Tuesday, March 25, 2008

March 24th: Cruising in lighter winds

Sorry, not many exciting shots so far...


Monday 24/03
A long day sail trying to make up the distance lost during the rescue (and recovering from a boozie night onboard a big flash boat parked next to Kuna the night of the rescue). 70 miles got Kuna to the back of Curlew island ( S21° 35.7 E149° 47.8). The handcrafted windvane is working brilliant,  so could have an afternoon nap! Despite the full moon, approaching amongst the familiar dark rocky reefs and islands was quite intimidating  because of some large overfalls and reasonable speed! Anchored safely yet too far out and made for rolly anchorage in the current, bugger!

Tuesday 25/05

Now hurrying to Mackay, or trying to, because he winds have abated for the first time in three weeks. Heading directly downwind from Curlew Island with light Southeasterlies with the headsail poled out,  Kuna cruised between 5 and 6 knots all the way, so that's hurrying on a 10T cruising yacht...  

The forest of empty cargo ships at anchor near Mackay there is always impressive. I tested the radar detector (Kuna does not have radar, just this 20 years old piece of equipment that detects ships radars and produces an excruciating tone as a warning!)

Reluctantly had to go into the marina as that's where the customs office is, and it'll be convenient: Will do hull repairs from the pen there and sort out last minute needs before clearing. The hardest will be to disconnect from the convenience of the internet, but I worked out how to send sitreps with just the iridium phone!!! But this marina place feels extremely claustrophobic, can’t wait to get out!

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