We played around the Whitsundays for about 10 days and had a visit from one of our three girls and our grandson. We had alot of rain, high winds and big swell and also plenty of fun, but it was time to hit the water highway northbound.
From Airlie Beach to Townsville there's not alot of islands or anchorages to stop at. That meant a couple of big sailing days which, let's be honest, can make it very boring. And long. So long. We had about 70 nautical miles to cover each day with a very ordinary anchorage at Cape Upstart for the middle night. Yaay! Something to get excited about, a rough night's sleep.
Leaving Airlie Beach, sunrise
The last of the sun to see us around the headland on the left and into Cape Upstart.
At this time of year we have just 12 hours of daylight for our 12 hours of sailing per day. The sun is only up for about 11 hours but there is first light and a little bit of twilight to help us out. When we have a long sailing day Hubby gives me no choice except to drag my butt out of bed way before my normal, much more respectable, rising time. He does make me a cup of tea though, as enticement. There is another bonus, and that is to see the majesty of a sunrise at sea. It really is an thing of beauty and should get me out of bed at dawn every morning. Sunsets and sundowner drinks have always been my favourite time though.
First light - it's so pretty
Finally the sun pokes her nose over the headland
We had quite the mix of wind over those 2 big days. Both mornings we had none or it was directly behind us (also known as 'wind up your bum'). By late morning we had plenty of wind and waves. And a 2.5 metre swell coming side on. Every time I think we've hit our fastest speed, the last time being 8.7 knots, we beat it. We hit 10 knots sliding down the waves. It was pretty impressive, if you don't mind heeling over so far that water is lapping at your back.
Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island is just around that headland ahead.
Aside from sailing at one hell of a lean, the days were marked by the absolutely stunning sunrises and sunsets. Both evenings we came into anchorages after the sun had slipped below the horizon and as the last of the light left the day. Apart from taking a gazillion photos at both ends of the day, the only thing left to do once the anchor was set was to pour a gin and tonic for me and crack a beer for Hubby.
Anchored up just in time for this stunner of a sunset
Until next time, Watusi Woman - snapper of photos, out.