skipper Brian. He apologised and said we should have known he was joking. He then invited us to his wife's birthday party on the beach - this couple are professional partiers - they have been sailing for nine years and always have really good cheese and wine in bottles (not boxes) ready for any occasion.

There must have been around 60 boats along the beach and many of them were at the party. There were many old friends - Laura, Ian and Darcy the dog and many others. The beach fire was huge. Tallis enjoyed the company of some young families further up the beach. Bit sick of us old people.

Next: Passage: Great Keppel Island to Gladstone