Leaving the boat with David and Lucy

We had a very quick turnaround and David and Lucy flew in a few hours after Julie and Farley departed. David and Lucy had hired diving equipment which we loaded on to the boat and then we had a quick dash to the local fishing shop to get some appropriate fishing equipment plus some local advice on what and how we might catch. We set off in a good wind. The rods went out immediately and we caught a large blue fin tuna just off the point of North Mole. We enjoyed sashimi at captain's hour, beautiful pan fried fillets for dinner and delicious civiche for lunch next day. The only problem with catching fish is that it makes a terrible mess and they need so much preparation. However, it is well worth the effort. We anchored for a peaceful night in Macona and then left early to sail to Cateran Bay on Boarder Island. Here David and Lucy had their first and, I think, their only dive as the weather deteriorated from then. However that day it was lovely, though the water was a little chilly so we couldn't stay in for too long. After lunch we sailed round to Cid harbour for the night. There was a beautiful double rainbow as we anchored. Sadly one doesn't get rainbows without rain and sure enough the rain came. We were very grateful for the roll-down sides on the new bimini and we were able to sit in the cockpit and remain dry. In the morning it was grey, wet and windy. As the wind was dead against us we motored down to Hamilton where we were leaving Essex Girl to David and Lucy and they were meeting up with a group of friends who were chartering a catamaran for a week. Sadly, I think the young ones had lousy weather for the whole week but they still seemed to have enjoyed themselves. 

John and I caught a ferry back to Airlie, hired a car and did a road trip up to Townsville, about 300 km to the north. We returned to Airlie on Friday in time to take Essex Girl's lines as she came into the marina. David and Lucy had a friend with them, Darren, from the other boat and who had to get back to work before the others. We all had dinner together and then said good bye next morning. 

The fish!

Just got the anchor down  before the rain started.

Sunday roast on the boat.