Days 6 & 7
Wow!
We've been scooting along with 150NM logged each day. The seas have been kind to
us with nary a drop onto the watch person. Of course, there is the occasional
exception when a burst of spray runs down your neck just before finishing a
watch.
We used some passage planning software before setting out. It
contains 100 years of observed data on currents, wave heights, wind directions
etc. It showed that rather than sailing a direct line from Gizo to Townsville,
we would be much better sailing in a big arc looping to the West at first then
more Southerly at the end.
So far, this has proved to be remarkably
good. We've had a push from the current and the wind and sea directions are
perfect for speed and comfort. What a pleasant change from 2002 when we lost our
mast out here!
The last day was a little tougher than those preceding it
because the wind direction hardened up to be more from the South and we were
close hauled. Fortunately, even though we were well heeled over, the seas were
good due to the protection of reefs to our East. Wind strength was only about
12-15kts and we were making good speed. We had current against us for the last
24hrs. We were not really bothered by this because sometimes it helps and
sometimes it hinders. Overall, it helped.
We were spotted by Coastwatch
aircraft. Amazingly they claimed not to know that we were there even though we
had emailed Townsville Customs. They said they would contact Customs (after all,
they are the same government department) to advise our latest ETA. It turns out
they did not do this.
Finally, Penny took us through the Great Batrrier
Reef into the protected inner waters. Only 68NM to got for Townsville!
For the last couple of days we'd seen no ships, 'though we were
expecting plenty once we reached the Barrier Reef shipping lanes. Sure enough,
they started to appear with about 40NM to go. We were awake for the last 40NM
and the SRS1 and chartplotter were on the whole time to show us the location of
other ships and reefs.
For the last 20NM we had to tack because of the
wind direction. This slowed us down somewhat so that we arrived at 7.30AM
Tuesday the 26th of September. Ten minutes after we arrived, we were visited by
Customs, Immigration and Quarantine. This went very smoothly and the people were
very pleasant. By 0830 we were officially back in Australia and tied up in the
pleasant Breakwater Marina. We had several hours pleasant sleep before arising
to tackle our chores.
More later,
Dave &
Penny
