Southport Inbound Day 5

Hi everyone,

At noon today we were at 28 05S 153 55E steering 270M, sailing under single-reefed main and double-furled yankee at 5 knots.  The wind was 14G21 from the SW.  Our noon to noon distances were 103nm by the log and 116nm over the ground.   Overall we'd logged 1204nm and 1280nm respectively.  Our distance to go was 27nm.

Final Sunset?

Yesterday afternoon and evening was a mess.  Enough wind to kick up a chop but not enough to sail through the chop and confused swells.  All we could make was 2-3 knots through the water due to the sea state.  And the East Australian Current's gyres were having fun with us.  We motor-sailed until 2145 when finally the southerly buster arrived.

Out of the frying pan into the fire!  The buster arrived with 25G35 WSW winds which gradually backed to the S in the small hours.  We set the double-reefed main and storm staysail and Zen Again flew.  She's as keen as us to get into harbour.  We were sitting on 7-8 knots for extended periods.

Dawn WindPilot Kami Workout

This morning we're pushing onward.  We really want to berth in daylight.  We're exchanging emails with AFP and they will probably come down with DAFF to clear us tomorrow morning.  But let's get there first.

Trust all's well where you are!

Southport Inbound Day 4

Hi everyone,

At noon today we were at 29 14S 155 13E steering 270M, motor-sailing under single-reefed main at 3.5 knots.  The wind was 8G12 from the NNW.  Our noon to noon distances were 108nm by the log and 115nm over the ground.   Overall we'd logged 1101nm and 1164nm respectively.  Our distance to go was 122nm.

Setting sun yesterday

Yesterday afternoon we sailed WNW in a light SW wind.  As predicted it died early in the evening.  The engine came on at 2000 and hasn't been off since.  A bit tedious but we're making progress.

Dawn today

This morning the wind gradually backed around to the E then N.  This precedes a cold front / southerly buster coming up the coast.  This far north its predicted to get up to 25G30 from the SSW.  Right now here's a sloppy sea from the N and left-over swell from the S.  By mid-afternoon we should be able to tack N and sail.  Once we tack and resume sailing the wind should free until we're broad reaching home.

The ABF (Australian Border Force) and DAFF (Dept of Ag, Fish & Forests) know we are coming.  They will meet us at Southport YC's quarantine dock.  Our current ETA is 1500 tomorrow.

Trust all's well where you are.

Southport Inbound Day 3

Hi everyone,

At noon today we were at 30 02S 157 02E steering 285M, sailing under single-reefed main and full yankee at 5 knots.  The wind was 13G17 from the S.  Our noon to noon distances were 101nm by the log and 99nm over the ground.   Overall we'd logged 993nm and 1048nm respectively.  Our distance to go was 227nm.  Just a Freo to Geraldton.

Sailing yesterday afternoon

Yesterday afternoon we managed to keep sailing until 1730.  The sails were starting to slat in the dying breeze.  We motored until 0700 (still on NZ time by the way).  The seas and swell gradually eased overnight.

Fishing Vessel shooting its nets

Overnight we carefully made our way between the array of fishing vessels shown in yesterday's blog post.  One Australian fishing vessel passed a few miles in front of us shooting her nets with AIS marker buoys several miles apart.  We called her on VHF and the skipper advised we were fine to cross the nets.  Apparently the net tops are at least 15m down, further well away from the buoys.  In the screenshot above you can see a set of AIS transmitters on the boat ready to launch.

Morning clouds

At 0300 this morning we started motor-sailing in a light S breeze.  By 0700 the breeze filled in to 12G15 and we killed the engine.  The wind is expected to die tonight again, and stay light most of tomorrow.  Tomorrow night the wind should return, from a southerly buster forecast to just reach Brisbane.  

Sailing this morning

Trust all's well where you are!