We left Bundaberg early with high levels of excitement on May 30. Several hours into the first day we noticed and odd smell…  Boom! The cutlass bearing in the stern tube failed.  Bugger.   We spent the next few days wondering how this could happen, but regardless we are glad it happened now not months later in the middle of nowhere

 

The first night we anchored in Pancake Creek arriving after sunset, which was a little nerve racking as the anchorage was very busy. The following morning up at sunrise to sail north to the Kepple’s, back into phone coverage to make some calls to plan for the cutlass bearing repair.

 

We did not want to go backwards to Bundaberg, so we started calling around to all the marinas in the region.  Thankfully Mackay gave us an emergency lift on the 11^th June the following week which was fortunate as the next best offer was over 3 weeks away.  So, after getting over the first ‘bump’ in the trip we settled into the fact that we just had to sail as much as possible and make to Mackay by the 11^th June. We stayed a few days in the Kepple’s before sailing north in favourable conditions on the 4^th June.

 

Because we could not use our engine too much as it would overheat the stern bearing, we had to plan the dash north with the wind and navigate old school.  Yes, we are a ‘sailing boat’, but when you are put in a situation with little or no engine to rely on, it gives planning another dimension.   What was very enlightening, and delightfully refreshing, was being at the mercy of the wind and reminding us that if you have the time, as we hope to do over the next year, you can get things done.

 

Next stop was Port Clinton for another late arrival/ early departure rest stopover, where we witnessed some military testing (3 rather frightening bombs!) and then to Stanage in the Thirsty Sound.  A big run north but put us in the right area to wait out a few days of little wind before making the last push to Mackay.  Stanage is a fishing town and though very tidal and strong streams at the anchorage, it was a great little stop. We enjoyed the pub ‘The Crab Pot’ which served epic burgers and where Matt was harassed by the locals for buying a glass of wine. 😉.

 

After Stanage we spent a few days at Hunter Island in the Duke group which was brilliant.  We had a great walk and also landed a big Queenfish. From Hunter we anchored overnight at Curlew Island, then to Mackay Marina the next day on the 11^th to arrive at our berth around 2pm to get prepped for the lift the following day.

 

To save on time and expense, emergency lifts are the last up and the first in, so you stay in the slings and don’t have the buggerence of setting up cradles for an extended stay.  Because of this we were at the mercy of the last works. They of course ran late, so by the time we were up and started working on the cutlass bearing, we did not finish until 1 am in the morning.  And then because it was first in, up at 0545 to put the prop on and be put back in at 0730.   Late one for us with very little sleep, but also a big thank you to the Mackay Marina and Shipyard, and to the shipwright Richys Marine who stayed late and had such patience and professionalism.

 

After the drop (and it was some height that lift) we did a successful sea trial and did a short sail to Keswick Island in the Bee Group for an early night on the 12^th for some well-earned rest.  On the morning of the 13^th the weather was not great but there was good wind so we pushed on towards Airlie Beach, stopping and Shaw Island and South Molle Island (a favourite of ours from the season before) before anchoring in Airlie Beach on Sunday the 13^th June.

 

Great stopover to catch up with some mates and re-stock with parts and provisions.  Also got some electrical glitches ironed out (thanks Kris) and Matt also enjoyed a great game of golf.  Great to see Nathan, Bruce, Tim and their families and enjoy some great hospitality.  Thanks guys.

 

With a southerly building we decided to leave Airlie a few days earlier than expected. We hid at Cape Gloucester to wait out the weather.  Also had a last catch up with Bruce, Kate and the kids and a sensational Cape Gloucester eco-resort for lunch before heading north again with the next stop Magnetic Island off Townsville on Monday 23^rd June.

 

Watch this space.

RAAF F18's Bombing Range.... Hoora