EGsail2016: Kirby's first few days.

Kirby eventually arrived about five hours late due to the late arrival of her plane. She had left home at three o'clock that morning so she had had a very tiring and frustrating day. Once she arrived we set sail, leaving the marina at about 5.30pm and headed for Cid. For both Lea and Kirby it was their first experience of night sailing and therefore of having to steer a compass course instead of doing things visually. It was only a day after full moon so we weren't in the dark for too long before the large moon came up. In the morning we headed in very light winds down to Lindeman Island. When we had called two weeks ago for Rosie to look at the trapeze rig, Lea had dropped an SD card and we stopped there to pick it up. Sadly the caretaker wasn't there so we may have to call again. We then went just round the west side of Seaforth Island where we anchored for lunch and a swim. It does not have a name but we christened it "Lea's Bay", then on to Shaw for the night. We anchored in Bill Bob Bay on the southern side as the winds were easterly. Suzie and Kirby dangled lines in the water and had a few nibbles before first Suzie lost her whole hook and immediately Kirby lost hers, presumably to the same largish fish who would now have a rather sore mouth with two hooks in it! Next day we continued south arriving at Brampton Island after a lovely sail down, for a late lunch. We had one of those horrible rolly nights when none of us got much sleep and everything that could rattle and bang did so. We motored round to the northern Brampton anchorage next morning so that we could row ashore and climb up to the peak to admire the views. It was a three hour round trip and quite strenuous in the heat. The walk, fortunately, was mostly shady but, of course, we are not used to using our legs! It was very good for us. After a swim and lunch we headed in a pleasant wind up to Goldsmith Island for the night. We anchored in Roylan Bay with three other boats. We all prayed for no swell and were rewarded with a much better but not perfectly calm night. In the morning we headed north again and anchored on the northern side of Shaw. The next day we left for Cid harbour. We had a SE wind about 5-10 knots so were able to raise the spinnaker. It's always fun and, since getting the new torsion line on it, furling has become much easier. The next day we all went ashore in the dingy and Suzie, Lea and Kirby all walked up to the peak while John and I, who have done that walk before, walked to Dugong Bay. This walk is only an hour return through lovely rainforest while the peak walk is 2.5 hours and rather more strenuous but one is rewarded with magnificent 360 degree views from the top. John and I met a lovely couple from Lemontree Passage which is further up Port Stephens where we keep our boat. We look forward to catching up with them again either on our way down south or once we return home. After our walks and a swim we went to Frittata Bay which is just a short distance away. However, a swell was developing and we decided to move on to Macona. As we were about to move, it started to rain and by the time we were off Macona it was pouring and the visibility was very poor. It looked as if the swell might also be rolling into Macona as well so we went on to Nara just next door. It was a good decision and we had a nice quiet night. We were very grateful for the roll down sides that we have on our bimini and were very snug and dry in the cockpit with them down. We had intended to go snorkelling in Cateran Bay next day but we then realised that we were low on diesel so motored down to Hamilton Island to refuel. It was also a chance to dispose of our rubbish and buy a few more fresh vegetables. We sailed back and anchored north of May's Bay but south of Frittata, on the western side of Whitsunday island. This is another place that has no name so we named it Indulgence Bay. This was because Suzie had caught a wonderful spotted mackerel which was delicious eating.

Putting Kirby to work.