New Year in Sydney

Well, we made it to Sydney, though at one or two stages thought we wouldn't get here in time. Found a berth in the Cruising Assoc. of Australia 'marina'. They organise the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race which leaves on Boxing Day, so there are quite a few empty places until the boats return. It is right in the centre of the city. Last night, with B, B, and B's daughter H on board we headed out to the next bay round where we were right next to the Opera House and Bridge. It was choc a bloc with boats - anchoring areas being very rigidly marked and patrolled but we found ourselves a good spot. Had a fantastic view while we ate a nice dinner. Thousands of people all around the water's edge which is mostly park, and an equally crowded area on the other side of the harbour.

At 9pm there was a shortish but impressive firework display, with more every hour, then at 30 and 15 mins to midnight. Then the big show. Not only over the bridge, but also from the top of high rise buildings in the city, and other points in the harbour. Also lazers and projected pictures, and a parade of illuminated boats. Quite fantastic, and as there was very little wind and a nearly clear sky weather conditions were much better than expected. Definitely lived up to expectations. Wending our way through the boats, many of which were also on the move, was quite a task, but we returned safely to our berth. Very ready for some sleep.

To go back a bit, I think I mentioned that our dinghy didn't arrive in time in Mooloolaba. B and B said they would collect it, put it on their roof rack and bring it to us. But it then went missing and couldn't be found anywhere. In spite of a tracking number. Eventually the transport company said that they would return it to Sydney (at no extra charge ha ha, I should think not), so B and B started driving southwards. Their phone call, and ours, and the dinghy suppliers, were to no avail, it had just disappeared. We were worried as the supplier said that they were not insured for loss en route. Then suddenly it was found, and yesterday B and B went to pick it up in Sydney, only to be told that it was on its way to Brisbane! Luckily they saw it in the depot, and so took it, but with no check of their identity - they said they could have walked off with anything!

Then we found out that all the roads in this area were to be closed at 3pm - until 3am on 1st. So it was a rush for them to get here in time, but they did thank goodness, and a smart new yellow-and-white dinghy is safely tied on deck. It had been a long day for all of us. We started off well from Mooloolaba with current and wind in our favour but then the wind dropped, and then swung onto our nose. So lots of motoring, 4 nights out, and pouring rain most of the time. Plus quite rough seas. Not the nicest trip ever. We arrived at the entrance to Sydney Harbour at 2am on 31st so not much sleep that night. But it is always exciting sailing into a big city port with all the ships (and cruise ships) and ferries rushing around; and this harbour is deep and easy.

Our position is 33 52.430 S and 151 13.932 E (Rushcutters Bay) No fish, but reel etc lost overboard, and unsuccessful MOB drill.

En Route to Sydney

We had a very good time with B, B and family on board.  They brought huge cool boxes with all the food including a large bowl of enormous prawns and it was all cooked and ready to go on the table, great.  There was a beach just across the road from the marina so we splashed in the surf or just sat in the shade and watched the world on holiday.  Went for a pre-breakfast swim on the 25th, and at 6am there were lots of people breakfasting and BBQing under the trees behind the beach.  What a different world.

  The fly in the ointment was that the dinghy didn't arrive as promised.  We think it is in the depot in Brisbane, but Mon is a public holiday to make up for 26th being a Sat. so nothing happens until Tues.  Then not enough time to get to Sydney for new year.  So B and B very kindly offered to take delivery of it and put it on their roof rack and drive it to wherever we are by then, which is a very noble offer - particularly as after we left they texted us to say that their little cottage outside Brisbane was flooded and they had had to evacuate!  Seems no damage done, just wet.

  So we are 218 miles from Sydney at 11am on Mon 28th.  There's a current going our way so we have been making good speed except for the last few hours with no wind at all.  A fair bit of rain which keep the decks clear of salt anyway.

Position 30 39.584 S and 153 15.916 E   Temp a pleasant 20C  No fish.

Mooloolaba

After a nail biting but pleasant trip through the Great Sandy Strait between Frazer Island and the mainland, (only nearly going aground once, and on a falling tide)we decided to just keep going and sail overnight to Mooloolaba. The wind tends to come up in the afternoon and evenings with nothing in the mornings so we thought we'd make the most of it. There was a very impressive electrical storm behind us as it got dark with great sheets and strikes of lightening which luckily never got close. Arrived here at 4.30 just as dawn was breaking, and as we had booked our berth in the marina were able to come straight in.

Haven't explored much yet, but there are elegant houses on the other side of the river, and a nice park on the sea side behind us. Should be a good spot for Christmas Day. It doesn't feel very Christmassy, but it is definitely summer holiday time.

So fish (mackerel type) two, no lures lost, mizzen sheet jammed, maybe the bearing, dinghy not arrived yet.

en route

We didn't get very far today. When we left the mooring to go to the jetty to fill up with water we made hardly any progress. Our mooring lines were covered not only with mud and slime but also barnacles, so we assumed that the prop had acquired growth too. The only solution was to put on a tank and dive into the murk to clean it up. We had warnings from two people that there were bull sharks in the river, so it was with great trepidation that G. covered up in a black 'skin' and went in. The prop was indeed a ball of growth, so he did as quick a job as possible and the rest will have to be done some time in clearer water.

Because of this we were later leaving than planned, but in fact the tide was still coming in a bit, and we made very slow progress down the river. Then across Hervey Bay to Fraser Island, not much wind so plenty of motoring. Having left at 4.45am, we eventually dropped anchor at 6.30pm - the total hours of daylight. We will never get to Sydney by new year at this rate!