Sailing...For Some

Well, a bit less than three months since the last post.  Pam has been in Brisbane since late June, assisting our daughter in the last months of her second pregnancy.  She is not having an easy time and with a toddler under two, Pam's help has been greatly appreciated.  Still three weeks to go!!  It's all been good though.

What a combination - water, mud and a toddler!

New Caledonia

Shortly after that in early July, Jon followed as he had been asked to join friends on a passage from Brisbane to New Caledonia and he took up the offer.  Geoff and Judy on Ka Mate were making their first offshore passage and Judy was a bit nervous after having her third hip replacement (on the same hip).  They have had lots of experience on the Queensland and New South Wales coasts but were wary about being away from land if Judy had any problems.

Leaving the Gold Coast Seaway, with an offshore breeze keeping the seas flat.

A date was set for 7 July or soon after.  However, the weather was up to its usual tricks and after an initial departure on 19 July and return the same day, they finally left the Gold Coast Seaway early on the 27th August - that's sailing for you. The 6-day passage went well and they were able to sail most of the way with only a bit of motor sailing on the last two days.  The passage was about 800 NM with winds from the S-SW so no head winds to contend with and the wind strength was 20-25knots at the start dropping each day.  Seas were a bit lumpy from a swell generated by a low further south but no bad weather was experienced.   

Inside the lagoon with Noumea just ahead

And Coming Soon...

Since returning to Brisbane a week ago, Jon has accepted a request he could not refuse!  This morning he is on his way to Cocos Island by air to join David on Taipan.  Kris has had to return to Western Australia for family reasons so Jon and David will set off soon for Mauritius, 2300NM across the Indian Ocean.  The weather is looking good for a departure early this coming week but time will tell.  

Stay tuned for progress blogs on this voyage.