Sea Sun Friends Freedom

Moving Forward - Fraser Coast

silverlady — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 20:59:00 GMT

It’s been three months of full time work on the boat by a great shipwright but silver lady is back together and ready to go. The decks are brand new, hull re sprayed, new antifouling and the propeller re pitched to let her go faster under power. She looked fantastic and I couldn’t wait to get sailing again.

On Sunday the 25th of July 2010 my brother Tim and a couple of mates, Robbie and Gus flew into Mooloolaba. What a mess the boat was. Not unexpected as really Ken the shipwright needed another week to finish the last bits and pieces. Eight hours later after shopping, packing, cleaning and fuelling up we were ready to go. A week set aside for cruising up the coast, hoping to visit Lady Musgrave Island and finishing in Gladstone.

We headed out of Mooloolaba at about 8 pm with a light south-westerly aiming to make the tide to enter the notorious wide bay bar by 6 am the following morning. We sailed through the moonlit night with rolling one hour watches. I didn’t know what Robbie was thinking with a quick briefing and there he was alone in the ocean on his first ocean sailing trip. With the light conditions and me on standby only five feet away I felt very comfortable. Throughout the night we had to keep reducing sail to slow the boat as we were quickly knocking down the 60 nautical miles.

A couple of times during the night we chatted with John on Meridian on the VHF radio, another Melbourne boat doing the same passage. its always nice comparing notes.

After an uneventful entry over Wide Bay Bar between the Australian mainland and Fraser island (www.fraserisland.net). We motored up the inside channels and stopped for the day at remote ‘Gary’s Anchorage’ This is about as far along the great sandy straight you can go without high tide. We spent the day fishing and relaxing with a trip to shore to look around. The whole area is just so pristine, Fraser Island being the largest sand island in the world with huge established trees. The day was quite overcast with periodic rain but quite warm.

After a solid 9 hour sleep we were up with the tide the next morning and motored 15 miles through the Sandy Straights where we anchored off Kingfisher Bay resort. An echo friendly resort nestled amongst the trees. A general store, gift shop and welcoming swimming pools and dining areas around the accommodation area. Big tides in the areas meant when we returned to get the dinghy there was a 100 metre drag through ankle deep mud of the dinghy to the she water edge. Two of the rebellious crew went missing in action around the local bars at the resort until 10.30 that night. It was a phone call from Melbourne that alerted me to collect them from the shore.

Our plan had been to make the 90 mile run from Kingfisher directly to Lady Musgrave. Forecasts of up to 20 knots from the north would have made for a long, uncomfortable day. In keeping with the philosophy of the trip, we decided to go with the wind so we headed a few hours across to Urangan to the Great Sandy Straights Marina.

The marina has an easy entry with a shortcut between big and little woody islands at high tide. Pretty expensive to stay just a night but facilities were great with chandleries, café’s and close to Harvey Bay. An afternoon relaxing with the sun finally out we relaxed on the deck and Gus and I headed to Harvey Bay to the movies. Tim and Robbie went and ‘invested’ funds at the TAB.

Perfect conditions on Thursday saw us motor sail 40 miles up to Bundaberg. We stopped at the Bundaberg Port Marina where the boat will sit for the next few weeks. I bumped into John on Meridian again as they were passing through for a couple of days. The marina lived up to its reputation for being accommodating and friendly. Regular visits to the café-restaurant at the marina during happy hour were a great meeting place for all the local yachties.

The next day saw a lazy rest day of packing up the boat before our return flights home.

During the week you can feel the everyday pressures lifting off your shoulders.

I could really get used to this life!

Photos: Fraser Coast

silverlady — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 20:48:00 GMT

Photos: Coffs Harbour and North

silverlady — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:43:00 GMT

Family Days Sailing Coffs Harbour to Mooloolaba

silverlady — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:41:00 GMT

I flew into Coffs Harbour on New Years Day by myself. The marina was hosting the Pittwater to Coffs yacht race that needed my berth. When I had booked in it was on the understanding that I would have the boat out by the 4^th. I didn’t mind, as it would give me a few days by myself to get the boat ready for the next leg up the coast before the gang arrived.

By the time the race boats arrived on the 4^th I had really settled in. I knew most of the cafes in the area and spent the days lazing around reading and drinking coffee. Its funny when you slow life down the different things that amuse you. I watched one day as a boat had been put into a certain part of the marina where you don’t usually put yachts. As the tide went out the boat rested on the bottom and was lifted high and dry. We all kicked in and helped as the tide came back in to push it back into a proper pen. Throughout the day race yachts began to appear led by the famous Sydney to Hobart winner ‘wild oats’. All night as boats finished the race and entered the Marina they had to yell out their boats name to the officials. Can’t say I got a lot of sleep but I was kept updated on who was winning the race.

The following day Cath, and three of my daughters, Bec, Lilly and Sophie arrived. Was great to see them and we caught up with friends and went to the nearby carnival. The lovely Elise who manages the marina kindly let me stay and found Silver Lady a spot rafted up to another boat.

Over the next couple of days whilst we enjoyed Coffs Harbour, I could feel myself becoming more apprehensive. Even though I have sailed thousands of miles it was the first time that I had taken my family on a coastal passage and the responsibility of it was starting to weigh on me. Say something happened? What if we had an accident? I was dying to get going, as I know I would feel ok once we had left. I walked up to the breakwater the night before we left and looked out over the ocean asking for it to be kind to me over the next couple of days.

4.45 am the next morning, Cath and I awoke and cast off the lines. The kids didn’t stir as we motored out the outer harbour and headed north past the Solitary islands. The dawn was amazing and there was a light southerly breeze. At about 9.30 the kids arose and came up on deck for their morning hellos. Breakfast was a procession of Cath passing up toast with the spreads of choice. I should have know that to the kids this was no different to the many times they had sailed around bays in Victoria and they took it in their stride. We were well on our way to our next port Yamba.

About 8 hours after we had left we approached the Clarence River entrance. Conditions were perfect. Reading the cruising guides they tell you the worst of conditions that can occur where waves break over the entrance. Cruisers at Coffs had warned me not to follow the leads in and enter the river from the south as in most conditions it is safe. We motored up the Clarence and worked our way through some interesting channels to the Yamba Marina.

Once we re fuelled Silver Lady we were allocated a berth before all walking into town. What a great little country town. We were there in the tourist peak but the place had real character. A bit trendy, a bit alternative but most of all, friendly and laid back. I went to the local supermarket and asked for mineral water. He showed me the plain brand to which without thinking, I requested Pelegrino mineral water. In a hail of laughter the manager told me that I was now in Yamba and I had to learn to relax. Good Point I laughed as I walked out with my ‘no name’ mineral water. We walked up to the top of the hill to the Pacific Hotel, which has the most panoramic ocean views in Yamba. The next day was spent just lounging around in full cruising mode. Not a worry in the world! We even went to the movies located in a big tin shed and saw ‘Its complicated’ great film if you are a girl. If you aren’t a girl you want to perform self-harm rather than endure the whole film.

The following morning we cast off at about 5 am. Not knowing the channels leading back out very well, I wanted daylight to find all the channel markers. Thankfully Cath picked up on that I was going the wrong side of one set otherwise we would have run aground. We left the Clarence and back out into the ocean, heading for the Southport Seaway and the Gold Coast. Once inside you can head almost all the way to Mooloolaba in protected waters. I was hoping to enter the seaway entrance in daylight to make navigation easier.

We had another great run that day. We saw a couple of other yachts in the distance around us also heading north. There is a current that runs to the south that begins just offshore. It was particularly strong at this time and if I didn’t hug the shore all the way we lost at least 2 knots of speed over the ground. For several hours we were surrounded by a huge pod of dolphins that played around the boat. Giant Sea Turtles appeared at different times. The sea seemed really healthy and full of life.

As the day went on, I could see that we weren’t going to arrive until after dark. Not much that could be done, as we were already out there. As the sun went down the lights of Surfers Paradise from the sea looked amazing. They looked every bit as good as Las Vegas at night. I suppose some people would say that Surfers Paradise is Australia’s answer to Sin City.

At 10 pm we entered the breakwater to the Southport seaway. I could see the red and green channel lights for the previous hour and even as we entered I could not see a thing. It’s at these times you appreciate the outrageously expensive navigation electronics. Bec radioed the Seaway Tower as we entered to let them know we were in safely. The radio operator joked that they had a band to welcome us. At that moment we looked up to see the whole shore lit up with a music festival similar to ‘the big day out’ held in Victoria. Even at this time of night the Broadwater was full of boats going about their business. It was great to finally tie up at the Southport Marina and have a hot shower.

The next four days we did all the usual Gold Coast things such as theme parks and catching up with friends. We even spent one day with a working bee on Silver Lady. It’s the least we could do for her after she had looked after us so well. We were now really starting to notice the heat. By 7.00 am it was so hot and at night you couldn’t even have a sheet on you. We celebrated my birthday on the 11^th of January where I introduced the kids to the Hogs Breath Café. I explained that it fitted my criteria; Great food, served quickly and plenty of it. The kids had a ball and still talk about how good the food was.

Whilst on the topic of food, let me give you some advice. Just because it’s hot and you feel like you are on holidays, don’t have a large double chocolate thick shake every day because you will put on weight! Trust me, don’t do it.

On the move again with an early start up the Broadwater to Moreton Bay where Queenslands Capital, Brisbane is. Now there are a couple of shallow parts so you have to juggle the tides but this area is a well kept secret. It is a string of waterways and is so pretty and changing. You are almost instantly in the country and as you approach Moreton Bay there is some beautiful islands. The locals have been hiding it from us with boats anchored in remote anchorages all the way up. I have always sailed outside in the ocean past this area but I would recommend anyone to visit it if you get a chance. Just bring your navigational skills and a good chart.

We navigated our way up through the shallow Moreton bay to Scarborough. I went down for a sleep and was awoken to be asked what to do about a ship coming up behind us. We got out of the way! The whole area of Moreton bay is so shallow! I wouldn’t pick it as a cruising ground in a yacht as its just such hard work. We were heading to stop the night to catch up with some real cruisers, Bob and Joan aboard Dreamtime. Was great to catch up and went out for fantastic Italian that night. Always good to see friends from home and share stories. I love seeing the kids at all these new places as their eyes light up with the new adventures they know they are about to have.

The following morning on the 13^th of January 2010 we left Scarborough and back out into the ocean for the last 10 miles to Mooloolaba. We tied up at the Warf Marina that is right in the town. Heaps to do with great beaches and the whole area is quite upmarket. We did all the usual things but mainly just relaxed, wandering the shops and eating out. Don’t forget what I told you about the thick shakes as they have good ones in this town.

During our stay there I spoke to a recommended shipwright, as Silver Lady needs some extensive work done on her decks. I got quite excited before he said that he couldn’t do the months work until April. Now the dilemma, do I leave the boat to get it done? I worked out that I would have to leave it some time and it would bring Silver Lady back up to immaculate. So the tough decision has been made to leave the boat for the next couple of months to have the work finished. At least she will be set up for years to come.

We packed up the boat and spent our last night in accommodation in Noosa and out to dinner with our best man ‘Francis’. Have you ever experienced air conditioning? It was seriously good and a nice big bed. I love the whole sailing adventure but I also appreciate good beds and cool rooms.

I will keep you posted on the work as Im already dying to get sailing again.

Did you see that storm last night?

silverlady — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:28:00 GMT

Ok... So this will teach me to 'Gob Off' in my last entry......

Monday the 14th of December, 2009. I was up a couple of times in the night a bit apprehensive about navigating our way out through the entrance of port Stephens in the dark. At 4.00 am I was on deck and cast of the lines. We picked our way through the navigation marks cautious of the shallow area in the entrance where waves can unexpectedly break. Looking closely at the chart plotter that confirmed our position whilst just making out the landmasses in the darkness we left the safety of the bay.

Once out in the ocean the breeze was 20 -25 knots from the south east. The seas were only slightly lumpy but just enough to make us feel a bit queasy. We raised all sail and had the motor ticking away as we had a 150 mile run to Coffs Harbour. I really wanted to stop at Camden Haven which was at about the half way mark but Cath really needed to fly home the following day to collect the kids.

Throughout the day we counted down the miles. When you are averaging about 7 knots it’s a long run to Coffs Harbour. The sailing conditions were really great and we were starting to get our sea legs. At about 8 pm we were watching the sun go down behind the clouds with me commenting to Cath that we were having a great run that would be uneventful getting us in about 1 a.m the following morning. Hadnt eaten all day apart from a couple of pieces of chocolate.

At 8.30 the VHF radio came to life with the Coast Guard issuing an urgent severe thunderstorm warning. They gave the area that was in danger where upon checking was exactly where we were. Cath looked at me quite concerned where I reassured her that even if we did get caught in it that we would be ok. I then went about taking down all but the head sail just in case we did get caught. I know from past experience that usually the front of the storm is the worst with high winds that can take you by surprise.

Within 15 minutes I could see lightning lighting up in the direction of the mainland about 15 miles away. I kept an eye on our radar screen and could see a large purple patch which would indicate rain. As this patch got closer I looked to the sky to see rolling, angry, foaming black clouds with lightning all through them.

The front of the storm hit us as expected with torrential rain and winds up to 40 knots, leaning the boat over onto an angle as it engulfed us. Now its easy to use terms like ‘torrential’ and be all dramatic but Im talking about rain that you cant put your body in the way of or let alone look into. The type of heavy rain that you would have to pull over in your car because your windscreen wipers wont keep up. Within 2 minutes an empty bucket I had in the cockpit was full and overflowing. We were engulfed in darkness except for the sky regularly lit up with lightning as strikes hit the water all around us followed by deafening thunder like bombs going off.

Cath remained down below and was quiet except for asking the occasional question about what happens if lightning strikes the boat or is everything ok up on deck. I reassured her that it would pass and we would be fine. The seas were quite flat as the ferociousness of the rain had levelled the sea. During this time the wind gusts were up to 40 knots. My clothes were drenched as though I had jumped fully clothed into a swimming pool. By this stage I stripped them off, wearing nothing but my underwear and a safety harness with lightning all around me in the rain. I don’t think it was a very good look as they were white ‘grandpa undies’ even though they had Calvin Klein written around the band.

This was truly a scene out of a movie if when they try to portray a bad storm. I hoped we would be ok but had an overwhelming sense of responsibility that both of our kids parents were in quite a severe situation. If I had been out there with some of the guys that I normally sail with it still wouldn’t have been pleasant but another story to re live in years to come. I was becoming frustrated as I could see on the radar screen that it was staying with us and we were remaining in the middle of it. When I slowed the boat, the storm seemed to slow and the same when I sped up. . The storm kept my full attention for three hours before it dissipated and the stars came out. It was now around midnight and I had been up for nearly 24 hours. Cath then took a watch for a couple of hours and I fell into a coma like sleep.

At 4.30 am we navigated in the darkness into Coffs Harbour and tied up, We slept though to lunch time leaving the boat looking like it had been ransacked. Later in the day we caught as taxi to the airport where Cath flew back. Without exception everyone we spoke to would say, “did you see that storm last night” We didn’t tell people that we had been out in the middle of it acting as a ‘lightning conductor’ I decided to stay for a couple of extra days and tidy up the boat and catch up with our friends ‘Gus and Sarah’ That night on the local news, one of the lead stories was about the severe storm and high winds that damaged different parts of the town.

Well my plan of showing my wife how relaxing coastal sailing can be didn’t work as well as I hoped. I love nature and the elements and was quite impressed with its performance and although I wouldn’t go through those conditions by choice am glad that I’ve been through it. I can completely understand why a lot of people could think of nothing more terrifying than the situation we were in

So, we are now getting into the semi tropical zone where the only clothes needed are shorts and t-shirt. I now on a plane back to Melbourne and have to return to the boat on the 1^stof January to free the pen up for boats participating in the Gosford to Coffs harbour yacht race. I will anchor out for a couple of days until they leave and holiday for a couple of weeks on the boat with the kids. Next stop – Gold Coast.

Nelson Bay

silverlady — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:54:00 GMT

Dinner with friends at Crown on Thursday night and staying in a Melbourne Hotel before catching a 7 am flight to Newcastle. With the kids in safe hands until Tuesday this was the first time that Cath had sailed alone in the ocean with me. Whilst Cath doesnt mind sailing she has never made any secret of the fact that she is happy sitting in a resort somewhere on dry land.

I knew that i had to prove to her that my new found 'cruising mode' would ensure that we didn't get caught in bad weather whilst she hangs on thinking she is going to die. Most people think that sailing is a life of huge storms and pirates. This can seem the case if you believe what you read but these are the stories that make the most readable stories. I believe you could spend your whole life sailing the usual oceans and never get caught in life threatening weather. The chances of getting caught in terrible weather are directly proportionate to the skippers sailing experience. Nature has a way of making you respect it. if you fail to have a certain amount of respect (read fear) and take all possible precautions then the ocean will sort you out. when you do get caught out in the ocean in even 40 knots you feel like you are the first person to ever experience such serious conditions. Lonely?! the middle of the night in 40+ knots as the skipper, you may as well be on the moon.

Fast forward 12 hours when you are sitting safely in a beautiful anchorage and you can barely remember what you have been through. the truth is that most people see a boats wind gauge gust momentarily to 50 knots and they talk about the 50 knot storm. this will usually only be around 30 knots with occasional gusts. there isn't many people who have seen a true 50+ knot prolonged storm in say Bass Straight as they would seriously think about giving up sailing. i have spoken to guys who deliver yachts across the Atlantic as a job and have never seen winds in excess of 30 knots. Having said all this, a well founded yacht with prepared crew and experienced skipper can get through almost anything.

When we arrived at the boat some large chunks were missing out of the transom (back of the boat). Some lines had come loose and the boat had bashed on the marina finger. Oh well, no point getting upset about it as it wont change anything. We settled into the boat with the forecast looking good for the following morning. some gourmet pizzas at the local shops and an early night.

Up at 4 am and motored out the entrance into the ocean. I spotted three other boats leaving at the same time but they turned south. As we turned north for our 60 mile run to Camden Haven out boat slowed to 4 knots with the wind against us. I needed to get to the entrance to Camden Haven in daylight and on a rising tide by 6 p.m. that night. It has a tricky bar at the entrance that is too shallow to enter on any tide. At this speed we wouldn't get there until later that night and it would be very uncomfortable. After thinking for a while the thought of going back to bed was too tempting so we returned to the Nelson Bay marina by 6.30 and slept through until 10.00 am. Just as well as all day the wind increased from the North. We would have had a miserable time.

for the last couple of days we have sat around and done nothing apart from read and purely relax. Its so good just sitting around with no plans and going for walks when we feel like it. Nelson Bay is a beautiful little spot. All the things you need such as supermarket, cinema and news agent. The locals tell me that in summer you cant move for tourists which is great for the local economy. Regular weather checks are saying that we will have 50 - 20 knots from the south for the next two days. As we are starting to run out of time we are going to leave early tomorrow and sail straight for Coffs Harbour. If we get away around 4 am we should get to Coffs around midnight. I have been into Coffs at nigh a couple of times before and its a great all weather entrance.

Early night tonight for a longish 150 nautical mile day tomorrow.

Newcastle to Port Stephens

silverlady — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:12:00 GMT

After two days sitting comfortably in Newcastle the weather was looking a lot better. I made a decision to give up rough weather unless i get caught out there unexpectedly. with my new philosophy on cruising being that i dont have plans, i dont see any reason to sail to a schedule. If you want to rush then i figure that you may as well fly. It rained most of the day which had us go and see the latest film '2012'. It was a hilarious film that had me openly laughing at the screen. Problem was it that it wasn't supposed to be a comedy! oh well, what do i expect in a 'end of the world film'?! The town was not what I expected with the marina precinct being very modern with really friendly people. walking around the town every third shop seemed to be an adult book shop. would like to have known the population to number of adult book shop ratio.

I woke up at around 5 am and re checked the weather. 5-10 knots, variable, Perfect for our 25 mile hike to Port Stephens. By 5.45 we had cast off and motored out. Jim and Sam took sea sick tablets, paranoid that they would get sea sick again. within a few minutes they were asleep on the bean bags. What a contrast. the sun was out and the seas were calm. About four hours later we were entering Nelson Bay with our destination D'albora marina at Port Stephens. There are a couple of obstacles with the entry but between reading 'cruising the NSW coast' the chart plotter and distant inshore leads it isn't a problem. Biggest thing to watch out for is just inside the entrance it shallows and can break in even moderate weather.

Looking at the forecast there was a 25 knot Northerly for the next couple of days. I decided to leave the boat at Port Stephens before moving North in the next few weeks. I called ahead the marina and was allocated a berth. Great facilities and good for any sort of boat repairs such as Noaks marine. Once ashore we went to a local restaurant for Spicy Crab. Back to the boat and a big clean up and packing the bags.

at around 3pm we jumped in a taxi for our trip back to Newcastle to fly back home. As we arrived back in Melbourne later that night i was already starting to think about the next leg.

To hell and then Newcastle

silverlady — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:18:00 GMT

From Jim Stynes, Up at 5am, winds were up but Hugh our captain was sure that by the time we got out of Pittwater things would settle. Well that wasn't to be, with the hour it was 3 meter swells and 30 knot winds. Next thing i am hanging over the edge emptying my vital organs. By the time i finished my wife Sam swapped places except this time she had a harness on just in case we lost her. I have to admit it was a bit romantic in a warped way. So for the next 8 hours it was just survival at all costs, even our captain found himself over the edge less his insides. Nevertheless sea sickness seems to over ride every other problem you might have and thats coming from someone with cancer. On a more positive note it allowed us to stop off without a plan to Newcastle and check out a new port and right now i am into spontaneity.

Sailing to Pittwater

silverlady — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:45:00 GMT

Too long away from the boat! I had been counting down the days and watching the forecasts in readiness to continue up the coast. Kerry Murphy and i drove from Mount Eliza and collected Jim and Sam directly to the airport. With the crazy things going on in Jims life i was hoping he would get the same solace as i do from sailing. For the last five years we had been focused on building our childcare vision never really thinking that anything such as illness could effect either of us. The aim of this this trip was to spend the next five days cruising the coast to Coffs Harbour with stops at well.... wherever we like. 300 miles, south easterly winds predicted, looks great.

once we arrived at Cammeray marina we headed out under the spit bridge and up the coast for a three hour sail to Pittwater. We entered Pittwater and decided to tie up at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club to have hot showers and and dinner at the legendary Newport Pub.

This morning we awoke and motored up the Hawkesbury River and anchored Americas Bay. 40 degrees with family in Melbourne telling us that it was pouring rain. Spent the afternoon swimming before heading back to lion island near the entrance to Pittwater. Just watched the sun set and planning to leave at 4 am and heading to Port Stephens for tomorrow night.

From Sam Ludbey-Stynes - Today I learnt that when you are a ‘man of the sea’, or in my case ‘a lady of the sea’ (in training), you don’t take too much luggage on board. Actually I’ve always known this, but chose to ignore the unwritten rules and to up-hold my grooming standards regardless of endless, but enjoyable jokes, at my expense.

With bags in tow (many bags!) Hugh, Kerry, Jim and I flew from Melbourne to Sydney and jumped in a cab to Cammaray Bay. We lugged all the bags down a steep but pretty cobble stairway surrounded by lush greenery to open out onto the marina. The marina is situated in a sheltered, calm and beautiful private feeling bay. The short walk reminded me of when the hypnotist instructs you to count down from ten to one, one-step at a time and you get to the bottom and see your sanctuary.

In the club dingy we were kindly given a lift to Silver Lady and unloaded our stuff. It was hot! So, we all hit the water for a much needed and refreshing swim. Almost immediately I, and I think it fair to speak for my friends too, we all started to drop and relax.

Once dried off we headed out of Sydney harbour through the heads with a 10-15 knot easterly. It was a height of activity in Sydney harbour with so much going on it felt exciting to be in amongst it. Once we got the sail up and Silver Lady settled in for the trip I sat at the tip of the bow for hours enjoying watching as we sailed past luxury cruisers, other yachts, school kids learning to sail on small catamarans, fishermen (and fisherwomen) fishing off the banks, the transport ferry, jet skis, a rainbow parasail in action etc. I love the inertia in your body and the freedom I feel as the boat pitched and rolled in the choppy seas whilst sitting at he bow. I have requested a seat on the pulpit! As Kerry stated, ‘Once people hang up at the bow, you never get them back!’ It really is true that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding. From this vantage point my mind settled and I relaxed as I absorbed the wonder of Sydney Harbour.

Late afternoon we arrived at Newport and docked at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. This yacht club houses many beautiful and impressive boats. Once tied up we headed for a hot shower in the clubhouse and then into town for a meal and drink at the Newport Pub. Hugh and Kerry are experienced sailors but for Jim this is his first (and much needed) five-night sailing adventure. With no plans, Hugh plans to casually make a hop from here to there. We loosely aim to reach Coffs Harbour on Wednesday. Over dinner Jim stated that he ‘….couldn’t believe how calm and relaxed he felt’. Sailing is like magic. Don’t really completely understand just why it soothes the soul. It just does. It is a wondrous and extra special thing to do.

After an enjoyable evening we returned to Silver Lady and retired for the night. It was a fabulous first day.

Gallery: sydney and north

silverlady — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 18:15:00 GMT

sailing north

Exploring Sydney

silverlady — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 18:12:00 GMT

Thursday lunch time my daughter Rebecca and I flew into Sydney. As we were ferried out to Silver Lady, i could see that she was absolutely covered in red dust from the recent dust storms that had engulfed Sydney in the previous week. We weren't complaining as we had left Melbourne being 17 degrees arriving in Sydney being 31 degrees. Straight into the shorts and spent the next hour hosing down the boat with the deck wash.

We went back to the club and walked the 117 steps up to the roadway before getting hopelessly lost looking for the local shops. Later that night we cooked up fresh fish we had bought and watched the sun fade away complimented with greek salad and mineral water. Two kookaburras decided to sit on top of the mast and do their evening calls.

The following morning we got under the spit bridge and motored across to Rushcutters bay and stayed at the Cruising Yacht Club (CYC) The CYC is probably one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in Australia and in a great location. The club hosts the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and is now about 90% race boats. Still, great place to stay and close to sydney. Overnight rates $1.33 per foot.

was great just spending time with Bec. Its easy to get so busy in your own life that you forget to have fun with those close to you. we taxied into Sydney and went to the Markets at 'The Rocks', walked across to the Opera House and later went to Paddies Market in China Town. It poured rain for the next two days which revealed a couple of leaks into the cabin from the deck fittings.

We ate well, walked a lot and on Sunday morning we motored back to the mooring before making our way home. Its a great feeling having the boat in Sydney as i can 'day hop' the boat up the coast as I please. A floating apartment where i can change the scenery whenever Im sick of it. The advantage of an apartment though is that you dont have to constantly work on things to keep it looking nice!

Sydney

silverlady — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:04:00 GMT

left Bermagui in fine southerly winds after leaving Sam to fly home. Ahead of us 150 miles with just Mick and I. Sitting about 3 miles off the coast to avoid the southerly running current we had a good look at the beautiful scenery. Mick new the name of nearly every surf break along the way. Dolphins played in the bow wave for a few hours before a pod of wales came near the boat. Without warning one of the larger wales breached right out of the water and fell onto its back. It was like being in a 'national geographic' documentary. Along the way we relaxed and ate well in readiness for the alternating two and a half hour watches through the night.

As night fell we took down the mainsail as the breeze was now around 25 knots from directly behind. Better to loose a knot in boat speed than have the boom gybe when you are on watch by yourself. The night was uneventful, just very dark with lots of shipping. every time i would go 'off watch' I would collapse into a deep sleep only to be awoken for my next watch all too soon.

Mid morning we entered Sydney Heads and headed to Middle Harbour. We had to wait about half an hour for the Spit Bridge was raised to let us through. We picked up a mooring in Cammeray Marina. It is amazing just how pretty the area is. Trees down to the water and houses perched on the sides of the cliffs. makes you feel like Melbourne is a country town. I will hang around in Sydney for a couple of weeks and explore the Harbour and Pittwater before continuing up the coast.

Within a couple of hours I was on a plane home, back to reality. I will return in a week or two to continue exploring.

Bermagui

silverlady — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:54:00 GMT

Experiencing the warmth and close vicinity to dramatic coast lines is the reason we put up with all the trials of crossing Bass Straight. Awoke after a great nights sleep and away by 6.30 am. Blue skies and light breezes for our 42 mile run to Bermagui. This leg took about 7 hours with us lounging around the boat enjoying looking at the shore about 2 miles away. Its completely different sailing the NSW coast, only ever a few hours from a safe harbour and there doesnt seem to be the extremes in weather that you get in victoria.

By early afternoon we picked up the leads into Bermagui and motored in through the channel. Once in, local fishermen helped us tie up to the main pier and promptly welcomed us with a large bucket of Oysters. Mick then sat down with a screw driver and devoured them all. The local deck hand of the fishing boat 'Hacka' gave us directions around the town.

We all walked into town and had a great coffee and just while away an hour or so. Back to the boat for freshly cooked fish and chips and a DVD night on board.

Sam heading off to Melbourne tomorrow whilst Mick and I push on towards Sydney Harbour.

Hastings to Eden - The Bass Strait Leg

silverlady — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:55:00 GMT

This passage took Mick, Sam and I 50 hours. Once my daughter Lilly and Kevin had waved us off we got sailing. The first day we saw blue skies with a calm 15 knots from the west. This day was very enjoyable however it fooled us all as all hell broke loose on our second night out. Bass Strait was angry with winds starting to increase at about 9.00pm and quickly reached gale force. By 3.00am we had constant 35 knots with gusts of up to 50. To add to our challenges we were immersed in pitch dark with large swells with foaming seas. At its peak Mick and I pulled down all sails and hand steered through the night as the auto pilot kept slipping. Due to the conditions we decided to cut between the many oil rigs instead of going around them. In the loneliness and solitude it was comforting to know there are people out there. Visually the oil rigs looked like huge lit-up transformers. At 9.00am without any sleep we rounded Gabo Island and finally found some relief sheltered from the worst of the weather.

At this stage we were happy that the winds decreased to 35 knots and we were greeted by a pod of whales frolicking around the boat. By mid-day we picked up a mooring at Eden after being unable to tie to the jetty due to the swell.

Had a well needed feed of bacon and eggs and then caught up on some well needed sleep before taking the dingy ashore for a hot shower and pub meal at 'The Fisherman's Club'.

Clear skies and a great forecast for the morning as we head off towards our destination, Sydney.

Hugh and Mick

As the lay person and being my first ocean crossing the last 50 hours have been quite an experience. I did spend a fair bit of time heaving over the edge of 'Silver Lady' helped along by a family packet of 'minties'however it added to the adventure. The first fifteen minutes of my first ever night watch was a little disconcerting but in time standing alone in the pitch dark observing the chart plotter and spotting for identified ships was empowering for this girl often referred to as being a 'princess'! Nausea aside, looking back the challenges and stresses of the trip was rather exciting and made me remember the importance of getting out and really living life and not getting stuck in a day to day mundane routine. The most exciting part of the journey for me was the pod of dolphins under the stars lit up by the phosphorescence racing, darting, jumping and frolicking around the boat for over an hour. Within nature it was the most beautiful and amazing sight I have ever.

Finishing off this part of the trip sitting on deck in a bean bag under a doona in the sun reading wrapped it up perfectly. Following was a hot shower; the best shower ever!!

Sam

Take two

silverlady — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:42:00 GMT

Ok, new engine, new gear box. Huge job as everything on a yacht has to be custom made. Hoping to leave this wednesday. Weather looks very light.

Gallery: Sailing

silverlady — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:42:00 GMT

sailing

Heading Off - Well sort of...

silverlady — Fri, 7 Aug 2009 21:23:00 GMT

Bob got dropped off by Joan at the marina and we all had our last shore meal for a few days. Was great to see Joan.

We left today at about 2pm. Was a typical freezing Melbourne day. I tried new sea sick tabs that you can only obtain from one pharmacy in New Zealand. first time ever that I havnt been sea sick!

weather lived up to the forecast at times. averaging 25 knots most of the time but squalls of around 40. Just on nightfall a large wave boarded the boat and engulfed us. Was a bit of a surprise to us all. With the swell building we headed to Flinders and picked up a mooring for the night. Weather looks a lot better tomorrow so we will get a good night sleep and head out at dawn. Its a full moon tonight as we roll around on our mooring.

we woke up yesterday morning with the weather perfect for some serious sailing. We had a quick breakfast and motored out into Bass Straight from our mooring at Flinders. Bob went below and as he did we lost all power to the engine. Once i stopped the boat we got all the engine covers off through all the steam and smoke to find that a coolant hose had come off.

As first i thought it a good thing and reconnected the hose and re filled the engine with water expecting no damage. Once the engine was re started there was a loud knock that we have worked out is a damaged valve. In short.... the engine has had its last use.

we sailed back to Yaringa boat harbour in Somerville where it is now arranged for the engine to be removed this week. the new engine will be delivered from Coffs Harbour by Wednesday and hopefully we will be running by the end of next week.

Disappointing but we are back safe and this wont hold things up for long. As the saying goes... 'Sailing is traveling to exotic ports to work on your boat'

Count Down

silverlady — Thu, 6 Aug 2009 21:38:00 GMT

Boat is ready! Crew is Ready! Nature is Angry.......

Last time we ocean sailed in big winds was two years ago. The top photo is us at the start of the Lord Howe Island Race that left from Pittwater in NSW. It blew 40 knots for three days with gust of 50 knots at times. That was in the Tasman Sea that is a lot deeper and more predictable than Bass Straight. The boat did it easily. The crew had had enough!

Bureau of Meteorology forecast for tomorrow is as follows: Friday:Winds: Northwesterly 35 to 45 knots shifting west to southwesterly 30 to 45 knots during the early morning with squalls to 55 knotsnear the change. Winds tending west to southwesterly 20 to 30 knots by early evening. Seas: Up to 6 metres decreasing to 5 metres around midday then decreasing to 4 metres during the afternoon. Swell: Westerly 2 to 4 metres increasing to 3 to 5 metres in the morning then increasing to up to 6 metres late in the morning then decreasing below 3 to 5 metres from midday. Isolated thunderstorms until late afternoon.

we have no intention of going into the Ocean with squalls of 55 knots. As with most weather fronts, as soon as it goes through the wind and seas should drop straight off. Plan is to catch the tide from Hastings at about 2pm and head down to Flinders until front has passed through. if we hook into the back of this front we should have a pretty tame sail to Eden.

Seems like every time you leave for a trip in Bass Straight you go through the weather analysis torture.

Getting Ready

silverlady — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:48:00 GMT

Couple of recent photos of a sail to Queenscliffe from Blairgowrie (im on the beanbag on the left with Bec and Jim). Now this is how i like to do my sailing!

Heaps of things to do. Every time I get a boat ready for a long voyage I remember how much work it is. Luckily i love it as its great for the boat and gives you peace of mind when you are in the ocean. NowI'm down to the final few things and will have most of the work done by this weekend. Cath has been down the last couple of Saturdays with sandpaper and dishcloths in her hands.

The crew on different legs are reddying themselves. Mick Walpole and Bob Barker will be on the first leg accross to Eden where Mick will head home and Elise will be onboard to Sydney. Elise will be taking the Silver Lady crash course in sailing with it being her first time on an ocean passage. I can remember like yesterday my first ocean passage. Lying in a bunk with a lightning storm around us all night wondering if i would ever survive. Reflecting on this, although Iwas nervous, I felt truly alive and for the first time in a long time was living my life how Iwanted.

I have sailed with my good mate Bob Barker for over 10 years. infact allmost all serious ocean passages i have done have been with Bob by my side. Bob and his wife Joan live on board 'Dreamtime' in Queensland . See http://www.argen.org/dreamtime/ for more info. I have sailed with Mick on a lot of trips around the bay and Bass Straight, Including a circumnavigation of Tasmania. Its great for me as a skipper to be able to sleep soundly when off watch having people whos company I enjoy and trust looking after boat and crew.

We generally take 3 - 4 people on each leg. I have not looked for a fourth person for the legs but usually someone puts their hand up for a sail.

Leaving one week tomorrow......

The Beginning

silverlady — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:43:00 GMT

Welcome to Silver Lady's blog. Silver lady is a 44 foot sloop (single mast) yacht built in 1990. Sleeps 5 in comfort and is what would be classed as a 'go anywhere boat' The Ellis family has owned her since 2007. During that time she has completed voyages around Bass Straight (Victoria, Australia) and coastal New South Wales. Hugh (thats me) is the passionate one when it comes to sailing. I love the connection to the elements and the perspective it gives you.

Its easy to get caught up in life and expectations. with a good mate getting sick recently its reminded me that you never know what could happen tomorrow. So... i decided I needed a good sail. To follow your dreams you dont always have to burn all the bridges and give up on your existing life. Im going sailing, leaving silver lady at different ports and returning to the boat to move slowly up the coast.

I thought it would be interesting to keep everyone posted on her next adventure, 'warts and all'. On August the 6th 2009 she will be leaving for a year cruising the east coast of Australia. The plan? no plans apart from it being about the journey rather than the destination.