southace said..
I did Eden to Airlie beach solo a few years back. From there on I sailed with mates and backpackers/girlfriends and it was great. Marina's aren't for lazy people it's actualy nice to berth up and leave your yacht and not have to worry about it as well as getting a good night sleep(most of the time).

Everyone told me just keep going North it gets better the further you go and they where right!

Maggi island great hanging out for a week or so easy to get supplies on the island.
Palm islands are also good not far from Maggi island.
i gave all those muddy places like bundy etc a wide berth.
once you get to Cairns you can anchor in the inlet and row across to the city. Port Douglass , low islands, Cooktown and lizard island are also nice and relaxing places to hangout.

Northerlys don't last for ever. Go as far north now as you can while you have the chance!

Stop blaming your other half for being stuck in the mud , create and follow your dreams.

QLDCruiser said..




Hey Steve, I recognised you there, and was glad to see you still heading north. Yes, that Gladstone approach is hard work sometimes. When we crossed, you had the tide with you but wind against - going the other way, we had a decent wind angle but were pushing a knot and a half of tide. We headed in to Colosseum for the night, first time I've been in there. It's a long entry/exit, only feasible for us in the top half of the tide, and I don't think we'll do it again for an overnighter. But once in, it was comfortable, and the fishing's good!

Today we had a rough trip, motoring all the way into the easterly and fighting the tide as well for most of the way. We're going to wait here in Pancake Ck until we get a favourable breeze, which looks like it might take 3 days or so. The next few days of S and SE should be good for you!

southace said..




I totally agree H20! she wants also to come back and sail my new yacht.

QLDCruiser said..
Yes, the Narrows are a bit scary. We did it once, a few years ago in our SS34. But the Benny draws a little more, and I haven't had the nerve to do it again. Consequences are pretty severe if you get it wrong and get stuck - it's a rock bottom in the shallow bits. This time of year the best highs are at night, which adds a little extra excitement.

Sectorsteve said..




Ahhh testingfor everyone!!
We're near the narrows but ive made the decision not to go through and to go all the way around via north east channel.
I just cant see there being enough water through the narrows tomorrow morning. 3.3m high. Sections on charts showing -2.3m. Drawing 1.3 i cannot see it being possible. Probably is but the anxiety it gives me isnt worth it. Rather a 60nm day instead.

sirgallivant said..
Steve: I would be disappointed if you had turned and ran!

Cisco: look at thread:
'Insurance youi 0 QVB 10'