tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30892499032516419592024-03-05T20:31:16.675-08:00Lastwords Whitsunday AdventureLastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-18409359470695763112012-12-15T15:22:00.000-08:002019-09-08T17:00:50.238-07:00Segment 57: Tuncurry to STGMBC / Georges River off Botany Bay<b>Segment 57: Tuncurry to STGMBC / Georges River (off Botany Bay)</b><br />
<b>Thursday /Friday, 6 and 7 December 2012; 146 NM.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
As the seas and winds were still up, Capts Barry and Ray spent the day in Tuncurry , at rest.<br />
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We started the morning with a walk into Tuncurry and breakfast of eggs and bacon at a street side cafe, then returned to LAST WORD so Capt Barry could do some reading ( ie down load the financial review , and Capt Ray could do some business on the telephone.<br />
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After that the two Capts went for a walk over the bridge that connects Tuncurry to Forster, to check out the sea state, and generally stretch our legs etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD moored on the Tuncurry side of the bridge that connects to the seaside town of FORSTER</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020562-1_zps2ec8f93c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020562-1_zps2ec8f93c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the small Forster marina, southern end</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Ray walking back from the end of the breakwall entrance to Forster/Tuncurry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking south from the end of the breakwall towards Forster beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking west from the breakwall towards Tuncurry. To enter Tuncurry, one turns right around behind the beach and follows the north western river bank . LAST WORD is the white boat seen along the distant shore towards the left of the picture.</td></tr>
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On return to LAST WORD we did our homework on the weather and seas and prepared for the passage the following day, with several end point options depending upon the seas, as they were still expected to be 2 + m swell,and uncertain wind gusts.<br />
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That evening, Capt Barry received a telephone call from David, his son, explaining that Capt Barry's brother , Graeme , was not well, and had been taken to hospital emergency , twice in the last 12 hours.<br />
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Whilst not good news , it assisted Capt Barry decide that passaging making all the way home to LAST WORD'S home port at the St George Motor Boat Club, Sans Souci on the Georges River, was a good option, in case Capt Barry had to fly up to Surfers Paradise to visit Graeme.<br />
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The next morning , both Capt Barry and Capt Ray were out of bed at 5.30 am , and LAST WORD left its pile mooring at 6.00 am, and crossed the bar at 6.07 am and Capt Ray set the throttles at 1815 rpm, making 16 + kts. The seas were smooth until LAST WORD rounded the point , then we entered the 2 to 3 m swell and had a 12 kt headwind.<br />
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We organised breakfast at 8.00 am and saw many pods of dolphins , most coming towards LAST WORD to play in the bow wave for 5 mins or so.<br />
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We were closer in shore for tis passage, and saw many crab pot floats slide by, so a closer vigilance was required , at all times.<br />
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As we passed Newcastle , there were several tankers either at anchor or coming and going, and Capt Barry spotted a large lump of timber , just smaller than a railway sleeper, slide by about 50 m distant.<br />
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On one of Capt Barry's inspections below, in the lazz and engine room, he noticed a small stream of yellow oil in the lazz gutter coming from the stern. Capt Barry had no choice , but to investigate this leak, suspecting that it was coming from either the stern thruster or the Sea Star power steering.<br />
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Doing any sort of focused task ( such as removing screws and stairs and a thruster cover plate , and bending over to putt ones head below their knees, in 2 to 3 m swell<b> IS NEVER RECOMMENDED , BUT HAD TO BE DONE,</b> to determine whether LAST WORD needed to break the journey and head into Port Stephens , for emergency repairs.<br />
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Capt Barry started to performed this task, but part way through.......<b> you guessed it,,,</b>,,,, started to feel queezy........, and gave up......... , and went topside for some fresh air..............BUT,..... <b>TO NO AVAIL, ........AND MANAGED TO BRING UP HIS BREAKFAST , OVER THE SIDE , INSTEAD.</b><br />
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<b></b>After a brief spell Capt Barry returned to the pilothouse helm ,and reported to Capt Ray that there was a small oil leak in the lazz at the stern coming from either the thruster or steering, and that part way through a more thorough inspection Capt Barry had decided to re-prioritise tasks , and washed down the side of LAST WORD instead.<br />
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Capt Ray had a chuckle , and said he thought he heard the familiar sounds of Capt Barry enjoying his breakfast ,<b> for the second time.</b><br />
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After Capt Barry's initial below inspection, he considered, on several occasions, completing the inspection, but was not able to do so, as for the next several hours , on the hour, Capt Barry revisited the stern of LAST WORD for repeat performances.<br />
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<b>UNBELIEVABLE.</b>.....Capt Barry, has just completed 5 months and 3,000 NM on board LAST WORD, and was not squeamish once, and on the last leg and four hours from home....gets sea sick.......<b>BEEEAAAUUUTIFUL.</b><br />
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LAST WORD completed the passage without further incident, and entered the Botany Bay heads at 1452 hrs, where Capt Barry signed off with Marine Rescue Sydney and soon after LAST WORD was docked and tied up in her home berth ( for the first time in 5 months ) at 1520 hrs.<br />
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Instead of a celebration and glass of champagne (or cup of tea ) , to celebrate LAST WORD'S epic voyage, Capt Ray was packed and departed from LAST WORD, in about 15 mins. During the trip south, he had organised his wife, Maggie , to collect him at the STGMBC at 3.30 pm, and they were homeward bound, in her sporty Merc SLK, 20 mins after LAST WORD berthed. The ever efficient Capt Ray was no doubt thinking about his next days golf , and knowing Ray, practising his swing in his mind , at red traffic stops all the way home.<br />
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Well , that left Capt Barry , with rear admiral Julie waiting in the saloon , doing beading business on the telephone, to wash down LAST WORD , strip the beds and doa load of towels in the washing machine.<br />
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After that it was grab some essentials , and homeward bound fora BBQ dinner of fish with David and our cat....who has no name.<br />
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<b>TRIP : 146 NM, 9.7 HRS, 1462 L, at av 15.1 KTS , and 150 L/HR. </b><br />
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<b>TOTAL TRIP PARTICULARS;</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. TOTAL ENGINE HOURS....................306 HRS</b><br />
<b>2. TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELLED,,,,, . 3,000 NM</b><br />
<b>3. TOTAL FUEL ...................................18,285 L</b><br />
<b>4. TOTAL WATER MAKER HRS.............70 HRS</b><br />
<b>5. TOTAL GENSET HOURS ...................115 HRS</b><br />
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NB. LAST WORD'S genset hours are small as the boat is set to fully charge the house supply on passage, at any rpm, and the genset was often not needed for days on end, other than for short duration ,large electrical power drain tasks , as the batteries coped from arrival at an anchorage until getting under way the next morning. Just about all lighting is low watt LED and most appliances on the boat are serviced off the inverter, without the need for the generator, and all GPOs are serviced by the inverter. The low watt kettle, the coffee machine, and toaster all operate off the inverter. The generator was only needed for the BBQ, oven, hotplates washing machine/dryer and air conditioning ( the latter which was not often needed ),and of course the house supply batteries when we stayed on anchor in the one place for more than 24 hours , which was not often.<br />
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<b><br /></b><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-74845442778040690732012-12-15T15:14:00.000-08:002012-12-16T15:25:51.081-08:00Segment 56: Coffs Harbour to Forster / Tuncurry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Segment 56: Coffs Harbour to Forster / Tuncurry</b><br />
<b>Wednesday, 5 Dec. 2012, 124 NM.</b><br />
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Capts Barry and Ray were up at 5.30 am , and after an OJ, we were away at 6.00 am.<br />
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As we wanted to make 124 NM, we wanted an early start to make the river mouth crossing at about high tide , which was 1.45 pm and 1.52m.<br />
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As we departed the outer harbour, Capt Barry logged on with Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour and we started a tracking sheet, and specified arrival at Forster about 1400 hours.<br />
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BOM was predicting winds from the south at 10 to 15 kts building to 15 to 25 kts from the SW as we approached Forster/Tuncurry, and seas of 1m , building to 1.5 to 2 m closer to Forster, and Buoyweather was saying 1.8m seas at 11 secs becoming 2.2m at 11 secs closer to Forster, with winds 15 to 18 kts from the S.<br />
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Capt Barry set the throttles at 1850 rpm , av about 16 kts at 160 L/HR and LAST WORD gave a pretty comfortable ride.<br />
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Soon after leaving Coffs Capt Barry cooked breakfast , and at 0830 hrs LAST WORD passed Smokey Cape lighthouse, making good time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spectacular cloud formation. It looked like a cloud waterfall</td></tr>
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During the passage Capt Barry did one of his usual lazz and engine room inspections and noticed a broken Jubilee clip lying on the engine room floor. Further inspection revealed this was from the 50mm rubber raw sea water elbows on the starboard engine. Capt Barry raided his supply of spares and replaced the broken clamp on the spot, as a leak from that part could cause a lot of water to enter the boat .<br />
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During the passage , Capt Barry did some paperwork and made social calls, whilst Capt Ray took overseas calls and , and actioned his new instructions.<br />
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Capt Barry then booked a pile mooring at the Wallis Lake Fish Co-op, and the conversation went something like this....<br />
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<b>Capt Barry</b>..."hello , is this the Wallis Lake Fish Co-op, and if so , I would like to book one of the pile moorings, if one is available, for a 65 foot pilothouse, arriving this afternoon , about 2.00pm, for two nights".<br />
<b>Fish Co-op worker</b>..." hello mate... yeah this is the Co-op, and yeah you can have a pile mooring. I assume you know there is no power or water"<br />
<b>Capt Barry.</b>...excellent..., Yes I am aware there is no power and water. Can you tell me which pile mooring is available for me to take?<br />
<b>Fish Co-op worker</b>....you can have any one... mate.<br />
<b>Capt Barry</b>...."excellent.... I would like to reserve the one nearest the fish co-op, as I know there is plenty of water there and have used it before..."<br />
<b>Fish Co-op worker</b>...."you cannot have that one. mate.. someone is there for at least another week, you can have any other one you want."<br />
<b>Capt Barry...</b>" oh...ok.... then I would like to reserve the next one along"<br />
<b>Fish Co=op worker</b>...." No mate , you can't have that one either, as it also has a boat on it for the next few days..."<br />
<b>Capt Barry</b>...." are you sure you have some left , as I recall there are only about 6 pile moorings , and I thought there were some permanents moored there...?<br />
<b>Fish Co-op worker</b>.... yeah mate , just take which ever one you want..."<br />
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At this stage Capt Barry thought there was not a whole lot to be gained from continuing the conversation about the pile moorings , and he would just see what was there when LAST WORD arrived, and anchor in the channel if all else failed, ie there were in fact no pile moorings available.<br />
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The swell built to about 2 to 3 m, as predicted , but was fairly gentle due to the distance between peaks. However, the wind picked up ( also as predicted ) and some sea water entered the engine room through the air intakes (both the passive grills and the blower intakes in the engine room on the port side). Whilst this is not a big problem , and more a cosmetic issue than anything else, as the sea water from the air blower from the engine room ceiling does scatter and make a bit of a spray, which Capt Barry cleans up on arrival at the destination, it would , no doubt shorten the life of the blowers, due to their passing of salt water, but such is life and it does not happen often, only when there is a 25 + kt wind across the passage of the boat, and when LAST WORD is at speed, throwing up water that the wind can whip into the blowers and air grill.<br />
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The seas turned progressively bigger, and we passed a couple of other boats, including a small tinny with two fellows fishing about 5 NM offshore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a small fishing boat a long way off shore and in deteriorating weather and building seas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another passing boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the seas built as we approached Forster / Tuncurry<br />
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About 1 hour out from Forster/Tuncurry the wind turned SW and picked up to blow between 30 and 35 kts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the wind started to pick up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the wind picked up, you can see the outline of the surf ski inside the large tender (under the cover )</td></tr>
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This caused the sea to become very angry and confused and to white cap and foam between the swells , and threw up spray which was then whipped back at the starboard side of LAST WORD, but LAST WORD still gave a really comfortable and balanced ride, with the stabilizers working their little hearts out.<br />
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About 20 mins out from Forster, both Capts Barry and Ray were sitting in the pilothouse helm chairs , chatting and keeping an eye out ,when suddenly.....<b>right in front of LAST WORD , and only about 30 m distant,</b> appeared a row of four white foam ball shaped crab pot markers.<br />
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They were strung out <b>right across LAST WORD'S course.</b><br />
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Well....Capt Barry shouted ...<b>"SH.T"</b>....and lunged forward and ran his right hand up the right hand side of the autopilot control knob , turning it as far as he could anticlockwise, and at the same time with his left hand brought the throttles back to neutral, in case LAST WORD did not swerve enough to miss the crab pot markers.<br />
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Capt Ray also saw the floats, and both Capts Barry and Ray leaned forward , <b>and could do nothing more than hold their breath and wait and watch </b>, as LAST WORD swerved 90 degrees to port, in 2+ m seas , going from 16+ kts to something much less.<br />
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It seemed that the crab pot floats must pass underneath LAST WORD, then at the last minute, they slid, seemingly under, the starboard side of the hull.<br />
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<b>DID LAST WORD COLLECT THEM??????</b><br />
<br />
There was some short discussion about whether we missed them or may have collected them on the starboard stabilizer or prop, and after waiting several seconds , we decided we could not hear any noises under the hull, and Capt Barry had a quick look out the back of LAST WORD, but could not see the floats, either in the distance behind LAST WORD'S wake or more importantly hanging out the back or side of the hull.<br />
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As the seas were quite rough , and the wind howling 30 + kts, Capt Barry decided NOT to send down CaptRay for a look under LAST WORD, AND Capt Barry selected forward gear and slowly increased the revs, and thank heavens...... LAST WORD had not collected the floats.<br />
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Capt Ray was grateful LAST WORD had missed the floats, as out there , in the swell and confused sea with 30 + winds , was not the place to have to go under the boat to cut away a rope around a prop or stabilizer.<br />
<br />
Well , after that lucky escape, Capts Ray and Barry kept an even more vigilant watch,<b> and YES , we saw two more sets of crab pot floats, pass within 50 m of LAST WORD</b>, before entering the river mouth at Forster.<br />
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As LAST WORD approached the river mouth right on time , 1.20 pm , there was thick smoke in the sky from at least one fire close by. Just outside the bar crossing , Capt Barry signed off with Marine Rescue Forster/Tuncurry, and as Capt Ray , who had never visited this port, he was allocated the job of steering LAST WORD across the bar and around to the right to the pile moorings, just past the Wallis Lakes Fish Co-op and slip way, and just before the bridge that joins Forster to Tuncurry (which has a 6 m clearance , and a fast tidal current between tides).<br />
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Mooring against the two narrow pile moorings was a challenge, as LAST WORD was pushing sideways, directly into a blow off wind of 20 to 25 kts, but we eventually managed it (thank heavens to having a <b>BIG </b>bow and stern thruster ), and after getting on two ropes , Capt Barry left Capt Ray in charge with the remote, and jumped ashore to add some additional ropes. It took about 15 minutes to turn and thrust sideways and tie off against the wind and in the swiftly running tide.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD moored alongside the pile moorings. Notice the thick smoke in the air from the three fires burning locally , fanned by the strong westerly wind (blowing LAST WORD off the pile moorings</td></tr>
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After mooring, Capt Barry retired to the engine room to clean up the 5 litres of sea water that had entered through the vents and blowers, then wash down LAST WORD, as it looked like we may be staying a day or two due to the predicted seas and winds.<br />
<br />
After the wash down and clean up, Capt Ray paid the $25 mooring fee at the Fish Co-op, then Capts Barry and Ray enjoyed a cold beer and a wine, and watched as people fished and hunted for octopus at the pile moorings and as many fire engines sirened their way paste, at haste , to fight the three fires that were burning locally.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Ray enjoying a well earned refreshment after the passage and clean up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">an octopus caught on a gaff about 2 m from LAST WORD</td></tr>
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<br />
Capt Barry checked the depth under LAST WORD, on the pile mooring ( to check his earlier notes - on the way north - that there was sufficient depth at low tide ), and was relieved to confirm that there was about 400 mm safety margin at a zero tide.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you can see the bottom as LAST WORD is not far from the wall and rocks</td></tr>
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<br />
That evening , after a shower and change into fresh clothes, Capts Barry and Ray watched the news ( with a glass of Chardy ) ,<br />
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<br />
then Capt Barry took Capt Ray out on a date , and bought him a Thai meal at the restaurant approx. 40 m distant from the pile mooring.<br />
The food was good, and Capt Ray returned with a doggy bag for the following nights meal.<br />
<br />
<b>TRIP : 8.2 hrs, plus 20 mins to tie up in the wind, fuel 1250L, av for 124 NM being approx. 15.1 kts and 152 L/hr.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-78471550924641275082012-12-09T16:14:00.003-08:002012-12-16T15:32:10.152-08:00Segment 55: ILUKA / YAMBA to COFFS HARBOUR<b>Segment 55: ILUKA / YAMBA to COFFS HARBOUR</b><br />
<b>4th Dec. 2012 , 60 NM.</b><br />
<br />
Capt Barry and Capt Ray were up at 6.00am and had a light breakfast, of OJ and cereal.<br />
<br />
Even though today was not a long passage , only 60 NM, we wanted to get away relatively early and enjoy some down time at Coffs Harbour.<br />
<br />
We started lifting the anchor at 6.45am , but this took longer than expected, as the middle section of the chain was mud covered where it had moved on the bottom. Capt Ray did not notice the mud until the chain was over the deck , and when he started to hose it off the chain over the deck , it splattered everywhere, and took Capt Barry longer to clean the mud off the boat deck than it did to clean and bring in the balance of the muddy chain.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry gave up the cleaning process with the ordinary water pressure from the hose , and had to resort to the high pressure Karcher he keeps in the lazz ( for the Hawkesbury River mud).<br />
<br />
Well the anchor was up, the deck cleaned of mud, and the two Capts were finally under way at about 7.00am, and logged on a tracking sheet with Marine Rescue Yamba/Iluka.<br />
<br />
Capt Ray took LAST WORD out of the shallow, ILUKA, inner harbour through the Clarence river mouth and across the famed Yamba bar , whilst Capt Barry was below having a shower , to remove the flecks of black mud he managed to cop , otherwise he would have transferred black mud everywhere he sat.<br />
<br />
Yes folks, two of the world's most experienced Capts managed to cross one of Australia's hairiest bars with one of them in the shower. Not recommended, but they did look at the bar first and check with the local marine rescue, and ...... they were in a great boat...LAST WORD............ with TWO fins.<br />
<br />
LAST WORD crossed the bar, about 1 hour after low tide , ( approx. a 0.7m tide ) , and saw 0.9m under the props , inside the Iluka Harbour, being the lowest point.<br />
<br />
So far as the weather and seas were concerned, Capt Ray and Capt Barry had been closely watching both BOM and Buoyweather , trying to dodge the various thunderstorms and the two blows that were moving up the VIC and NSW coasts. In fact it was the seas and weather that dictated where we planned each stop over, and the speed we needed to sit on to get there ( at the desired daylight time and tide) , not the the fuel use, which was secondary in this case. If the seas had been better Capt Barry would have planned a more leisurely trip back to Sydney , probably using 1500 L less fuel.<br />
Still, it is better to have the capability to use the faster cruising speed when the weather looks a bit dickie, and no point having the capability , and not using it.<br />
<br />
<br />
BOM was predicting 2 M seas , and 1+M SE swell and 15 to 25 kt winds from the south , and Buoyweather was predicting lesser seas 0.7 M at 9 secs ( just south of Yamba ) and 1.2 M at 6 secs apart ( as we progressed towards Coffs ), with 7 to 9 kt winds from the NW moving to 16 to 20 kts from the SE as we approached Coffs.<br />
<br />
On route Capt Barry made some social calls, confirmed rear admiral Julie still loved him, did some share trading, blogged and confirmed the berth for LAST WORD ( E17 opposite the fuel wharf ) at Coffs harbour.<br />
Meanwhile , Capt Ray spent most of his time doing business by telephone, so for him it was business as usual, just a changing environment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Ray on the telephone doing business</td></tr>
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As the seas and wind for this passage was not to bad, during the passage , LAST WORD, for the most part, sat on 1220 rpm making about 9+ kts using 58 L/HR , with a speed run at 1850 rpm making 17 kts and using 165 L/HR for 50 mins.<br />
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The seas were fair and at some stages almost oily flat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fair seas and spectacular cloud formations</td></tr>
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We passed several other boats and prominent headlands and lighthouses along the route.<br />
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Mid-morning , Capt Barry cooked cheeses and tomato omelettes and toast to take the edge off our hunger, followed by a cup of tea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry cooking cheeses and tomato omelettes</td></tr>
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LAST WORD made the Coffs Harbour entrance, which was very flat and well behaved, at 1.00pm , and we proceeded direct to the fuel wharf where we waited about 20 mins for a vessel to finish fuelling ( then load up with bait for the next days fishing expedition ).<br />
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While waiting for fuel we watched a fellow bring his husky (dog ) down the the wharf for a swim to cool off.<br />
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After that vessel moved off , Capt Barry moved LAST WORD forward , on the fuel wharf , where we waited another 15 minutes for Shane, the manager, to attend the fuel wharf to reset the pump.<br />
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After fuelling, Capt Barry moved LAST WORD across the inner harbour to berth E17 , where Elise ( the marina manager ) was waiting to greet us , and we tied up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQpnI0ZCKBUn-Tgp0tYdRHWi0QhjonjvRNbtm60_Ulyu0wFAaIGol14Gv8xOY9xJ8VNlob5nAF47PTcRF37m1GxJcBSkC080bsBVs8DcOteGHUOMJWG4tz7sr76zDAsdcXAVBcGvbaHQl/s1600/P1010203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQpnI0ZCKBUn-Tgp0tYdRHWi0QhjonjvRNbtm60_Ulyu0wFAaIGol14Gv8xOY9xJ8VNlob5nAF47PTcRF37m1GxJcBSkC080bsBVs8DcOteGHUOMJWG4tz7sr76zDAsdcXAVBcGvbaHQl/s400/P1010203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD OPPOSITE THE FUEL WHARF</td></tr>
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<br />
Capt Barry had just tied up when his son telephoned to ask if we were ok, explaining that the NSW water police had phoned him to see if there was any issue. It turns out that the Coffs Marine rescue unit had tried to contact LAST WORD, and after no response contacted the water police to follow up and determine whether LAST WORD was safe.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry asked David to ring the water police back and tell them all was well (which he did and confirmed by text message to Capt Barry ) , and Capt Barry contacted the Coffs Marine rescue and signed off, explaining that we must have missed their calls during the fuelling process, as no one was in the pilothouse.<br />
Whilst the marine rescue people were perhaps a little quick off the mark to follow up with the water police after 25 mins after the estimated arrival time, Capt Barry apologised for the confusion, thanked them for their diligence and told them it was great to know that they were doing such a great job.<br />
<br />
After settling LAST WORD into her berth , (which unfortunately still means using plastic hosing on the ropes around the rusty cleats to protect the ropes from being cut ) , Capt Barry connected his new water softener and water filter unit to the marina water supply and filled LAST WORD'S water tank, then used the water treatment unit to hose off LAST WORD to see how the water dried on the stainless , glass and fibreglass.<br />
<br />
To Capt Barry's hopeful expectation (and somewhat surprise that a product would work as advertised ) , the water treatment unit did its job, as the stainless steel dried almost spotless as did the glass doors and white fibreglass finish. This will mean less cleaning , as well as a better looking finish, and most importantly.........less cleaning of the inside showers , toilets and cleaner pipes and tanks.....not to mention better tasting water from any tap.<br />
<br />
For the better part of the trip north, Capt Barry had been searching for a water softener and water filter unit , and apart from importing a "Spotless" unit from the USA (about $400 for the 8000 L unit , plus $350 FEDEX ), Capt Barry could not find a local handler until he made enquires of Stella Marine at GCCM.<br />
<br />
Stella is one of the agents for Spotless, and had just finished engineering their own units , that they said had some advantages over the spotless unit, which they were about to release for sale.<br />
<br />
After some discussion and telling Stella that LAST WORD and Capt Barry would be at the GCCM late Nov. they agreed a price of $600 for the 7500 L resin filled unit ( a little on the pricey side ) , which is housed in a tank ( like a fat dive tank ) with separate, washable , polyester , as opposed to a paper filter, ( and not a carbon filter which removes chlorine ) water filter.<br />
<br />
The unit came with all the hose fittings, a spare polyester washable filter, a 25 kg bag of water softening salt ( to recharge the resin in the tank , after 7500 L ) and water testing strips kit. There are no instructions at this stage , as they sold me the first unit ( their test unit ) before it was ready for final packaging and release.<br />
<br />
However, I can report it seems to work a treat, and really is essential if one is to travel out of Sydney , as the water tastes terrible, and seems to getter harder and harder as one travels north , and leaves terrible water marks on the stainless and even etches the glass and leaves a white scum on surfaces , if not towelled off almost immediately , ie before it dries, which in the hotter northern latitudes is almost immediate.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry attended the marina office to organise the nights berthing and obtain a key, and was pleased to learn that the Marina Operator has finally secured a longer lease with the lands department, and will be pressing ahead with the redevelopment of the Coffs harbour Marina , within the next 6 to 12 months.<br />
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Inside the inner marina harbour it was simply a sparkling day.<br />
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After a relaxing beer<br />
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, Capts Barry and Ray enjoyed a walk to the nearby Italian restaurant "Fiasco " for a superb dinner and bottle of Italian wine, then a stroll back to LAST WORD and relatively early night for the next mornings passage , 124 NM to Forster / Tuncurry, Cape Hawke Harbour (entrance to Wallis Lake ).<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TRIP: 6 HRS, 416 L, AV 10 KTS @ 68 L/HR.</b><br />
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PICS to be added later<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-71807249066018604502012-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:002012-12-16T15:25:12.855-08:00segment 54: Gold Coast to Yamba/Iluka<b>Segment 54: GOLD COAST TO YAMBA /ILUKA</b><br />
<b>MONDAY 3 DECEMBER 2012, 102 nm.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
After Capt Barry had returned home to spend 3 days in Sydney, for John Boyd's wedding, Capt Barry and Ray Gent flew back to Surfers early Monday morning to commence the trip back to Sydney in LAST WORD.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the Gold Cast airport and were collected by the invalid, Graeme, still recovering from his left knee and lower leg surgery.<br />
<br />
On route to Oceanus at Marina Mirage, we stopped for some food provisions, and to fill Graeme's car with fuel , as a contra for taxi fares, then after being dropped off at Marina Mirage , Capt Barry settled the marina berthing account (19 nights less the two nights at GCCM ), collected his boat keys and organised his missing extension lead to be sent to Sydney, by a local marine electrician who like many in the marine industry , promised more than he could manage . In this case it was a simple job of replacing plug ends. The electrician took the lead over two weeks ago and promised to do the job at home and drop ff the lead the next day. Two weeks later, and no extension lead, and LAST WORD is leaving for Sydney.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry and Capt Ray checked the BOM and Buoyweather sites and discussed the sea conditions and decided to leave immediately, in the hope that the two Capts can plan the legs south to miss the several southerlies working their way north.<br />
<br />
As we were only getting away at 10.45 am , and had about 7.5 hours of daylight we decided to head for Yamba / Iluka and spend the night on anchor inside the Iluka harbour.<br />
<br />
This meant crossing the bar about 1 hour before low tide, but prior knowledge meant that LAST WORD should have about 0.6m under the props inside the Iluka harbour just inside the wall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Gold Coast seaway was quiet, and after crossing the bar and heading south Capt Barry opened the throttles to 1885 rpm and LAST WORD made about 17 kts using 162 L/HR , with a 15 kt northerly wind from behind , and 1 to 1.5 m seas also from the NE.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD MAKING 16.9 KTS</td></tr>
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<br />
LAST WORD was accompanied by several pods of dolphins on route and the trip was really very comfortable. Capt Barry changed one of the stabilizer settings , and the new fin seemed to be operating properly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was fairly calm at sea.</td></tr>
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LAST WORD crossed the Yamba bar at 5.10pm , and anchored in the Iluka harbour at 5.30pm.,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1rnJt-P8pbo57tM4tonGf8hh2Aps_ie24wWawls6kSsYqHSFdcaq0l4K-gSy0SHF2eETyq55r7NuAywz4iBG-UaJySpOkwBiRoqoPXMVivl8neCzS24Q3PNPL_LnH64XPCAVdQAnhkTa/s1600/P1010280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1rnJt-P8pbo57tM4tonGf8hh2Aps_ie24wWawls6kSsYqHSFdcaq0l4K-gSy0SHF2eETyq55r7NuAywz4iBG-UaJySpOkwBiRoqoPXMVivl8neCzS24Q3PNPL_LnH64XPCAVdQAnhkTa/s400/P1010280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the ILUKA inner harbour is behind the red breakwater on the right hand side</td></tr>
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It was shallow inside the ILUKA inner harbour, showing about 1+m under the props<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvu-9-mMdcrKzVLClGolQlHBjSIc8vNiS5PmgIL3rpRtwBofwPfzQDCv71QUVHUK96Zqo0Wl1Qv5HVOng0Hqnwo6EobNYZ1pUpq_ac9o7KQ-Lof9pSFwtFsVqt0Hxq6EQhO7Z_VinSjf4/s1600/P1010281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvu-9-mMdcrKzVLClGolQlHBjSIc8vNiS5PmgIL3rpRtwBofwPfzQDCv71QUVHUK96Zqo0Wl1Qv5HVOng0Hqnwo6EobNYZ1pUpq_ac9o7KQ-Lof9pSFwtFsVqt0Hxq6EQhO7Z_VinSjf4/s400/P1010281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn0ebUbKSPHHgySe37aan5B1XVKiEYXJuB58A9cU9iBfMMNBTuLPlgXvCGXA9SARTOPa3OTa4FISVZeomtRgpokS_v4zlSc7jvnOADv_1tjIfXtYflj2z2YpIsQOpalWG-zfOhtyyINiA/s1600/P1010282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn0ebUbKSPHHgySe37aan5B1XVKiEYXJuB58A9cU9iBfMMNBTuLPlgXvCGXA9SARTOPa3OTa4FISVZeomtRgpokS_v4zlSc7jvnOADv_1tjIfXtYflj2z2YpIsQOpalWG-zfOhtyyINiA/s400/P1010282.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD at anchor in the ILUKA inner harbour<br /></td></tr>
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Capts Barry and Ray had a couple of hours to relax, enjoy a drink and BBQ chops and sausages with marinated eggplant , tomatoes, fetta and capsicum.<br />
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There was a soft rain / drizzle for an hour or so after arrival at Iluka, which was just perfect as it washed LAST WORD of the salt residue from her passage south.<br />
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Capts Barry and Ray retired at 10.00pm in preparation of our early trip south next morning.<br />
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<b>TRIP: 102 NM, 6.75 HRS, 946 L, AV SPEED 15.1 KTS , AV FUEL 140 L/HR.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-32233329173372495962012-12-05T23:41:00.002-08:002012-12-14T18:51:28.655-08:00SEGMENT 53: OCEANUS- MARINA MIRAGE TO GOLD COAST CITY MARINA, COOMERA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>SEGMENT 53: OCEANUS - MARINA MIRAGE TO GOLD COAST CITY MARINA, COOMERA, AND BACK TO MARINA MIRAGE </b><br />
<b>TUESDAY 27 NOV 2012; 12 + 12 (24 ) NM.</b><br />
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Hi folks, sorry it has been so long since my last blog, but things have been happening, and I am part way back to Sydney, (but more about that in future segments).<br />
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After spending 8 days (15 to 24 Nov ) assisting my brother recover from his knee and left leg surgery, Capt Barry flew home for 4 days to rekindle the hot romance with his long love of 33 years marriage, rear admiral Julie, (THE BEADER).<br />
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After several romantic dinners (all of which were ruined by the persistent showing of children seeking advice, free meals, guidance , financial relief and a good laugh), Capt Barry boarded his Virgin rocket and returned to the Gold Coast to represent LAST WORD's interest when she was lifted for her replacement starboard stabilizer.<br />
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On Tuesday 27 November 2012 Capt Barry returned to check in on Graeme's recovery ( and burn him another meal ) then get LAST WORD ready for her fin replacement.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020454_zpsc31f96a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020454_zpsc31f96a1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another burnt offering for Graeme, cooked by Capt Barry</td></tr>
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This included going for a swim under LAST WORD to measure the remaining port fin, and to supply the measurements to MEC , so they could modify the fin they had so it would fit under LAST WORD without hitting the chines under the boat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020450_zps3fe9c324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020450_zps3fe9c324.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry diving under LAST WORD to measure the size of the remaining stabilizer fin so the replacement fin could be cut to size to miss the chines under LAST WORD</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020452_zpsce171b09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020452_zpsce171b09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE EXISTING FIN DIMENSIONS</td></tr>
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As LAST WORD was booked for a lift at 8.00am Wed morning , Capt Barry organised Peter and Merrilyn to front and centre at Marina Mirage at about 4.30pm to take LAST WORD up river to the Gold Coast City Marina , at Coomera, about 12 NM distance to spend the night on the fuel wharf , to be ready for the early morning lift.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020456_zps211ef368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020456_zps211ef368.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some boat owners taking advantage of the low tide to strand their boats on the sand so they can do some work on the hull</td></tr>
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After being told that depth was not an issue as the channel had just been dredged, we set out at about a 0.5m tide , and managed to just touch the bottom around Sovereign Island, well inside the designated channel markers.<br />
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Whilst we did not feel the touch, we saw 00 m ( under the props) on the depth sounder and the lift out of the water showed the new clean edges on the prop blades. Ouuuchhhhh, that was a $140 prop speed touch up that should not have been needed.<br />
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We arrived at the GCCM fuel wharf just on dark, and tied up for the night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020459_zpsf9bc6825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020459_zpsf9bc6825.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last word on the fuel wharf in front of this weird tug</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020458_zpsec60b7b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020458_zpsec60b7b3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the front view</td></tr>
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We were soon accosted by enormous mosquitoes , so we closed the doors and windows or added the fly screens. Capt Barry went in search of and found a power outlet and plugged in the air conditioner for a more pleasant environment for the evening.<br />
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As there were no restaurants open we had ( notice I could have said "enjoyed" ) baked beans on toast, with several cups of tea, then I said good night to Peter and Merrilyn , who walked home to their ketch at Hope Harbour, about a 1 hour walk.<br />
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Capt Barry was up bright and early at 6.00am and met the fellows who would be working on the fins about 7.00am ,<br />
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LAST WORD was lifted in the 150 ton travel lift at about 8.15am and set down on the hardstand , ready for the several work orders Capt Barry had planned.<br />
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Well things did not get off to a great start as the first two power outlets did not work. Luckily Capt Barry carries all types and combinations of power cords and was able to plug into a 5 pin, 3 phase outlet , and split down to the required 32 amp single phase supply.<br />
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Next Capt Barry liaised with the head engineer from MEC, Michael Hardy, who was to supervise the fin replacement, and requested that;<br />
1. the old shaft, when removed, be spun up in a lathe to check whether it was straight , and<br />
2. a hole be cut into the good fin , to check that fins weld ( and be ere-fibreglassed),<br />
3. the anchor cradle and guides be straightened , and washers be added to tighten the whole assembly.<br />
4. the rudder tie rod be investigated to ascertain the cause of the slight vibration and the vibration eliminated.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020467_zps13518272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020467_zps13518272.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the shaft that the fin broke away from. It has been removed and will now be spun in a lathe to determine if it is true (in which case it is unlikely the fin separated from an impact</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020469_zps32c34838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020469_zps32c34838.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the hole through the hull where the shaft came from. Again no evidence of impact to the missing fin or shaft<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020474_zpsf4b18938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020474_zpsf4b18938.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hole drilled into the good fin to see what the weld is like (shaft to plate)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020480_zps4eba39e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020480_zps4eba39e4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a close up of the weld in the good fin. Looks ok</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020490_zpscd5b79ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020490_zpscd5b79ab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the new fin inspection hole repaired </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020488_zps395c05ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020488_zps395c05ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the new replacement fin modified to measurements supplied and being prepaired for antifoul</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020510_zps76fac9d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020510_zps76fac9d0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fin inspection made good and antifould</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020518_zps74655985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020518_zps74655985.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">work being done on the anchor cradle where Capt Barry bent it at Whitehaven trying to dislodge the over achieving anchor from sand/clay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020519_zps51290eba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020519_zps51290eba.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">anchor cradle being squeezed closer , so new nylon bushes stop noise when at anchor. The pin had a new hole drilled closer in to prevent the cradle guide opening again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020509_zps4d6b8320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020509_zps4d6b8320.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">new rubber washers top and bottom to minimise the vibration in the tie rod, with big enough centre hole to allow tie rod to be clamped metal to metal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020494_zps6280e890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020494_zps6280e890.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">prop edge needs propspeed touch up. Notice that the turbulence from the prop has worn the propspeed off the rudders (3000 NM )</td></tr>
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Capt Barry then visited Stella Marine and purchased a water filter and softener system. This unit plugs into the marina tap and removes sediment ( through a polyester - not charcoal, filter ) and calcium and other minerals that make the water hard. The result is that the water tastes better, does not spot or leave a white scum in the lines and hoses and does not etch the glass and tiles in the shower........ie a lot less cleaning.<br />
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Finally Capt Barry organised to have an electrician change the four blue underwater LEDs. Originally, only one was to be replaced. However, when the boat was lifted , it soon became apparent that all four lights were stuffed.<br />
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Luckily Capt Barry had four replacements. These lights are the Briter Innovation Canyon type , and next to useless, as this is the third set in 20 months. Capt Barry will change them for a NON stainless steel set of lights next time round.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020497_zps52720036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020497_zps52720036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">electrician adding final touches to the 4 new lights, while the antifoul is mixed in the sidecar , to be applied to the props where LAST WORD touched the bottom on the way upriver </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020504_zps25d0c0a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020504_zps25d0c0a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the new lights with space for cooling behind</td></tr>
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<br />
As the work took longer than expected, LAST WORD was not able to be returned to the water that day, so Capt Barry organised a lift for midday the next day, reorganised flights ( to leave for Sydney , 8.05pm the next night ), and spent the night on LAST WORD , ON the hardstand. More baked beans and several beers, and a couple of phone calls to while away the time.<br />
<br />
This presented a bit of a dilemma, ie as LAST WORD had her anchor on the hardstand (as they were part way through fixing the anchor cradle ), whether to put the anchor light ON once the sun set.<br />
After all , there is nothing in the regulations that says only put the anchor light on , IF THE BOAT IS IN THE WATER.<br />
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Capt Barry put on the anchor light.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020506_zps63f0190d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020506_zps63f0190d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">anchor down , so anchor light on after sunset?????</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020521_zpsab364d3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bophini/Dads%20blog/P1020521_zpsab364d3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">while LAST WORD was waiting to be lifted back into the drink, this ferry was brought onto the hardstand, and was moved past LAST WORD . It was that tight they had to move LAST WORDS anchor chain to get past, then the front of the ferry wiped out a 15 foot tree when they swung it to get it into its parking spot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
The next day the work was finished and LAST WORD was splashed at midday. Capt Barry fuelled up ( $1.52 /L ) and when the fins were recalibrated , journeyed back down river to the Marina Mirage berth.<br />
<br />
This was a little hairy , as Capt Barry was by himself, and it was low tide again. However, Capt Barry went a little wider a Sovereign Island, and saw 0.6m on the sounder ( under the props).<br />
<br />
After tying up at Marina Mirage, about 4.00pm, Capt Barry put LAST WORD to bed, for another extended spell, (as he was returning to Sydney for a wedding on the Saturday ) , and went Graeme's house for a quick dinner and lift to the Gold Coast airport.<br />
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Capt Barry made this flight in plenty of time, and returned to Sydney for three days , after which he was to return to the Gold Coast to begin the journey south to Sydney.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>trips . 4 HRS , 130 l , AV 8 KTS PER HOUR, AV 33 l/hr</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-40377482632838977952012-11-19T18:10:00.001-08:002012-11-19T18:32:54.322-08:00segment 52: DOWN TIME AT SURFERS<b>SEGMENT 52: Downtime at Surfers.</b><br />
<br />
Well fans, it is catch up time at Surfers Paradise.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry has organised a few repairs for LAST WORD,<br />
<br />
1. swapped the five pin three phase plug ends on the 10 m extension lead to a 20m lead.<br />
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2. swapped the master suite TECMA toilet switch for a new one.<br />
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3. swapped the master suite TECMA toilet solenoid and valve for a new one,.......and yeehhhhaaaa.... it seems to have fixed the intermittent flush problem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYGtXbZDcAyqtcoVAqfWIOVECy0IMXd5iOJxayzQsIXdAUwKJWRHmjw1kdIFEUgISQ_gt6xrfp_hYzM12s7Ud08rXtpRFpEOqXbm3qC65ShEnKluDRHiWvkd-UKuy2llquVGxic9Ai08M/s1600/P1020198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYGtXbZDcAyqtcoVAqfWIOVECy0IMXd5iOJxayzQsIXdAUwKJWRHmjw1kdIFEUgISQ_gt6xrfp_hYzM12s7Ud08rXtpRFpEOqXbm3qC65ShEnKluDRHiWvkd-UKuy2llquVGxic9Ai08M/s400/P1020198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lC_nd5IqQX1VdqpUjoflwSU1yYcQ1XO0eNH7MKdqXbEAL9WhEAOnpBxEOyYh8rCqP8EhYMa_ZoXglDTBsogI7F_VAWORGRDo5f3UjQA35nECAvqDEMmQnrfONwMfMutEYB_zpotAMval/s1600/P1020445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lC_nd5IqQX1VdqpUjoflwSU1yYcQ1XO0eNH7MKdqXbEAL9WhEAOnpBxEOyYh8rCqP8EhYMa_ZoXglDTBsogI7F_VAWORGRDo5f3UjQA35nECAvqDEMmQnrfONwMfMutEYB_zpotAMval/s400/P1020445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rather than pull a muscle changing the solenoid, I organised the electriction to get into the small places</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
4. polished the pilothouse roof..<br />
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5. STILL TRYING TO ORGANISE THE REPLACEMENT STABILIZER FIN.<br />
<br />
6. organising some tinted perspex to slip inside the front windows , to reduce the heat, when underway.<br />
<br />
7. buy a third tear drop fender.<br />
<br />
8. organise Hastings Deering to rebuild/replace LAST WORD's two engine raw water pumps.<br />
<br />
9. cut view holes in the front white windscreen canvas.<br />
<br />
10. change the bed linen for next crew.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqD2Ho8cf36VQlR7tmoskNKjh10xY2ijGFdHZRBKMa5t4ue7QIr1hQnD0gnOueMzo-E2tM-TyoSmtnTiJgjlLOFKvh1kvaRrH9LiuatK67DkpfxDKxxfM9v_PHcBxVQiQSnrn4x25GgHe/s1600/P1020435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqD2Ho8cf36VQlR7tmoskNKjh10xY2ijGFdHZRBKMa5t4ue7QIr1hQnD0gnOueMzo-E2tM-TyoSmtnTiJgjlLOFKvh1kvaRrH9LiuatK67DkpfxDKxxfM9v_PHcBxVQiQSnrn4x25GgHe/s400/P1020435.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making V berth beds are such fun, and a two person job</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
11. wash and pack away the small tender.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12SXXtTVGDa78dNzNEKCvee4_y9mwExDgInFydwHfSXiV6bzYrpV4d0PfypxRCvl27t3XhVBdYRJW1YCm6s2uf8a0G3Sl0uALxpSM2bGyoZNgNDCtZD_17BbBNunUtApVogNlfXEkPNHW/s1600/P1020439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12SXXtTVGDa78dNzNEKCvee4_y9mwExDgInFydwHfSXiV6bzYrpV4d0PfypxRCvl27t3XhVBdYRJW1YCm6s2uf8a0G3Sl0uALxpSM2bGyoZNgNDCtZD_17BbBNunUtApVogNlfXEkPNHW/s400/P1020439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As well Capt Barry has visited Graeme in Hospital, and<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sBi_htdn-hpEBYOrWxZX-ARS5QSq7cGBbSj0K6thPz6j8EkA2KafNjKPzNssKrBPujuD-liosXqkM2CJBRJ9grGVLB9eJ6Z0tC6bWZyHw9ff0mtcELjY94rTzr68sCFYBZXMBcbr37Vh/s1600/P1020437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sBi_htdn-hpEBYOrWxZX-ARS5QSq7cGBbSj0K6thPz6j8EkA2KafNjKPzNssKrBPujuD-liosXqkM2CJBRJ9grGVLB9eJ6Z0tC6bWZyHw9ff0mtcELjY94rTzr68sCFYBZXMBcbr37Vh/s400/P1020437.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry and Andrea visiting Graz just after his surgery.</td></tr>
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<br />
Capt Barry has moved in with Graeme to assist with his recovery from knee and left leg surgery.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrsB7sUcenfuLcjDT16hyphenhyphensTgU8Wz7zcTzmed5p-7kdjLOAlsaKlwRAd0JSNsv1vHPj-uODkz2boaPYzyWOJZDh2bbx_Xx1GXhf8QKS5okSO9JTpL4U5bfvc7swx6F3iK5KWD7zJ1728GV/s1600/P1020442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrsB7sUcenfuLcjDT16hyphenhyphensTgU8Wz7zcTzmed5p-7kdjLOAlsaKlwRAd0JSNsv1vHPj-uODkz2boaPYzyWOJZDh2bbx_Xx1GXhf8QKS5okSO9JTpL4U5bfvc7swx6F3iK5KWD7zJ1728GV/s400/P1020442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one swollen leg</td></tr>
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<br />
12. Capt Barry does an ASIO like check on Graz's visitors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPEejCXdXNRcq0YsdoJg7NR24uHsBSvYKRp9iTgJZSdHxeQ-VCG-ZIlQQqebvNDRIYiY0ivj9mWKiOXzn2fafMjLPHnDth_YxjluG-sqn8HQOuYJ8xL86DWidqBO0KM4XPGtUJ6Roifnd/s1600/P1020441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPEejCXdXNRcq0YsdoJg7NR24uHsBSvYKRp9iTgJZSdHxeQ-VCG-ZIlQQqebvNDRIYiY0ivj9mWKiOXzn2fafMjLPHnDth_YxjluG-sqn8HQOuYJ8xL86DWidqBO0KM4XPGtUJ6Roifnd/s400/P1020441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter ans Merilyn visiting Graz<br />
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13. Capt Barry as the chief cook (when Andrea is not around )<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2S-VQq6pvVklzcpsYOtREPg_SBuP2vKW7k6afhPxl_JxMzO632u46vyWVp9rmtj1n59k_8gihrkP9vJIuJs_doymDPY3xnekMe2KkaQKRdbtHWeP_DxnicDFcl4sAiNm5cH2zbiZD4VI/s1600/P1020446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2S-VQq6pvVklzcpsYOtREPg_SBuP2vKW7k6afhPxl_JxMzO632u46vyWVp9rmtj1n59k_8gihrkP9vJIuJs_doymDPY3xnekMe2KkaQKRdbtHWeP_DxnicDFcl4sAiNm5cH2zbiZD4VI/s400/P1020446.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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14. Capt Barry supervising Graz's exercise regime. In this case Capt Barry has started Graz off with soft , lightweight exercises, called ......channel changing.<br />
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Weather has been stormy, 25 to 30 kt winds from the north , now from the south, heavy rain and hail , the latter further north at Brisbane.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry is trying to catch up with Captain Neil tonight , and maybe ( if and when I get word that MEC are ready to do the stabilizer fin ) I will catch up with Peter Hudson to take LAST WORD to GCCM to be lifted and the fin fitted.<br />
<br />
<b>TRIP : NIL NM, $57 fuel for Graz's Ben for Capt Barry's running around. Av speed and fuel consumption a lot better than LAST WORD.</b><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-54199714866732073732012-11-19T02:48:00.003-08:002012-11-19T02:54:53.761-08:00Segment 51 : Sheridan Flats ( half way down inside Fraser Island ) to Surfers Paradise<b>Segment 51 : Sheridan Flats ( half way down inside Fraser Island) to Surfers Paradise</b><br />
<b>Wed 14 November 2012 170 NM.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We were all up early for the second half of the passage south behind Fraser Island then across Wide Bay Bar and on to Mooloolaba.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry had done his research the day before and wanted to get under way about 6.00am.<br />
<br />
The key aspects were;<br />
<br />
1. getting to Wide Bay Bar to do the crossing no later than 9.15 am , as it was high tide at Wide Bay Bar just before 9.00am. Capt Barry did not want to cross the bar more than about 30 mins after the high tide there, as he did not want to take LAST WORD over the bar with what would then be an outgoing tide against an incoming swell and NE wind, as that may cause the waves to stand up and make the bar crossing more dangerous than need be.<br />
<br />
2. LAST WORD still had 22 NM to go to cross Wide Bay Bar, and that was against the incoming flood tide , so it would take about 3 to 3.5 hours to get to the bar , without planing.<br />
<br />
3. it was not high tide at Boonlye Point - 3.5m ( just south of Sheridan Flats ) until 9.29am. So to make Wide Bay Bar at the desired time , LAST WORD needed to be under way about 6.00am , which meant navigating the shallowest parts of the inside passage at about half tide, ie about 2.2 m at Ungowa, and slightly less , 1.9 m , at Boonlye Point.<br />
<br />
The weather pattens were changing , with Buoyweather predicting 5 to 10 kt winds from the NE and 1.2 m seas at 11 secs, and BOM predicting winds of 10 to 15 kts rising to 20 kts from the NE and seas up to 1.7 m.<br />
<br />
LAST WORD lifted anchor at 6.15am and was under way to navigate the shallowest parts of the inside passage.<br />
<br />
The waters behind Fraser Island were very calm, It was a beautiful section of water, very serene and enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkcUZGOfISkBM1KCVaxD2dPLSsuDm98QhjWAy36c0rBtPYcuRPbLkvkYSTzxLgMtMDQtl9bsSwKmxqVYmN7t4lEO4dOeCoeHPL64Qk8i8oKxYXAMEFe3ZKOWVgDOp3DpKWX1Vlx7XAnJg/s1600/P1020433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkcUZGOfISkBM1KCVaxD2dPLSsuDm98QhjWAy36c0rBtPYcuRPbLkvkYSTzxLgMtMDQtl9bsSwKmxqVYmN7t4lEO4dOeCoeHPL64Qk8i8oKxYXAMEFe3ZKOWVgDOp3DpKWX1Vlx7XAnJg/s400/P1020433.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it does not get much calmer and prettier than this. The water way looks very broad, but do not be fooled, as much of what you see is less than 1 m deep, and it is a 2.0 m tide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Almost as if they had been waiting for a challenger, several other motor and sailing yachts lifted anchor just after LAST WORD, and followed LAST WORD , at a respectable distance. Capt Barry suspects they hung back a little to see if LAST WORD found a safe passage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsz2xRYaoSFD0Zn8-KAwdMEt91jRLs4S5Vd477R0mss-51CGENZo5EgnvrN9WqD1Fs6BfiFGM58Sw78XAk7yXhx1nCK4ek2Wf5aIylJ2Q-zDoBg206eG1o434zy8kaeTB12nK6kvd4aQx/s1600/P1020432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsz2xRYaoSFD0Zn8-KAwdMEt91jRLs4S5Vd477R0mss-51CGENZo5EgnvrN9WqD1Fs6BfiFGM58Sw78XAk7yXhx1nCK4ek2Wf5aIylJ2Q-zDoBg206eG1o434zy8kaeTB12nK6kvd4aQx/s400/P1020432.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIG BUD and some other vessels falling in behind whoever went first through the shallow waters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Merilyn was stationed on the bow , trying to spot any shallows that did not show on the charts , and to point out close sand banks as LAST WORD slid by them.<br />
<br />
<br />
Peter and Capt Barry paid particular attention to the markers and way points and there was debate on several occasions about whether to shave a way point or two.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
It took an hour to get to Cyprus Creek, and with the worst of the shallow parts behind us, we were able to relax a little more and enjoy the scenery even more.<br />
<br />
We saw 0.8 m on the depth sounder at three locations , meaning 0.8m under the props.<br />
<br />
Against the incoming tide LAST WORD only made about 7+ kts, so, to keep to Capt Barry's schedule, Capt Barry opened the throttles to 17 kts for the wider, southern passages, where there were no other boats , and LAST WORD arrived at Tin Can Bay , just before Wide Bay bar at 8.30 am.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuqPVUFtT-zs7pyxKkWSqMSoa4Vu-xUeg8raaCo3-dCkOd-qZJeSlEA-gmHGyPDp0_Q9H9jzuCUWmS1N55D_NMPUiUjtb5DWNh7NwmlO__GLhWIgtOzNfJV7wSJZ4p2wFyZD_yB_qHDA_/s1600/P1020434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuqPVUFtT-zs7pyxKkWSqMSoa4Vu-xUeg8raaCo3-dCkOd-qZJeSlEA-gmHGyPDp0_Q9H9jzuCUWmS1N55D_NMPUiUjtb5DWNh7NwmlO__GLhWIgtOzNfJV7wSJZ4p2wFyZD_yB_qHDA_/s400/P1020434.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD picking up the pace, to arrive at Wide Bay Bar on time , and leaving some of the other boats behind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Capt Barry then checked in with VMR Tin Can Bay to check the most current way points (which had not changed since the trip north ) and was informed that the bar was fair, but with confused water between way points 2 and 3.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry logged on for Mooloolaba with VMR Tin Can Bay , then crossed the bar at 10+ kts , which took about 12 mins, as it is quite a long shallow bar.<br />
<br />
Half way over the bar Capt Neil motored BIG BUD past LAST WORD, doing about 15 kts, , and radioed to apologise for the extra wash he had created, and explained that unlike LAST WORD, which he said sat well in the rougher stuff over the bar, BIG BUD was all over the place and needed some speed for better stability and ride comfort, and to get over the bar more quickly.<br />
<br />
Capt Neil radioed again, 15 mins ater, to say that he had decided to head straight for Surfers Paradise seaway, and bypass Mooloolaba, as the seas were not to bad , and there was a wind coming later that evening.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry discussed the options with his crew, and we decided to continue for Mooloolaba, and anchor there overnight.<br />
<br />
While crewman Peter made many cups of tea and prepared several more servings of mangos, Capt Barry did some paper work , share trading and made telephone calls to family and friends , and to confirm LAST WORD'S berth at Marina Mirage ( if required that evening onwards ) and sent emails and made more calls to chase up a replacement stabilizer fin.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry is very surprised at just how difficult it is to organise a replacement stabilizer fin. It should be simple, and you would think that the fin manufacturer would go out of their way to make the replacement seemless and painless , but no, the customer has to do all the work, and there is only one supplier, unless you want to make your own ........something Capt Barry is seriously thinking about doing, ( and if he does, Capt Barry will also making a spare).<br />
<br />
Capt Barry also kept an eye on the changing weather , particularly the winds , as BOM and the VMR stations started to broadcast strong wind warnings on the hour.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry organised another round of tea (with lamingtons and mangos) and a crew discussion about <b>LAST WORD's options , which were.;</b><br />
<br />
<b>1. keep to the plan and arrive at Mooloolaba </b> early afternoon and anchor for the night, knowing that LAST WORD may be caught there for several days due to the expected 25 to 30 kt NE and NW winds, and the 2 to 3 m seas being predicted for the next two days.<br />
<br />
<b>2. keep going past Mooloolaba and into Moreton Bay</b>, anchor for the night then proceed down the inside passage to Surfers Paradise. This was an option Capt Barry liked as he had not made that passage, However, Capt Barry did not have the latest charts for that passage and Merilyn and Peter ,who had done the passage , were a little unsure about the depth at one particular point, and said we may need to wait for the tides and to get some local knowledge, and<br />
<br />
<b>3.</b> <b> put the hammer down and settle on a speed that would make the Gold Coast seaway just before sunset ,</b> which was an ok tide as well , and berth LAST WORD at Oceanus, Marina Mirage about 6.45 pm, and have her nestled in by the time the bigger winds and seas arrived.<br />
<br />
It was midday, and LAST WORD was about 100 NM from the Gold Coast seaway, and Capt Barry calculated that we could make the seaway, about sunset , ( 6.15pm ), if LAST WORD averaged 16 to 17 kts. This was discussed and Capt Barry said we would try that speed for about 30 mins to ensure it was comfortable in the current sea conditions on one stabilizer fin, and if so , go for the Gold Coast sea way option.<br />
<br />
This plan was implemented, and Capt Barry took LAST WORD to 1850 rpm , averaging 16+ kts and 170 l/hr.<br />
<br />
LAST WORD sat and travelled very comfortably at this speed in the rising seas , which were about 1.5m and we had the current and rising wind behind us most of the way.<br />
<br />
Off Mooloolaba , Capt Barry changed VMR guardian angels and logged off with Mooloolaba and on with the VMR for the Gold Coast seaway tower.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Capt Barry telephoned his brother , Graeme , to advise him of the change of plan, and organise for Graeme to shoot some footage of LAST WORD coming through the sea way, and to join the crew for dinner at Marina Mirage.<br />
<br />
LAST WORD arrived off the seaway entrance at 6.10 pm and Capt Barry slowed a little, to 13 kts and took her straight through, careful to miss the usual stupid fishermen that insist on fishing in the middle of the sea way channel , even in the failing light , ( and keeping out a wary eye for any boogy /surf board riders crossing the seaway ).<br />
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<br />
After entering the seaway, and turning to port, Capt Barry handed the helm to Peter to take LAST WORD south down the seaway so Capt Barry could organise the ropes and fenders.<br />
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We were soon at Oceanus, Marina Mirage and berthed by 6.35pm, in 15 to 20 kt N gusting winds.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Capt Barry suggested Peter and Merilyn remain on board LAST WORD for the night, ( as we were supposed to be at Mooloolaba ). <br />
<br />
As a show of their appreciation for the invitation and opportunity to make the passage south ( and contrary to Capt Barry's objections which were overruled ) , Peter and Merilyn shouted Capt Barry, Graeme and Andrea to a fabulous dinner at the local Italian restaurant with a great bottle of red.<br />
<br />
After dinner , it was agreed that Graeme , would get a lift home with his friend Andrea , and leave his car for Capt Barry , and that Capt Barry ( with Peter and Merilyn ) would collect Graeme the next morning , and drop him off at Pindara Private Hospital , for his knee and left leg operation, then drop Peter and Merilyn off, at their boat, berthed at Hope Harbour, near Sanctuary Cove.<br />
<br />
Over the next week or so, Capt Barry planned to attend to a few fix it items on LAST WORD ( the replacement of the missing stabilizer fin being one of them ) , and to move into Graeme's house, on the Isle of Capri, to assist him with his post operation recovery.<br />
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<br />
<b>TRIP: 170 NM, 12.5 HRS, 1427 L, averaging 13.5 kts and 114 L/HR</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-8241977176679759772012-11-18T05:40:00.004-08:002012-11-18T05:40:52.596-08:00Segment 50: Bundaberg to half way down the inside of Fraser Island<b>Segment 50: Bundaberg to half way down the inside of Fraser Island</b><br />
<b>Tuesday 13 November 2012. 65 NM</b><br />
<br />
With crewman Phil departed from the tour south, Capt Barry had a day at leisure waiting for the next crew, Peter and Merilyn Hudson, who were being driven to Bundaberg by Capt Barry's brother, Graeme.<br />
<br />
<br />
Peter and Merilyn have their own boat , a ketch named AARDVARK, and have spent many years living onboard and making passages . Merilyn has her masters 5, and Peter can fix anything , so last word was in good hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
Whilst waiting for the new crew, Capt Barry took the opportunity to change the bed linen, do some laundry and give LAST WORD a spring clean, then do some paperwork, chase up the replacement stabilizer fin for LAST WORD , read and send emails and whisper sweet nothings to his, missing in action, wife, rear admiral Julie ( who was back in Sydney playing with beads and gemstones ).<br />
<br />
After all that Capt Barry spent time on the charts and tide table, planning the next several passages to Surfers Paradise. Capt Barry planned an overnight stop at Sheridan Flats, 65 NM ( half way down the inside of Fraser Island), then at Mooloolaba , 70 NM then on to Surfers Paradise , 90 NM.<br />
<br />
With a couple of hours still to kill before the replacement crew arrived, Capt Barry visited the 60 foot Riv. BIG BUD under command of temporary skipper, Neil, to discuss tides and times for the next passages, and was happy to find that Niel agreed with Capt Barry's passages, and in fact had planned the same legs, and departure times.<br />
<br />
Capt Neil had not done the Fraser Island inside passage before, so Capt Barry gave him a flash card with all the way points to over lay and import onto his Raymarine for added comfort.<br />
<br />
<b>In planning the inside passage of Fraser Island leg, there are several matters of particular importance.</b><br />
<br />
<b>First, </b>the red port markers are kept to ones port side going south ( red to starboard going north ).<br />
<br />
<b>Second </b>the tide floods ( ie enters ) from both ends and meets about the middle, and ebbs from the middle out towards each end.<br />
<br />
<b>Third,</b> the passage is very shallow in the middle section between Turkey Island and Moonboom Island , and Capt Barry wanted a tide of at least 2 m for greater comfort. So that ruled out going further south than Sheridan Flats , as it would be about 0.5 m at 2.00 pm when we were expected to arrive there ( assuming we left Bundaberg at 7.00 am ).<br />
<br />
<b>Fourth,</b> it is best not to cross Wide Bay Bar ( southern end of Fraser Island ) with an outgoing tide against a NE, E , SE or S wind , sea or swell, as it can make the waves stand up and make it a very dangerous bar to cross.<br />
<br />
<b>Fifth,</b> another reason Wide Bay Bar deserves some special respect is that the bar is about a mile plus in length , so it takes some time to be across the bar, leaving one exposed for the odd rogue wave , even in relatively calm conditions.<br />
<br />
<b>Finally, </b>passage through the inside Fraser Island passage can be quite slow if one needs to go against the tide ( as we had to do ) , as the tide/current can run quite strongly . One moment you can be doing 11 kts with the current, on idle or just above idle, and when one passes the mid point where the tide changes , you can drop 3 kts , going against the current without changing revs.<br />
So attention s required to ensure the vessel stays on the correct side of the markers , and the markers should be counted off to ensure one is not missed.<br />
Some skippers go hell for leather through the passage, but that is quite inconsiderate for others making the passage due to the discomfort it can cause in otherwise mostly very calm waters.<br />
<br />
<b>Back to the story.</b>.......the biggest issue concerning whether LAST WORD would leave for the passage south ,the following ( Monday ) morning, was whether the wind and seas abate overnight. The wind had been blowing for three days, at over 25 kts and the seas in Hervey Bay were up due to the wind and relatively shallow depth.<br />
<br />
Capts Neil and Barry decided to get together the next morning, at 6.00 am, and discuss the sea state and decide then, but it looked a go that afternoon, and only likely to be rough for the first 4 hours , as it would be okay once behind Fraser Island, in the sheltered waters.<br />
<br />
Graeme arrived in his faithful blue Benz , with my new crew, Peter and Merilyn, about 5.30 pm , and as it was latish and a 5 hour drive back to Surfers Paradise , Capt Barry insisted Graeme stay for dinner and sleep the night on board LAST WORD, and get an early start tomorrow, when LAST WORD departed the berth for her passage.<br />
<br />
Graeme agreed , and that was that.<br />
<br />
Even though Capt Barry told Peter and Merilyn not to bring any food and to go light on the clothes and personal safety gear ( as LAST WORD is well kitted out in that regard), they arrived with many bags, their own safety gear ( and EPIRB ) and food for an army ....for the three day passage. Amongst the food supply was a tray of 16 huge mangos. Well five a day it would be.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
We all enjoyed a hot chicken and salad meal, then when Graeme , Peter and Merilyn went for an evening stroll, Capt Barry struck up a conversation with one of the commercial fishing boat owners , whose fishing boat was berthed in front of LAST WORD, on the fuel wharf.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry organised for the boat owner to move his fishing vessel in the morning , if another vessel came in overnight and blocked LAST WORD in. As it was . Capt Barry would have to move LAST WORD sideways then go forward carefully, and squeeze through the opening when leaving tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry set his alarm for 5.30am to check the weather and seas on BOM and Buoyweather and discuss the seas with Capt Neil ( who was to walk out to the point and look at the sea conditions). Unfortunately Capt Barry was awaken at 4.30am, as his telephone is still locked to Sydney day light saving time.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry realised his error after checking the weather, and decided to go back to bed and get another 45 mins rest , but the rest of the crew was getting up, so it was all go from then .<br />
<br />
Capts Barry and Neil discussed the weather and seas, and Capt Barry decided to start the passage , and return to the marina if the conditions were not comfortable.<br />
<br />
At 6.30 am, Graeme lent a hand with the ropes , and after saying our goodbyes, Capt Barry thrust LAST WORD sideways out from the wharf and into forward to slip around the fishing vessel berthed in front , and slipped LAST WORD into mid channel.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry left Peter and Merilyn in charge of early manoeuvres as he stowed ropes and buffers, then we were under way.<br />
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The seas were calmer than expected , with about a 1.5 m swell encountered as LAST WORD went out through the long leads to the entrance to the Burnett River. BIG BUD was close behind.<br />
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After the river mouth crossing, the seas calmed somewhat to about 1 M , with 6 to 10 kt winds. this was much better than BOM predicted but in line with Buoyweather.<br />
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BIG BUD, doing 12 kts , went past LAST WORD, doing about 10 kts, and as Capt Neil passed , he commented on VHF ch 74 that LAST WORD sat very well in the water , both going through the river mouth swell and under way , much better than BIG BUD, which needed a bit more speed to minimise the roll somewhat.<br />
Capt Neil was impressed how stable LAST WORD was with only one stabilizer fin working.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIr1cQbdSZp0PBToDRDEu-9yHVieyIvqoGEfgKTOD7Eu2qFllnMEbMayNFZQO6sisZPQlfqipuwFddkt-9gLXCU7q3zH3TDMisAOIajpBOPF9voLSsPUiLRGSWb8iutDDXMYWUkZ8iz8w/s1600/P1020418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIr1cQbdSZp0PBToDRDEu-9yHVieyIvqoGEfgKTOD7Eu2qFllnMEbMayNFZQO6sisZPQlfqipuwFddkt-9gLXCU7q3zH3TDMisAOIajpBOPF9voLSsPUiLRGSWb8iutDDXMYWUkZ8iz8w/s400/P1020418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIG BUD</td></tr>
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Capt Barry shot some video footage of BIG BUD and emailed it to Capt Neil.<br />
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As we approached the northern entrance to the inside passage to Fraser Island Capt Barry opened the throttles and LAST WORD sat on 22 + kts and quickly overhauled BIG BUD.<br />
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There was some chit chat on the radio between the two Capts and many pics shot of BIG BUD. Finally, Merilyn could bear her silence no longer, and asked..........."why are you calling Neil ....BIG BUTT?<br />
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Peter set Merilyn straight about the spelling and pronunciation , and then we made our fifth round of tea, and had our third mango ... for the passage ....and we were only half way to Sheridan Flats.<br />
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Merilyn enjoyed a nap whilst underway.<br />
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The run inside Fraser Island was calm , as expected, but slow as we were against a strong tide.<br />
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We developed a game to spot and call out the passage markers and tick them off against a sheet, but Capt Barry and Merilyn's sight was no match for Peters eagle eyes, even if he did call the odd tree or rock , a marker.<br />
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LAST WORD arrived at Sheridan Flats just before 2.00pm and anchored in about 6 m after selecting an anchorage amongst the several vessels already anchored.<br />
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After anchoring we had a light lunch, then Peter and Merilyn had a nanna nap, so Capt Barry launched the small tender and added the 3 hp motor and zapped over to BIG BUD.<br />
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Capt Barry was contemplating a swim over to BIG BUD , but a passing shark , fin above the water surface, made the tender a much more attractive option.<br />
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After a chat with Capt Neil on board BIG BUD, Capt Barry climbed into the small tender and started the motor and just started back to LAST WORD when the motor stopped, and was carried away from BIG BUD and LAST WORD at 2 to 3 kts with the strong incoming tide.<br />
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It took Capt Barry about 15 mins to row the 100 m back to LAST WORD, against the tide, encouraged, quite vocally, by Peter and Merilyn , and watched by several nearby onlookers from the other vessels ( none who offered to assist , I might add). Peter was also offering directional advice..... " a bit to the left.... now right " etc...<br />
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When Capt Barry made it back on board LAST WORD , Peter explained that it was quite funny to watch , and good entertainment.......two strokes forward and one stroke back, and a couple sideways.<br />
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When Capt Barry went to add fuel to the 3 hp motor, he discovered that the motor was not out of fuel ( as Capt Barry had thought ) , but had stopped as the fuel switch was not fully in the open position. <b>OH well......the exercise was good ....even if Capt Barry only just made it.</b><br />
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Merilyn and Capt Barry again ventured forth in the tender , and shot some sunset pics.<br />
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It was a stunning sunset and evening and we enjoyed a good meal, several cups of tea and a movie and retired for an early start the next morning. <br />
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<b>TRIP : 65 NM, 7.05 HRS, 432 L, AV 9.3 KTS, 61 L/HR</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-76057831518744087182012-11-16T20:46:00.002-08:002012-11-16T20:46:53.837-08:00SEGMENT 49: Pancake Creek to Bundaberg<b>SEGMENT 49: Pancake Creek to Bundaberg</b><br />
<b>Sat. 10 Nov 2012: 70 NM.</b><br />
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Capt Barry and crewman Phil enjoyed a very quiet , restful nights sleep, and Capt Barry was up at 5.30 am, and Phil at 6.00am.<br />
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As the batteries were at 64% and we had decided on a good breakfast , Capt Barry started the generator and the water maker, the latter mainly to keep a good load on the generator.<br />
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It was a great morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL98KZ4-CsHrWbD5v-dORKT880PECbDjrtwpVRy6ZghlQ2265Ds9qroP0kD2GWXXrDdjNkAgPIRbY4i7XbziO3le-6_fN_VxbPOC_Uw5qtSy0LaThrjllF36XWJvmV-tUgRuR7G_DdBFJT/s1600/P1020378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL98KZ4-CsHrWbD5v-dORKT880PECbDjrtwpVRy6ZghlQ2265Ds9qroP0kD2GWXXrDdjNkAgPIRbY4i7XbziO3le-6_fN_VxbPOC_Uw5qtSy0LaThrjllF36XWJvmV-tUgRuR7G_DdBFJT/s400/P1020378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry enjoying the view from the fly bridge.</td></tr>
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Capt Barry carried out the usual weather checks , and confirmed with crewman Phil that he would like to get under way about 7.15 am , on the early run out tide, which by then would be about 2.0 m , before the NE wind and developing easterly swell made the waves stand up when exiting the creek entrance.<br />
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As usual the BOM and Buoyweather sites were different on he weather predictions, but neither suggested trouble. BOM suggested 15 kt winds and 1.2 to 1.7m seas, and Buoyweather 0.7 m seas from the E at 8 seconds and 6 to 9 kt winds from the NE.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Capt Barry noted that a southerly blow and storm was predicted for later that evening , and discussed whether to chance a run out to Lady Musgrave ( about 40 NM south east ) for a stop over for a few hours then proceed to Bundaberg ( about 51 NM ) , or just to head for Bundaberg (71 NM ) , and not chance getting caught in the blow if it arrived early. The difference was 7 hours for the direct passage versus 12 hours for the stopover at Lady Musgrave for a sightsee and swim.</span></td></tr>
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As much as Capt Barry would liked to have taken crewman Phil to Lady Musgrave, a truly idyllic coral lagoon with a cay (island ) ,we opted for the safer choice , and decided to head straight for Bundaberg.<br />
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Capt Barry had a surprise for crewman Phil, and said we were having pancakes and maple syrup for breakfast ,<b> and crewman Phil was cooking</b>, up on the flying bridge.<br />
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After all we were at <b>Pancake Creek, </b><br />
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Crewman Phil set about the task with energy , put the electric fry pan on, shook the ready made pancake mix and poured several pancakes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2W9wN4lFCjpppRFovmGDxXNQmGRfJiGxdgfhbk1mH7jgp7zpd6evBTbbLW-PhdNQY06vVpMvVexW9-QvzPQjlMLTmSgFoWlpHraRumFimuXeGDb4uTlYfDBTiKNZ4i6MAOO_SwD4CH6I/s1600/P1020377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2W9wN4lFCjpppRFovmGDxXNQmGRfJiGxdgfhbk1mH7jgp7zpd6evBTbbLW-PhdNQY06vVpMvVexW9-QvzPQjlMLTmSgFoWlpHraRumFimuXeGDb4uTlYfDBTiKNZ4i6MAOO_SwD4CH6I/s400/P1020377.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crewman Phil ready to cook pancakes</td></tr>
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Well, Capt Barry took one look at the pancakes , and commented........<b>they look a tad small Phil..... more like biscuits.</b> Phil responded that<b> he did not sign on as the cook</b> , but would make them bigger next serving.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they are a better size</td></tr>
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We enjoyed the pancakes and coffee then cleaned up and lifted anchor at 7.15 am and were soon under way, making our way past the several anchored vessels also seeking refuge in the Creek overnight.<br />
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At 8.15 am Capt Barry logged on with VMR Round Hill ch 81/82 , then telephoned Bundaberg Harbour Marina and confirmed LAST WORD's booking for three nights. The marina was full , with boats from Vanuatu to Bundaberg rally, but the marina manager said they would try to squeeze in LAST WORD , probably on the fuel wharf.<br />
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The seas were about 0.8m with a small 1 m swell and the winds were light, <b>so we had a great passage.</b><br />
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Three hours out from Bundaberg , Capt Barry gave the order to slow the boat to idle and we trolled for about 30 mins , without success,<br />
<br />
After that crewman Phil was left in charge of the helm, now being very proficient with the electronic equipment and setting way points etc, while Capt Barry blogged , sent emails and made some calls , trying to organise the replacement stabilizer fin for LAST WORD.<br />
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LAST WORD arrived at the mouth of the Burnett River at 2.15 pm and we entered and proceeded directly to the fuel wharf, and took on 1850 L at $1.49.<br />
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As the marina was chock a block with boats , we were told to stay on the fuel wharf or the night , and they would berth LAST WORD somewhere else in the morning. So Capt Barry and crewman Phil spent some time settling LAST WORD in for the night , ie getting the ropes right , and binding the rusting bollards in rags and putting hoses around LAST WORD's ropes , so they would not fret on the rough bollards in the predicted winds , and fiddling with the busted power receptor.<br />
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We had just finished bedding down LAST WORD when the marina assistant reappeared and told us LAST WORD could not spend the night on the fuel wharf , for safety reasons, and we would have to move LAST WORD, back, closer to the land , on the connecting wharf, <b>between the fuel wharf and the fuel tanks.</b><br />
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Capt Barry and crewman Phil just looked at each other and laughed .<b> SAFER........NOT SO SURE ABOUT THAT.</b><br />
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Capt Barry then asked the depth of the berth closer to the land , and was assured there was plenty of water as a fishing vessel with a 3 M draft used to berth there without issue.<br />
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Capt Barry was immediately wary of this info, and refused to move LAST WORD back until he could determine the depth of water, as Capt Barry was not going to allow LAST WORD to sit on the bottom or have her props in the mud at low tide, over the next several days.<br />
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Capt Barry contemplated launching the larger tender , which has a depth sounder to determine the depth. However, after discussion with crewman Phil, Capt Barry decided he would give option two a go first. So we grabbed the two long boat hooks and extended each of them to its full extension of 11 feet, then overlapped them about two feet and gaffer taped them together to make a long pole ( approx 19 feet ) to probe the depth where LAST WORD's props would sit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q8mzZ3_Gt14U6ueDfttpI7ZS3INmH5cjsWSyV_A-FR4BngsFOZSzCTD3QeGMop96dmf4a3obOC-OUEUzcQ1YLczlRwk-yiRyg3JES7DVITotVs7gCKagURQNAaWdFV1I1wBjo_MeLcaz/s1600/P1020381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q8mzZ3_Gt14U6ueDfttpI7ZS3INmH5cjsWSyV_A-FR4BngsFOZSzCTD3QeGMop96dmf4a3obOC-OUEUzcQ1YLczlRwk-yiRyg3JES7DVITotVs7gCKagURQNAaWdFV1I1wBjo_MeLcaz/s640/P1020381.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry probing the depths before moving LAST WORD all the way back</td></tr>
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After probing the depth, Capt Barry checked the low tides for the next three days , and determined there would be about 200 mm of water under the props. As the lowest low tide was a 0.2 m tide , and it occurred about 2.00 am, a time of relative calm , and as LAST WORD was fairly well protected in the berth from winds and passing boat traffic, Capt Barry decided to risk the berth.<br />
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Whilst Capt Barry considered putting LAST WORD on anchor for several days, due to the dickey shallow berth, , he decided it was to inconvenient, given the blow coming , and the comings and goings with re provisioning LAST WORD's food supplies, Phil abandoning LAST WORD the next day, Sunday , to return home , and the arrival of LAST WORD's new crew , Monday evening.<br />
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So, Capt Barry and crewman Phil moved LAST WORD back to the connecting wharf and repeated the procedure of protecting the ropes and plugging in to the power etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47XOM25H10WgUWBd7aiDIhjHXyPQggaKCZK5B7A3JTUKmqv2OBHnlwsYhTNegi3XbsqKM97d2dga_c7vyXI-aEy_PbK8DF2CIyPwQkCwF7a58RIvtHcmW3fJVzLdHJvu6mqirfk565sLH/s1600/P1020383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47XOM25H10WgUWBd7aiDIhjHXyPQggaKCZK5B7A3JTUKmqv2OBHnlwsYhTNegi3XbsqKM97d2dga_c7vyXI-aEy_PbK8DF2CIyPwQkCwF7a58RIvtHcmW3fJVzLdHJvu6mqirfk565sLH/s400/P1020383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD berth on the extension wharf to the fuel wharf, amongst the fishing fleet</td></tr>
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LAST WORD was in the middle of the local fishing fleet , and we slept with our windows closed on the port side due to the noise one of the boats made running its fans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rsuGO1q2jV5Uynj3sQOWdBuVat5MX7b9wVC3On1ZPtYWecLMb45OqoAiEAKOKPCdH2IqcPdG1yfl-tWDDvfEc05GpjcwCad0bE-3tXp3j4AoPijPXHrNd2VBJ4B63CJitglYmB0Rjm9m/s1600/P1020399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rsuGO1q2jV5Uynj3sQOWdBuVat5MX7b9wVC3On1ZPtYWecLMb45OqoAiEAKOKPCdH2IqcPdG1yfl-tWDDvfEc05GpjcwCad0bE-3tXp3j4AoPijPXHrNd2VBJ4B63CJitglYmB0Rjm9m/s400/P1020399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The berthing fee was $92 per night and $33 per day for 3 phase power. Capt Barry declined the 3 phase power and made do with the twin 15 amp plug ins, which is fine for managed / normal power loads and air conditioning, if needed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QkcM_5oBCvKHdBfGvL9CKVgV9myzRjwNtB76bsmt2HSAuBK1RidxPltF8eIfU2OaB6XiaFGfn7MhT91gDyqGTrA8s8XGrH8ySwwgmgtmBhGHS4F4dIyn1B960DtGpPTVcEkMaqNxc46/s1600/P1020400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QkcM_5oBCvKHdBfGvL9CKVgV9myzRjwNtB76bsmt2HSAuBK1RidxPltF8eIfU2OaB6XiaFGfn7MhT91gDyqGTrA8s8XGrH8ySwwgmgtmBhGHS4F4dIyn1B960DtGpPTVcEkMaqNxc46/s640/P1020400.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking across the main marina berths</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazc9jk_r3Uj3jWBsB4u0WJep80vQU_7ZLedafqA4vZN6dKMcggW3Znr1t2H-gkEH0GA09N2kxkPYQTAvzh0ZPunKRf9xgG3OzK8ZDdSpd88Qaa445ac6ydlWRhpFpiy-BujF2ky6Ie7-y/s1600/P1020379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazc9jk_r3Uj3jWBsB4u0WJep80vQU_7ZLedafqA4vZN6dKMcggW3Znr1t2H-gkEH0GA09N2kxkPYQTAvzh0ZPunKRf9xgG3OzK8ZDdSpd88Qaa445ac6ydlWRhpFpiy-BujF2ky6Ie7-y/s400/P1020379.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD all alone at night</td></tr>
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Capt Barry and crewman Phil washed down LAST WORD , as LAST WORD would be there for three days, tried the TV ( which almost had a good enough signal) , and made dinner. Due to Capt Barry's big breakfast, baked beans, out of the can, was fine for him.<br />
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That evening it drizzled rain for an hour or two, and that is Capt Barry's first real rain ( other than small overnight sprinkles ) since leaving Sydney in mid July.<br />
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After dinner we watched a DVD , then checked the accuracy of our depth measurement , by probing the depth at the then low tide , and determined we had calculated correctly, as LAST WORD had about 0.5 of a m to spare in a 0.5 m low tide.<br />
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The next day, Capt Barry and crewman Phil walked the 30 mins to the local IGA store and bought supplies for the next several passages south , and wine and beer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGLhFIRJrYq1udw6p3JHWyucmvov_N77V7Na4Y-WB_EeiQy5IuAJr8JjEWiWpoeRLUG_liigzht_uEDpXjncGIwowS0Z6619D1fLcZ_fAlHyWXcBIZui-U9SpJcEFcOBoMxU55HkpySek/s1600/P1020386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGLhFIRJrYq1udw6p3JHWyucmvov_N77V7Na4Y-WB_EeiQy5IuAJr8JjEWiWpoeRLUG_liigzht_uEDpXjncGIwowS0Z6619D1fLcZ_fAlHyWXcBIZui-U9SpJcEFcOBoMxU55HkpySek/s400/P1020386.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the path along the waters edge to the IGA store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OfCFij5W0sL6eUZBGZdr-BSIyBu91jTFvGFcY2wZhI2gDTpRhcwKmk6kAZ_Op6tuIvB7UiDBQgqwQiqq2KiZs4NNx5tNyHsHesHD9syrYauRp8UYfVQpC0r75wJK-J1PEWkuxHoqKLHc/s1600/P1020387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OfCFij5W0sL6eUZBGZdr-BSIyBu91jTFvGFcY2wZhI2gDTpRhcwKmk6kAZ_Op6tuIvB7UiDBQgqwQiqq2KiZs4NNx5tNyHsHesHD9syrYauRp8UYfVQpC0r75wJK-J1PEWkuxHoqKLHc/s400/P1020387.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgOmPoLuvi3e319qAMtoZafwBbFgKmKeY6maVpQJGc4EuE3fg9gJF8uTOnobvWh_Zo_cLA3qc1cJ3ePc51_OUtCqUBMgj-Yb4D9i6tzasx3S7oV8rDPF66AbK7He8uXLzUfCBogqq-t8p/s1600/P1020388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgOmPoLuvi3e319qAMtoZafwBbFgKmKeY6maVpQJGc4EuE3fg9gJF8uTOnobvWh_Zo_cLA3qc1cJ3ePc51_OUtCqUBMgj-Yb4D9i6tzasx3S7oV8rDPF66AbK7He8uXLzUfCBogqq-t8p/s400/P1020388.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">botanist Phil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFes-7oPLprIVDdyipxbMzeqgp60sLQT5W81X6pZE_Fs3-Wj0q9C0iu9OaKMHM4UHQQkQwiqW4tmA6oHHkFwNiTshrwxMdz1ZUIWOR31VpjSYQDHLdfqwApdlS59WoXS9zzwIKI9yMzR2/s1600/P1020389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFes-7oPLprIVDdyipxbMzeqgp60sLQT5W81X6pZE_Fs3-Wj0q9C0iu9OaKMHM4UHQQkQwiqW4tmA6oHHkFwNiTshrwxMdz1ZUIWOR31VpjSYQDHLdfqwApdlS59WoXS9zzwIKI9yMzR2/s400/P1020389.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the other local marina , closer to the river mouth, much smaller, and in shallow water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyR9AbpBIsF7zHCR63q9RmQFh87TG6_r9S6Ac_gYgZasio7s-VYMvguZz-o7-uFWwosR4spf_WHDD9IyKHuxyKEQsjedpgA7qdW1Q5kfTVxzO3ZiKJDzCrD5CJ8-FhqED2dlkOruLhlw7/s1600/P1020390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyR9AbpBIsF7zHCR63q9RmQFh87TG6_r9S6Ac_gYgZasio7s-VYMvguZz-o7-uFWwosR4spf_WHDD9IyKHuxyKEQsjedpgA7qdW1Q5kfTVxzO3ZiKJDzCrD5CJ8-FhqED2dlkOruLhlw7/s400/P1020390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the smaller marina</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIB5CE6IlK7MqlERuhsdu8SvmIFY0FG8Av9O-l88CGQkDj-UZDBJHRVJEBYa_Yxt_c8pk3E5kLH_pyoWjFTvMYGAc0LCI_qDzPUH96gczP4sPbFC2asOa_ZwR_oD-8V1hzonP8yRf4D6s/s1600/P1020392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIB5CE6IlK7MqlERuhsdu8SvmIFY0FG8Av9O-l88CGQkDj-UZDBJHRVJEBYa_Yxt_c8pk3E5kLH_pyoWjFTvMYGAc0LCI_qDzPUH96gczP4sPbFC2asOa_ZwR_oD-8V1hzonP8yRf4D6s/s400/P1020392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a reminder of the family at home</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sh_5qu4EzIe-1Bv1qvswEo9JBW1xl1zlLfbVylpqtObsfVtwLGVeC7W9MaBJyxijsfVB6n5Q922idO8KPcxMyyMUiFH0kd_PVuVVRnOmqBfkOti4g0rRo7YuJ8YhHNRfUA2ad-BHnPrp/s1600/P1020395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sh_5qu4EzIe-1Bv1qvswEo9JBW1xl1zlLfbVylpqtObsfVtwLGVeC7W9MaBJyxijsfVB6n5Q922idO8KPcxMyyMUiFH0kd_PVuVVRnOmqBfkOti4g0rRo7YuJ8YhHNRfUA2ad-BHnPrp/s400/P1020395.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a typical local house , built up in the low lying land</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFxtCn9fyYQuePXLcSNoUd0fZ8dy1vyefptCQOAowQvxSrRJl7nSg1Fs-sm9ZIIel4d_8Jd4Om3jT9T3FT0D7XYYEjgMnIXFscGArPKdzxHZ6Xd33a5dUtymRCZUVlQLDsILoyB5_bH0Z/s1600/P1020396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFxtCn9fyYQuePXLcSNoUd0fZ8dy1vyefptCQOAowQvxSrRJl7nSg1Fs-sm9ZIIel4d_8Jd4Om3jT9T3FT0D7XYYEjgMnIXFscGArPKdzxHZ6Xd33a5dUtymRCZUVlQLDsILoyB5_bH0Z/s400/P1020396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another typical house, plus boat. Presumably the owner is working on the boat or uses it as additional accommodation , or both</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TEnKrJmIQgANZcIog7EuKj5fISzi1UsDVz2_LCLbR0gndbODAK8iIjK8NP6HjudVNppENq3CCo0KChgFGtCVg5dbUyeF2QAd7r1bLYaQNQp-9N0GnhUQIu2hQLKSV_lLWGRVcdR9FcKR/s1600/P1020397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TEnKrJmIQgANZcIog7EuKj5fISzi1UsDVz2_LCLbR0gndbODAK8iIjK8NP6HjudVNppENq3CCo0KChgFGtCVg5dbUyeF2QAd7r1bLYaQNQp-9N0GnhUQIu2hQLKSV_lLWGRVcdR9FcKR/s400/P1020397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the new IGA store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The local IGA proprietor drove us back to the Marina, and we packed away the supplies , then Capt Barry changed and washed the bed linen , towels and miscellaneous laundry , and we gave LAST WORD a spring clean for the change over crew.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenuJE9la_n-suJDKTnf5G-7U7ABi9OmV2QXIHZieY8JY7dUi_6-FTUVJCj6f-PRmx4wFeF2NobiDV977lbw_ieKnb7dJDik0Af0SkgQnVArIiHdYRru8BS8gX0yI0zDyu9umTyhrSaewf/s1600/P1020398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenuJE9la_n-suJDKTnf5G-7U7ABi9OmV2QXIHZieY8JY7dUi_6-FTUVJCj6f-PRmx4wFeF2NobiDV977lbw_ieKnb7dJDik0Af0SkgQnVArIiHdYRru8BS8gX0yI0zDyu9umTyhrSaewf/s400/P1020398.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crewman Phil waiting to load the van for a lift back to the marina.</td></tr>
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We tried unsuccessfully to rent a car to explore Bundaberg and so Capt Barry could drive Phil to the airport that afternoon , but they were all let to the participants in the Vanuatu to Bundaberg rally.<br />
<br />
The wind built from the south , about 20 to 30 kts and blew for the next several days.<br />
LAST WORD was fairly well protected out the front of the fish co-op, so it was quite a pleasant layover for Capt Barry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiskIPo7XzdlITH0d78trBm5ehQOnlcc4JNRu_8wmmOtZR1_SpSx09LBb8oJB3sLDAqdW4pN-Mf5NWOVFiXoYCaFbzbPgs5clvMshfVOAqpiwYa4SmUxVX5sTTMDBTVpWSjViyuEI65kHT/s1600/P1020404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiskIPo7XzdlITH0d78trBm5ehQOnlcc4JNRu_8wmmOtZR1_SpSx09LBb8oJB3sLDAqdW4pN-Mf5NWOVFiXoYCaFbzbPgs5clvMshfVOAqpiwYa4SmUxVX5sTTMDBTVpWSjViyuEI65kHT/s400/P1020404.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is the hard stand area across the road from the marina. Note the howling wind.</td></tr>
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Crewman Phil packed his gear ready for his journey home , and as he disembarked LAST WORD for the final time , he became mere mortal Phil , and lost his honourable crewman status.<br />
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Capt Barry walked with mere mortal Phil to the marina entrance to wait for the taxi, where we said our good byes, in the blustering wind , and Capt Barry contemplated the challenges of breaking an another new crew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqCldt7Vt7Pi04HYSZD8-sdzOtxCMDaMRDZ5YW77TaT1IdnrN6ERWllOiZ-ipAoWSdRcBGPqOAASyyjlPWRK-vbwoKSTMbayrrsewmiqAxzgtG3TGR836pPdN-doD-TPm1hn5QgiiFueC/s1600/P1020403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqCldt7Vt7Pi04HYSZD8-sdzOtxCMDaMRDZ5YW77TaT1IdnrN6ERWllOiZ-ipAoWSdRcBGPqOAASyyjlPWRK-vbwoKSTMbayrrsewmiqAxzgtG3TGR836pPdN-doD-TPm1hn5QgiiFueC/s640/P1020403.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">waiting for the taxi, in the building wind</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil loading his gear into the cab for the journey to the airport homeward bound.</td></tr>
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<b>TRIP : 70 NM: 6.95 HRS: 340 L : AV 10.1 KTS and 48.5 L/HR</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-30083482833852353622012-11-16T15:57:00.001-08:002012-11-16T15:57:09.089-08:00segment 48 : Great Keppel Island to Pancake Creek<b>segment 48 : Great Keppel Island ( GKI) to Pancake Creek</b><br />
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<b>Friday 9th Nov 2012: 72 NM </b><br />
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It was a really rolly night at Great Keppel Island , so much so that about 3.00 am crewman Phil moved out of the front VIP cabin to the saloon lounge for a better sleep.<br />
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Capt Barry is not certain that was a good decision , as crewman Phil reported the next morning that he rolled off the lounge, twice, during his sleep on the lounge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6BvYVr0m5asveX7juOki4upd0EwzaaiocF1hBH82OHN4S3Wx-h7XyWJQ9fhY5IHXBMEAdjyaZI6o8AQKom6LYsa9oO2HIdjbTfLQSN0HI5sOoW25volOKLq-dDOZe6oSw5smb1JeNv3u/s1600/P1020338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6BvYVr0m5asveX7juOki4upd0EwzaaiocF1hBH82OHN4S3Wx-h7XyWJQ9fhY5IHXBMEAdjyaZI6o8AQKom6LYsa9oO2HIdjbTfLQSN0HI5sOoW25volOKLq-dDOZe6oSw5smb1JeNv3u/s400/P1020338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crewman Phil asleep on th saloon lounge</td></tr>
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Capt Barry has decided to find another anchorage for future trips.<br />
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Capt Barry was up early, at 6.00am and crewman Phil was not long behind.<br />
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Capt Barry reviewed his notes ( of the passage north to Pancake Creek and the tides recommended ) and reminded himself that last word should not be taken across the Creek mouth in less than 1 m of tide.<br />
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After consulting the tide charts and calculating distance and passage time, Capt Barry settled on a 7 hour passage time at 10 kts , and calculated the tide to be approx. 1.9 m if LAST WORD crossed the mouth of the Creek at about 2.00 pm. Depending upon the route taken and the shifting sands , Capt Barry calculated about 1.2 to 1.4 m under the props at the shallowest points.<br />
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After a quick breakfast , Crewman Phil lifted anchor at 7.10 am and LAST WORD was under way.<br />
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There was not great signal strength at GKI so Capt Barry was relying on yesterdays weather reports until later that morning.<br />
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When we left GKI , going around the western side of the Island for some protection from the swell, we noted three large sail boats anchored on the southern tip of the western side of the Island, and may investigate that as an anchorage next trip (in between the two half anchorages recommended by Alan Lucas.<br />
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Capt Barry logged on with Coast Guard Yepoon on channel 21, at 7.40 am , and asked for a weather update.<br />
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As the passage was to be a little rough Capt Barry again went through the safety procedures with crewman Phil ( ie location of EPIRB, grab bag , hand held back up water proof VHF radio ,life jackets , and how to quick release the two tenders, and we both put on wrist bands ( that set off an alarm if they get wet or are moved more than 15 m away from the base station , which is in the pilothouse).<br />
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As the seas were about 1.5 to 2 m and wind 12 kts from the 10 o'clock position, LAST WORD was rolling a little more than usual ( probably just a bit much for her one remaining stabilizer fin ), so Capt Barry looked at the possibility of passaging behind Curtis Island , and taking on the narrows ( a passage that dries, and is more than a metre above water level at most low tides ). However, a quick look showed that this was not remotely possible with the tides predicted, so on we pressed on for Pancake Creek, on the outside of Curtis Island.<br />
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Capt Barry sat on 9 to 10 knots in the lumpy conditions and did the usual speed runs every 90 mins or so ( 18 to 22 kts ) , which usually takes the average fuel and speed up somewhat.<br />
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Off Cape Capricorn, at 10.00 am , crewman Phil made some cheese rolls ( vegemite for Capt Barry ) , and we radioed in and changed over our guardian angels from Coast Guard Yepoon to VMR Gladstone, the latter on VHF ch 82.<br />
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During the passage crewman Phil caught up on some sleep, while Capt Barry updated weather reports and made some telephone calls, sent emails and did some share trading to while away the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyDzmBjHtDj2UvcWZfCe0WI2v2Xl3LtIcRRui2fAkHLjbWOQzEztUYcTDervrY6pmIAb7QyOnCjzOBfSDunE5KCSL09JLj6KEXkCK7p1Djw7wRveiMN1fRP1CDaJ7FJgFkE2mmdZCw038/s1600/P1020339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyDzmBjHtDj2UvcWZfCe0WI2v2Xl3LtIcRRui2fAkHLjbWOQzEztUYcTDervrY6pmIAb7QyOnCjzOBfSDunE5KCSL09JLj6KEXkCK7p1Djw7wRveiMN1fRP1CDaJ7FJgFkE2mmdZCw038/s400/P1020339.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crewman Phil enjoying a few ZZZzzzzzzzzzzssss as LAST WORD made passage </td></tr>
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Off Gladstone LAST WORD passed through many of the waiting coal ships , and even came across and passed the 47 foot Nordhaven , "DAUNTLESS" which was chugging along at 6 kts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHO-FVc1fFhyI8skehbayy4JmT0F1yDSDavzBOjYuj73F5asopdUdoV-vsE6LL0ZzIF9PDhcGoVQJldCadOcLeFXYtzCUr3wYA5JX9Ae3t05tC4ulOkkO3g1ADlgmeNNmpmgVxD_yTKzT/s1600/P1020342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHO-FVc1fFhyI8skehbayy4JmT0F1yDSDavzBOjYuj73F5asopdUdoV-vsE6LL0ZzIF9PDhcGoVQJldCadOcLeFXYtzCUr3wYA5JX9Ae3t05tC4ulOkkO3g1ADlgmeNNmpmgVxD_yTKzT/s640/P1020342.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD sets a track through the middle of the twenty odd ships waiting to be loaded with coal off Gladstone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD sneaking up on the Nordhaven DAUNTLESS.</td></tr>
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LAST WORD flew past DAUNTLESS doing 10+ kts at 1150 rpm and using 50 L/HR.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX0iMY6EuYKcqxiY_l9igrg3COQ7MALD3jVD2TeMAAdC86xEu13oajLOVs5sxziYJKwYIMp_fFrm8uidIny-uORhIiA74YXhEPfqOzKa1zbNBfSCtY5oo9J4krqRHOK9C3oIY8kVnMshH/s1600/P1020359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX0iMY6EuYKcqxiY_l9igrg3COQ7MALD3jVD2TeMAAdC86xEu13oajLOVs5sxziYJKwYIMp_fFrm8uidIny-uORhIiA74YXhEPfqOzKa1zbNBfSCtY5oo9J4krqRHOK9C3oIY8kVnMshH/s400/P1020359.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the 47 foot Nordhaven DAUNTLESS, making about 6 kts</td></tr>
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LAST WORD was off the entrance to Pancake Creek at 2.10 pm, and after checking the entrance waters , and being satisfied, Capt Barry took her in for the zig zag and hoped the shallow parts had not changed for the worse.<br />
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During the run through the markers to where Capt Barry wished to anchor LAST WORD ( using the way points Capt Barry used last time at Pancake Creek) we saw 1.3m under the props, at two spots ( slightly less than Capt Barry calculated ), and anchored in 5 m of water ,allowing for another 2 m of rising tide.<br />
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DUANTLESS arrived 1 and a half hours later and anchored nearby.<br />
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The current was running very quickly past LAST WORD so a swim was out of the question , and due to the over cast conditions ( and sand fly bites Capt Barry received at GKI ) , Capt Barry opted not to visit the Bastard Head light house , but offered to launch a tender for crewman Phil to go ashore for a walk to the light house. However, Capt Barry warned that Phil would need <b>plenty of insect repellent. </b><br />
Crewman Phil decided on a beer or two, instead of the healthy excursion, then fell asleep <b>AGAIN</b> on the back deck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFsUkzpdEshkPBuq6z34eb234fF4GGuQrpmS-TsFEWi_f_8v_RM5jTddA7yYfCSXx-Vzb3fJ76SJ1eiIBycAhxW-GvtszjUJ5NVhCG-h6BeNk1vWpMjLxRjuhMcuc1i3IJvcHDkA5iNqv/s1600/P1020375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFsUkzpdEshkPBuq6z34eb234fF4GGuQrpmS-TsFEWi_f_8v_RM5jTddA7yYfCSXx-Vzb3fJ76SJ1eiIBycAhxW-GvtszjUJ5NVhCG-h6BeNk1vWpMjLxRjuhMcuc1i3IJvcHDkA5iNqv/s400/P1020375.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crewman Phil, asleep again . Not sure if he was really relaxing or it was the beer.<br />Pancake Creek is certainly the spot for R & R for a few days.</td></tr>
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We enjoyed a cooked meal, and a glass of wine , a movie ( crewman Phil declined another refresher course of squidding ) and an early night.<br />
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<b>TRIP ; 7.2 HRS, 431 L, 72 NM ,, av 9.7 KTS and 55 L/HR</b><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-71876037064183552312012-11-13T04:02:00.000-08:002012-11-13T04:02:02.063-08:00Segment 47: Island Head Creek to Great Keppel Island<b>Segment 47: Island Head Creek to Great Keppel Island</b><br />
<b>Thursday 8th Nov 2012. 57 NM.</b><br />
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Capt Barry was up early at 5.30 am , and put on a load of washing. Phil woke at 6.00 am.<br />
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Next , Capt Barry did some tide and weather homework for passage options over the next few days.<br />
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Capt Barry and Phil lifted the anchor at 7.00 am , when the tide was 2.7 m . The depth varied dramatically , with 2.4 m under the props about 20 m west of the inside rock, then 30 m then back to 5 m crossing the creek to the southern approach way point to the Creek mouth.<br />
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Buoyweather was predicting reasonably clear seas and light to fresh winds up to Sunday , as was BOM. So it looked like good seas for the next several days.<br />
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On route Capt Barry did some share trading, sent emails in the hope of organising the replacement stabilizer fin , organised a replacement TECMA toilet switch to be delivered to Graeme at Surfers Paradise ( so Capt Barry could collect it when next in Surfers), and blogged.<br />
Phil spent time at the helm, sleeping, and up on the fly bridge getting fresh air.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crewman Phil at the helm.</td></tr>
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We sighted more dolphins along the way, and did some speed runs , 22 + kts every two hours or so.<br />
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We arrived at Great Keppel Island , about 1.00 pm which is 8 miles off Rosslyn Bay, and after a quick fresh water wash of the stern of LAST WORD Capt Barry inspected the engine room , and noted that the port water pump was now beginning to leak oil, then launched the small tender and added the 3 hp motor ( and grabbed some spare fuel ) , and Capt Barry and Phil went for a ride to the beach to check out a couple of boats anchored in a creek off the beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZCp6Zy0vRkwKMbiPBokutGY5ekNWNZ6sgN30msjjFSbgxREx8cO8Vwd465p2pMbe9zf6zNmyDXzm2IL91gGnQ5qQJ5sHnGlfcraQYwFhSLzmvMbf8Li3efn6CHPc_ozKVMM2JJmfnXyb/s1600/P1020334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZCp6Zy0vRkwKMbiPBokutGY5ekNWNZ6sgN30msjjFSbgxREx8cO8Vwd465p2pMbe9zf6zNmyDXzm2IL91gGnQ5qQJ5sHnGlfcraQYwFhSLzmvMbf8Li3efn6CHPc_ozKVMM2JJmfnXyb/s320/P1020334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now the port raw water pump starts leaking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two sailing boats anchored in the creek off the beach. They were locked in till the tide was up again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the yachts , obviously there for some time</td></tr>
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After investigating the anchored yachts we were back in the tender headed for the resort on the other side of the Island. Capt Barry declared the trip too long to make in the small tender so we headed for shore and walked the rest of the way......chancing the sand flies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcobXQCvLqkXX575SxqUyIZmirNHH9j9uyfOTQysG6MZFMmPAkYSluLuWDPJraBePSNX2CitG6fUu0MTO8CfYia2vQ6qf9oVeNRNh9bkrE4pJRF7XEclTa4fkpCAgHGEb1Y4TXeH4FTJq/s1600/P1020325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcobXQCvLqkXX575SxqUyIZmirNHH9j9uyfOTQysG6MZFMmPAkYSluLuWDPJraBePSNX2CitG6fUu0MTO8CfYia2vQ6qf9oVeNRNh9bkrE4pJRF7XEclTa4fkpCAgHGEb1Y4TXeH4FTJq/s400/P1020325.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil wondering whether to swim back to LAST WORD</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last word at anchor off Grerat Keppel Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the softer side of Capt Barry , snapping a pic of a bright yellow bird, which bird was caught in the act of giving Capt Barry .... the bird.</td></tr>
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We returned to LAST WORD for a quick dinner. Phil had tofu and Capt Barry enjoyed baked beans , <b>cold , out of the can</b>. Very efficient when it comes to washing up.<br />
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After dinner we enjoyed a bottle of wine with some music and good conversation on the back deck of LAST WORD , then Capt Barry introduced Phil to<b> the art of SQUIDDING.</b><br />
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Capt Barry and Phil were on the boarding platform with Capt Barry showing Phil the technique involved to catch squid and hooked one in less than 10 secs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbemhxRxFsMCBHb7frpEzv21SrAOcxFsfkQsNmrF8xpJOlBAsNNPjRH8dekS61UKk9d6P5CggI3SN_Mj0APC67x5zNSb7Ficpf2ThIPlFikwzkHu-TPfTyEMQWdLJHzGBc8qKkedX19g6d/s1600/P1020337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbemhxRxFsMCBHb7frpEzv21SrAOcxFsfkQsNmrF8xpJOlBAsNNPjRH8dekS61UKk9d6P5CggI3SN_Mj0APC67x5zNSb7Ficpf2ThIPlFikwzkHu-TPfTyEMQWdLJHzGBc8qKkedX19g6d/s400/P1020337.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry with the first ....small squid</td></tr>
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As Phil stepped closer , for a good look at the squid, which Capt Barry was bringing to the surface, Capt Barry warned Phil to stay back until the squid had <b>SHOT ITS LOAD OF BLACK INK.</b><br />
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The squid cleared the surface , took one look at Phil...... <b>aimed..... and fired. </b><br />
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Well you should have seen Phil move.<br />
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Phil pirouetted, ducked, dodged and jumped back, all in the one manoeuvre, and .........managed to get out of the line of squirted black ink......<b>without spilling his wine.</b><br />
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The look of utter shock on Phil's face was priceless, and Capt Barry took some time to stop laughing and regain his composure.<br />
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After regaining his composure , Capt Barry ducked downstairs and got Phil a dark coloured T shirt to swap for his evening attire. This was done in the hope of avoiding an unhappy discussion, at home, with the boss, when Phil returned home and explained why the black marks would not come out of his T shirt.<br />
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Capt Barry caught three squid before giving it away for the evening, then Capt Barry and Phil turned in for the night.<br />
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It was a shocking , shocking, shocking...... rolly night.<br />
It was so rolly , and noisey with the water slapping the chines on the front of the boat, that about 3.00 am Phil moved to the saloon and slept on the couch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR82J9EiDFDi8MnAy4juoFTOl2kVFzaeHEgTJW_w042GgKAQkubopBfK0mgSPa9BdJ9lJav8RRANKyQfwGwAN0vpCwBuZy42vLk_Aq2GAjHNytFcpTvI_Sia2JIujuxfX4oVRvZnP6GLt/s1600/P1020338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrR82J9EiDFDi8MnAy4juoFTOl2kVFzaeHEgTJW_w042GgKAQkubopBfK0mgSPa9BdJ9lJav8RRANKyQfwGwAN0vpCwBuZy42vLk_Aq2GAjHNytFcpTvI_Sia2JIujuxfX4oVRvZnP6GLt/s400/P1020338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil asleep on the saloon lounge</td></tr>
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It was so rolly that , Capt Barry decided to find another stop over , instead of Great Keppel Island, as both times LAST WORD has anchored there it has been a rolly exposed anchorage , even in a reasonably small swell.<br />
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<b>TRIP : 6 HRS, Fuel 354 L, av 9.5 kts and 59 L/HR.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-69770491513686990092012-11-11T05:21:00.003-08:002012-11-11T05:21:59.527-08:00Segment 46 : Mackay Harbour to Island Head Creek<b>Segment 46 : Mackay Harbour to Island Head Creek</b><br />
<b>Wed 7th Nov 2012</b><br />
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Capt Barry and crewman Phil had spent Monday and Tuesday at Mackay Marina , waiting for the engine spares to be delivered and for the winds and seas to abate, and were itching to get under way.<br />
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The wind , which had blown about 20 to 25 kts for the last two sand a half days started to abate during the night , so Capt Barry decided to make an early start and see what conditions were like .<br />
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As this passage was about 120 NM , and would take about 11 hours , we woke at 5.30 am to get an early start and Capt Barry checked the seas and weather on BOM and Buoyweather. Buoyweather predicting lesser seas and wind than BOM (as usual ) , then Capt Barry checked the tide at Island Head Creek , which was indicating a high of 3.5 m at 1600 hours and a low of 1.2 m at 2246 hours and a high the next morning ( to leave ) of 3.1 m at 5.03 am . ALL GOOD.<br />
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After a small breaky we were under way at 6.15am.<br />
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Phillip took LAST WORD out of the berth while Capt Barry stowed the ropes and fenders , then Capt Barry took LAST WORD out of the marina entrance, and set the way points , explaining to Phil how to do so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil at the helm</td></tr>
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Capt Barry then logged on with the fill in cover service for VMR Mackay, which does not commence operations till 8.00am.<br />
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LAST WORD sat on 1225 rpm for the first hour and a half, burning 60 L/HR and making about 10.4 kts, then Capt Barry did the first speed run for the day ( 2030 rpm , 18 + kts and 205 L/HR).<br />
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VMR Mackay signed on at just after 8.00 am and Capt Barry started a tracking sheet with them , and then asked for clearance to anchor overnight at Island Head Creek.<br />
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Island Head Creek is in an area where the army carries out live ammunition firing exercises , so one needs to ensure it is not closed to the public before entering the restricted area.<br />
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The VMR fellow was not very informative regarding this issue, so Capt Barry requested the phone number for the Range Control office ( 07 ) 493 55 000, and using the boat phone , made his own enquiries.<br />
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The range control officer explained that the army were carrying out exercises involving the firing of live ammunition, from the 4th to the 12th November, but said it would be okay to anchor where LAST WORD intended to anchor. The officer also explained that a helicopter overflies the area they intend to target for live firing , before each live fire session commences, to check there are no vessels in the area, so if we saw a helicopter, do not be concerned, unless it contacts you .<br />
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LAST WORD then received a relayed message from a sailing ship, "MUFFIN" ( via the VMR Mackay ) about a way point to avoid just outside Island Head Creek entrance, (but no explanation ). So, Capt Barry plotted the way point, and marked it on the paper chart and on the Raymarine as an unidentified , isolated danger.<br />
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The seas for the first two hours were about 1.2 m at 4 seconds apart, with a wind around 11 kts, so it was a little up and down , but ok , and Capt Barry promised Phil it would improve as we passed the Percy Islands.<br />
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Phil had a Qwell tablet and used an earplug in one ear supplied by Capt Barry ) , which he said stopped him feeling queasy. Still, Phil visited the flying bridge for some fresh air, every hour or so.<br />
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I guess, Phil being a sailor and owning his own sailing yacht , needs to feel the fresh air in his face.<br />
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While Phil was on the flying bridge, Capt Barry made some phone calls ( while the Ericsson antenna and router were supplying a signal to the computer and boat phone , and arranged a replacement switch for the master suite Tecma toilet ( which was playing up ), checked on progress about a replacement fin for the missing stabilizer fin on the starboard side, downloaded and scanned the financial review, made notes for the next blog , and when the market opened , did some share trading.<br />
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During the trip, Capt Barry did 4 speed runs , which ups the average fuel consumption, and average speed, but also drops the trip time by about 10 %.<br />
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The speed runs are to keep the engines in good order.<br />
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As a general rule pleasure boat engines should be run at 80 % load for 80 % of the time. But, as Capt Barry utilises them at a much lesser load most of the time ( but above the recommended minimum load of 30% ) the speed runs are done every one to two hours , at a wide open throttle ie 100 % load, for short bursts of 5 minutes or so followed by about 10 to 15 mins at 80 to 85 % load. The speed runs are supposed to clean out the injectors and exhausts and burn up most of the impurities collected in the engine oil.<br />
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There was a rough sea patch around Middle Percy Island, then the seas improved to about 0.7 m at 6 secs at Steep Island , with 2 and a half hours to go.<br />
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During the passage we saw two dolphins, and Capt Barry slowed the boat , and enticed crewman Phil out to the bow to observe one of the dolphins playing in LAST WORD's bow wave. Phil had not experienced this sight before, and stayed for several minutes, enjoying a silent communication with one of natures truly fantastic , smiley creatures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil, looking over the bow at the friendly dolphin below.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phillip's reflection in the water , looking over the starboard bow of LAST WORD </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjow7aRyRD3aXD4VVhyphenhyphenTiKPfN8kHmeVVr6Uwzcr_sReLLUdfFk-KXx80pDykKS6584kgwzG96AbzO_zfE2B-yQ9OgKDFsE7fC1koux3ej539zC1SFHXSS9RkmQiwO89ZTVa38-vF3YKV_uE/s1600/P1020320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjow7aRyRD3aXD4VVhyphenhyphenTiKPfN8kHmeVVr6Uwzcr_sReLLUdfFk-KXx80pDykKS6584kgwzG96AbzO_zfE2B-yQ9OgKDFsE7fC1koux3ej539zC1SFHXSS9RkmQiwO89ZTVa38-vF3YKV_uE/s400/P1020320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoPkx-kXxQjOuP_xqkMDHB9clJcdo3_al_TVTLWH5xhT9j8u4zTL504pISduPj3MABM8MRHXzqQtOorgsPBeMkqrocM5S4borCIXVsVDMeX5PL16JIaRrufmVZaKWOyPwzzQfBJE845XH/s1600/P1020322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoPkx-kXxQjOuP_xqkMDHB9clJcdo3_al_TVTLWH5xhT9j8u4zTL504pISduPj3MABM8MRHXzqQtOorgsPBeMkqrocM5S4borCIXVsVDMeX5PL16JIaRrufmVZaKWOyPwzzQfBJE845XH/s400/P1020322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dolphins just love to play in the bow wave, and even scratch their back on the bottom of the bow itself.</td></tr>
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We made the entrance to Island Head Creek about 5.15 pm and proceeded past, and very close to , the three rocks on the western bank that offers the best known channel , for that 20 mins up the creek and anchored in 6 m with a 2.8m tide.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSTHMcA4UUGSP4KgouCNIF04RWXt-hwqsvptwPui1DILQGyhKkyuSNReUSX_G6j4JWXvXy33WmNXb71fmx-WVOqowCm09QUndJcc_SAXlIoeGA-DakcuqIko3RCFoiKAGwBFBzKsSM3Ft/s1600/P1020318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSTHMcA4UUGSP4KgouCNIF04RWXt-hwqsvptwPui1DILQGyhKkyuSNReUSX_G6j4JWXvXy33WmNXb71fmx-WVOqowCm09QUndJcc_SAXlIoeGA-DakcuqIko3RCFoiKAGwBFBzKsSM3Ft/s400/P1020318.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD passing close to the inner most rocks on the western side just inside the wide entrance (where we know reasonably deep water to be ).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ3HOor0X_Eap7QXe-UQ5eCLaFOmQiwQT1XI2h6rkWsUGFikjIqCGZLk0ZDowpddHnQXdXNbTAfvFDO01ipMkxFDDMnHiBbBNS8bP3XvXI4k92FlTyljqhk1YT4t9Ml8Fg2qoBmfaa1hA/s1600/P1020315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZ3HOor0X_Eap7QXe-UQ5eCLaFOmQiwQT1XI2h6rkWsUGFikjIqCGZLk0ZDowpddHnQXdXNbTAfvFDO01ipMkxFDDMnHiBbBNS8bP3XvXI4k92FlTyljqhk1YT4t9Ml8Fg2qoBmfaa1hA/s400/P1020315.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">up the Creek , on anchor</td></tr>
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After such a lengthy passage we quickly rinsed the sea salt off the back of the boat with fresh water, then knocked the top off a beer or two , and later that evening we enjoyed a wine with a pasta dinner, after which Phil watched a DVD and Capt Barry went to bed early.<br />
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<b>TRIP : 116 nm, 11.5 HOURS, 875 L, av 10.1 KTS, at 76 L/HR TOTAL.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-8898540931047964322012-11-10T05:40:00.001-08:002012-11-19T03:04:43.648-08:00Segment 45: Scawfell Island to Mackay ( after a false start to Island Head Creek)<b>Segment 45: Scawfell Island to Mackay ( after a false start to Island Head Creek).</b><br />
<b>Monday 5th November 2012, 27 NM</b><br />
<br />
LAST WORD was anchored in Refuge Bay , Scawfell Island and it was a pretty windy night , with bullets of wind between 18 to 22 kts from the valley between the Island peaks.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry was up at 5.30am and Phillip soon after. We had planned a long trip to Island Head Creek , about 110 NM, and we wanted an early start to make the entrance to Island Head Creek in the light and on a reasonable tide.<br />
<br />
As we had no telephone or internet reception Capt Barry had to rely on the information downloaded late afternoon of the day before, and he was expecting today and the next day to be windy , between 18 and 25 from the SE with seas between 1.7 and 2.2 m, and a swell of 2m.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry discussed the conditions with Phillip, who was rearing to go, so we decided that if it was too unpleasant we would just turn back and overnight at Scawfell Is. and use one of our lay days relaxing at Scawfell ( even if it was somewhat rolly in the wind and swell that wrapped around the bay).<br />
<br />
We started to raise the anchor and Capt Barry did a silly thing and lost the snubber extension when he let one end of the bridle go instead of bringing both ends onboard . Capt Barry was using a bridle with a sliding snubber mid piece ( instead of the more usual single piece snubber through the anchor cradle ) , to give Phil a quieter nights sleep in the windy conditions.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry did not even think of diving over board to retrieve the red snubber, which he watched slowly sink, pulled down by the stainless clip. Probably, subconsciously , Capt Barry was concerned by the number of killer turtles we had seen surfacing near LAST WORD.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdKHLY0Ljzp8N8-N0Pje7PWsjncxTFqb08FHtU3yUUlkwM-Uv1ddXqYjghXxEXuNjMI7rth30MmXey1LZrUyP5QZRyU1xo0RwUo_8HeaBCnr992_u8q7rB3-Hxn1POA41AnwfmtrO00gR/s1600/P1010712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdKHLY0Ljzp8N8-N0Pje7PWsjncxTFqb08FHtU3yUUlkwM-Uv1ddXqYjghXxEXuNjMI7rth30MmXey1LZrUyP5QZRyU1xo0RwUo_8HeaBCnr992_u8q7rB3-Hxn1POA41AnwfmtrO00gR/s400/P1010712.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A KILLER TURTLE </td></tr>
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<br />
We stowed the anchor in the windy conditions, and left Refuge Bay just after at 6.00 am. LAST WORD rounded the north eastern claw of Scawfell Island and Capt Barry set a course for the Percy Islands, which we intended to pass on route to Island Head Creek.<br />
<br />
As soon as we cleared Scawfell Island we hit 2 to 3 m seas, only 4 seconds apart, from the E - SE and encountered a 20 kt head wind. It was tough going......... up and down, crashing into the next wave before finishing going down the prior wave. In short not very comfortable.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry told Phil ( who was looking a little anxious ) that the ride should improve when we make the slight course change at the next way point , as we would then take the waves at a slight angle which would stretch out the waves, as it was the shortness of the period between the waves that was the issue, not the height of the waves.<br />
<br />
After about twenty minutes we reached the next way point and made the course change. However, things did not get better they just changed. ie instead of crashing into the following wave LAST WORD rolled. a little.<br />
<br />
In fact Capt Barry commented to Phil that LAST WORD seemed to be rolling more than usual, but LAST WORD and Capt barry had been in far worse , and the boat was not in any danger of rolling over..<br />
<br />
We persisted for about 10 mins, and Capt Barry asked Phil if he would prefer to return to Refuge Bay at Scawfell Island for a day or so until the last reported winds and bigger seas settled somewhat.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry explained that even if we kept heading for the Percy Islands with a view to staying there overnight , they offered little shelter in such conditions , and the night stop over would not be comfortable.<br />
<br />
Phil left the decision to Capt Barry , so Capt Barry turned LAST WORD around, in the big seas , and we returned to Scawfell Island, and anchored in our recently vacated spot, about 7.30 am.<br />
<br />
The return trip was much more pleasant , with the seas at an angle and from behind , but still more rolly than Capt Barry expected.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry mentioned to crewman Phil, that he was not sure what the two other vessel skippers anchored in Refuge Bay would have made of our return ,but they did not leave that morning.<br />
<br />
After re anchoring, Capt Barry went below to do the usual laz and engine room checks and noticed a small sea water and oil leak from the starboard engine raw water pump that head been replaced or re built a week earlier. Capt Barry discussed this issue with Phil , and explained that without telephone reception he could not discuss the issue with his mechanics, to assess the seriousness of the leaks, and as we were headed south for about 350 nm without mechanical and /or parts services , the issue should be canvassed first. Accordingly Capt Barry recommended setting course for Mackay ( about 23 NM WSW, and in the wrong direction , and after getting a telephone signal and talking to the mechanics , we would either continue to head into Mackay for the necessary repairs ( and take on fuel ), or if it was not a serious issue, turn around and go back to Scawfell Island for the remainder of the day and overnight to reduce the distance to Island Head Creek , the next day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1I59bEsREwTo0M6l009WOL28VBZGiaQrvxvj4GyUdgmY9LoXw46Gh3A8YHvz5UaBDe0W-BhO8pW4Wodce7yf-hnAuazCPDh-IjEWO-aJAgDeHRZhThjT9xgfDD36Tw7q9rZ8oy8FIbCw/s1600/P1020299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1I59bEsREwTo0M6l009WOL28VBZGiaQrvxvj4GyUdgmY9LoXw46Gh3A8YHvz5UaBDe0W-BhO8pW4Wodce7yf-hnAuazCPDh-IjEWO-aJAgDeHRZhThjT9xgfDD36Tw7q9rZ8oy8FIbCw/s400/P1020299.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARBOARD RAW SEA WATER PUMP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P5FigC-PpflHgsOpzMCZuunJ5ak3zy_jjVgWAuvejvk628dnLe5zJ-Bk9SEthzZyxrCBrCmdk89BISqSEtQXnY91saZKsBr3zk46JBriK8aAEDi2EznIgqoAoZpgqc42-9lsmErqmpwJ/s1600/P1020334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P5FigC-PpflHgsOpzMCZuunJ5ak3zy_jjVgWAuvejvk628dnLe5zJ-Bk9SEthzZyxrCBrCmdk89BISqSEtQXnY91saZKsBr3zk46JBriK8aAEDi2EznIgqoAoZpgqc42-9lsmErqmpwJ/s400/P1020334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE OIL LEAK</td></tr>
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So, once again that morning we up anchored ( keeping the snubber this time ) and about 6 NM out off Scawfell Island, on route for Mackay, Capt Barry acquired a telephone signal and phoned his mechanic ( resident at Airlie Beach ) who recommended continuing to Mackay where they would look at the water and oil leak and further advise.<br />
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LAST WORD travelled reasonably comfortably in the 2 to 3 m seas , which were coming from 9 o'clock port side on to us , but still rolled more than Capt Barry expected , which again he commented on to crewman Phil.<br />
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We arrived at Mackay Harbour Marina about 10.00am , and proceeded directly to the fuel wharf and filled up then proceeded to berth Z25, the same berth LAST WORD was allocated three months earlier on the way north.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8ovn_lyM6j48QTJEUzRF5NT5PttWq3Lz4fxtXwRIt9rSnZgitFEwVhpjWxpMri84lkPbYVoPQT6SfG2tbAP6Z1Fh1170u2sznfWXPX3CpVBCMlcE0WEdBO6NqqNBJywK7x8wnJs-iov0/s1600/P1010687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8ovn_lyM6j48QTJEUzRF5NT5PttWq3Lz4fxtXwRIt9rSnZgitFEwVhpjWxpMri84lkPbYVoPQT6SfG2tbAP6Z1Fh1170u2sznfWXPX3CpVBCMlcE0WEdBO6NqqNBJywK7x8wnJs-iov0/s400/P1010687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD at MACKAY HARBOUR MARINA </td></tr>
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We berthed in a 15 kt, blow off wind , and spent about 30 mins giving LAST WORD a quick wash , as we thought we might be there for a day or two.<br />
<br />
After washing LAST WORD Capt Barry did some share trading, paper work and we had a sandwich lunch, and crewman Phil fell asleep in a chair on the back deck . Capt Barry woke crewman Phil and sent him to the VIP cabin for a decent sleep before he did his neck in sleeping in the chair.<br />
<br />
Whilst Phil slept , Capt Barry spent time with the mechanics from Hastings Deering , discussing the water pump alternatives. Capt Barry also explained that both the sea water and oil leak did not occur on the last leg from Scawfell Island to Mackay, ( which is always the way, ie leaks when no one is there , and does not leak when the mechanic turns up to look at and asses the leak.<br />
<br />
The mechanics explained that the leaks were not a big issue, and were more cosmetic than anything else, but should be fixed ( and they were happy to do so the following day). However, they also said they had a spare , second hand ( 400 hours ) water pump, that they had rebuilt , and would give to Capt Barry as a spare, if Capt Barry was prepared to do the change, at sea, if required.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry went through what was involved with the water pump change and decided that was the best option ( as having a spare appealed to him ).<br />
<br />
The mechanics said that if the leak persisted ( as the ceramic seal may have taken up or the leak may have been the result of some of the oily vaseline used to do the refit, coming out of the seal under heat ) , that Capt Barry should just get it rebuilt or swapped out under warranty at Surfers Paradise ( and keep the spare as a spare). The mechanics also explained that the water pump may not leak further if the ceramic seal had taken up or the leak may have been the result of some of the oily vaseline used in the refit, coming out of the seal under heat.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry decided to take the spare option, and bargained a few extra bits and pieces to be delivered the next day.<br />
<br />
After the meeting about the water pump, one of the Hastings Deering fellows asked how LAST WORD went at sea , and Capt Barry explained that the vessel was stabilized with WESMAR fins and they were excellent so far as reducing sideways roll. The mechanic asked what they looked like, so Capt Barry took him up the starboard side of LAST WORD to show him the fin.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry could not find the fin despite the water being a clear greeney blue colour.<br />
<br />
Of course Capt Barry knew where to look for the fin , as he had shown them to others many times before, but LOW AND BEHOLD....<b>.NO FIN COULD BE FOUND </b><br />
<br />
<b>Capt Barry was in some state of disbelief and shock</b> , and being a persistent fellow , grabbed his rope hook , extended it to the maximum 11 feet and stuck it under LAST WORD and walked the side where the fin should have been . Alas, there was<b> NO FIN ,</b> just a small bump where it SHOULD HAVE BEEN.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry even checked the port side, to convince himself LAST WORD did in fact ( or should have had ) fins.<br />
<br />
THANK HEAVENS CAPT BARRY DETECTED THE FIN ON THE PORT SIDE.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry said goodbye to his mechanics as he needed to find his fin.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry went inside LAST WORD and made some phone calls to some fin experts , including Walter King , the Sydney WESMAR agent to discuss the missing fin and whether LAST WORD needed to be lifted out of the water immediately to ensure water did not enter through the fin hull hole.<br />
<br />
Wally asked if LAST WORD had impacted any thing on route , and Capt Barry assured him <b>NO IMPACTS</b> ( even small ones - unless it was something unnoticeable ).<br />
<br />
Wally then assured Capt Barry that fins <b>do not just fall off</b> and described how tough they are and how some fins , after suffering major impact just bend back and continue operating. In short Wally assured Capt Barry that the fin would not be missing and was probably turned towards the keel, otherwise water would be pouring into the boat.<br />
<br />
Wally suggested Capt Barry look inside the engine room and tell him if the shaft was still visible , which Capt Barry did and reported it was .<br />
<br />
Wally then said , <b>the fin is there go underwater and find it and ring back</b>.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry assured Wally that the fin <b>WAS NOT THERE</b> , but agreed to have a swim and a look and report back.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry woke crewman Phil, explained the dilemma, and asked Phil to keep watch as Capt Barry slipped into the water , between LAST WORD and the marina finger<b> to photograph the fin or what was not there.</b><br />
<br />
Before entering the water, Capt Barry tied the stern of LAST WORD out from the berth finger (to ensure he did not to get crushed between the finger and LAST WORD ). Then Capt Barry slipped on the goggles , grabbed the underwater camera and tied some grab ropes off the starboard rail to assist him climb back out of the water without being scratched on the marina finger marine growth ,<b> and entered the water for a look see.</b><br />
<br />
<b>THERE WAS NO FIN.</b>....JUST A SHAFT, IN PRISTINE CONDITION THAT THE FIN SHOULD HAVE BEEN ATTACHED TO.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry then swam under LAST WORD to the other side to check the port fin really existed, and low and behold , it was there, right where it was supposed to be.<br />
<br />
Well that solved the dilemma of whether to be lifted out of the water immediately, as LAST WORD was not about to sink.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry snapped some pics of the stabilizer shaft then exited the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpanXWiYXY8IZw6s0__ZSDXZl09kKYeLDuuXwHfQNSk-gzoVkJ6frav9iy3Kkbs7xqmOdbQ9WA6wNsFWb3rZCVcH1oXDWEA_kGXuMSLfj68fGD-rKsXlWK9brgzyaSMuUU73wWUim8CzR-/s1600/P1020304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpanXWiYXY8IZw6s0__ZSDXZl09kKYeLDuuXwHfQNSk-gzoVkJ6frav9iy3Kkbs7xqmOdbQ9WA6wNsFWb3rZCVcH1oXDWEA_kGXuMSLfj68fGD-rKsXlWK9brgzyaSMuUU73wWUim8CzR-/s400/P1020304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the starboard stabilizer shaft (minus the fin which is supposed to be welded to the shaft )</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnZH581Fvo8W2GVnq9GstAYMQN0K7PdUW5hI9AhJ5O1tg2fNN4s6rtZ110xl6NZSncg2Oea-IKPDjrBp-bqIamon2pfJD90NS2KLaloZ7VkPpjjmFhOExZrIeQqR8I0Jj0kgZNRCV3H4F/s1600/P1020305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnZH581Fvo8W2GVnq9GstAYMQN0K7PdUW5hI9AhJ5O1tg2fNN4s6rtZ110xl6NZSncg2Oea-IKPDjrBp-bqIamon2pfJD90NS2KLaloZ7VkPpjjmFhOExZrIeQqR8I0Jj0kgZNRCV3H4F/s400/P1020305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Capt Barry then rang Wally , the WESMAR agent , told him that the unlikely had happened , ie the fin was gone, but the shaft was there , and looked in unstressed condition , and there were no marks on the hull or antifoul, the keel or the props or rudders to suggest any impact, which supported Capt Barry's position , that there had been no discernible impact to the fin.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry emailed Wally the pics of the missing fin , and Wally said he would send them to WESMAR, in the US and talk to them overnight about a replacement fin being sent to Surfers Paradise ,ASAP.<br />
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After the last discussion with the WESMAR agent, Capt Barry and crewman Phil checked the weather forecasts and decided to go for a walk around the huge marina , to discuss options for the next couple of passages , and in Capt Barry's case re the missing fin, to unwind, and check out the restaurants for dinner.<br />
<br />
Whilst walking along the marina , crewman Phil pointed out the signs near the marina slipway that he could not quite read.<br />
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We went closer and read the signs which said ,<b> NO SWIMMING ......, BEWARE OF CROCODILES IN THE MARINA AND SHARKS.</b><br />
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<br />
<b>Oh well, probably lucky Capt Barry did not see the sign , other wise no pics of the impossible.</b><br />
<br />
On returning to LAST WORD Capt Barry and crewman Phil spruced up and went out to a STEAKHOUSE for dinner. Phil bought the food, and Capt Barry the drinks and wine.<br />
<br />
During dinner Capt Barry burst out laughing , and when crewman Phil enquired what was so funny, Capt Barry just explained that he could not believe that the fin was missing, and that Capt Barry nearly convinced himself that LAST WORD had no fins , and that Capt barry's thinking LAST WORD had fins was just a SENIOR MOMENT, <b>ie it was better to have lost the fin ( despite the cost and headache that the replacement will involve ) than to have thought LAST WORD had fins and find out that Capt Barry was delusional.</b><br />
<br />
After returning from dinner. Capt Barry and crewman Phil checked the weather again, and decided that we would stay in the marina tomorrow, and let the wind blow out and the seas die down somewhat.<br />
<br />
As we had started the day early we decided to retire for the evening.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>PS. Capt Barry confesses to waking up two hours later , about 11.00pm and checking to see if the fin really was missing or it was just a bad dream.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b> Alas , no fin .....it was not bad dream, and ..... no .... the fin had not grown back.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>TRIP 2.60 hours, 260 L, estimated 37 NM </b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-43804753724217276812012-11-06T06:53:00.005-08:002012-11-06T06:53:52.454-08:00segment 44: Preparation for passage home and Hamilton Island to Scawfell Island<b>segment 44: Preparation for passage home and Hamilton Island to Scawfell Island</b><br />
<b>Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th Nov. 2012, 52 NM</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Rear admiral Julie had booked a flight home today at lunchtime, and was busy preparing a few notes outlining where what food could be found, what food Phillip should have (being a vegetarian ) and what food Capt Barry should have, and even added a nasty note that Capt Barry might learn to cook during the passage home.<br />
<br />
After writing her notes, rear admiral Julie spent some time on the internet and phone for her business, Bead Them Up, then booked a taxi to take her ridiculously heavy suitcase to the airport.<br />
<br />
The weight of the suitcase was simply amazing. Capt Barry weighed the suitcase at 24 kgs and was informed that it was basically clothes the rear admiral was taking home, as her part of the fantasy trip to the Whitsundays was over. However, when Capt Barry looked in the walk in robe , it seemed just as full of the rear admiral's clothes.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry is still trying to figure out where all the clothes came from.<br />
<br />
Any way, Capt Barry's back is almost recovered after lifting rear admiral Julie's suitcase off LAST WORD, and that is the main thing.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry went to the airport with rear admiral Julie, pecked her on the cheek and saw her off , then returned to LAST WORD and gave her a good dust and clean, and moved some of his own personal items into all those convenient spaces that rear admiral Julie managed to monopolise.<br />
<br />
After the spring clean, Capt Barry got down to the serious business of planning the passages home , with some options available for bad weather.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry was expecting one of his work colleagues, Phillip Rattenbury, to fly into Hamilton Island the following day to assist with some of the passages south the following week, and was looking forward to the catch up.<br />
<br />
To make the journey home interesting, Capt Barry considered various passages , including several islands and creeks , and maybe Lady Musgrave Island, would be doable , arriving at Bundaberg about the 10th Nov.<br />
<br />
After further homework, which took several hours, checking distances between the various stopovers, and checking the tides and sunset times for various locations over a range of dates , Capt Barry settled upon a likely list of passages with slippage factors and one or two alternative longer ( double ) legs, in case we had to make up some time, due to bad weasther forced stopovers.<br />
<br />
The next day, Sunday 4th , Capt Barry prepared LAST WORD for the trip south, and visited the general store for fresh milk, bread and fruit , then walked to the airport to meet Phil who was scheduled to land at 12.25pm..<br />
<br />
Phil's plane arrived 15 mins early, ( something to do with the pilot saying he took a more direct course to miss a storm cell near Mackay ) and as Phil could not find Capt Barry at the airport, Phil started walking to the marina, and managed to score a lift in a golf cart, and must have passed right by Capt Barry, either at the airport or on the one short road to the marina.<br />
<br />
All worked out fine , if not for the better, as Phil received a lift and did not have to carry his bag to the marina , and after telephone tag Capt Barry made contact with Phil and directed him to the correct berth and met Phil about 5 mins later at LAST WORD.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes after meeting, Phil changed into shorts and had sunscreen and a hat on, and Capt Barry gave Phil a quick refresher on the boat systems and where every thing was ( including the emergency bits and pieces eg the epirb, lifejackets, spare hand held VHF radio and grab bag ). Capt Barry then outlined some options regarding various passages , which included spending that afternoon and night on Hamilton Island, however, Phil was all for departing right away and getting on with the adventure.<br />
<br />
Accordingly we made final preparations for passage and at 1.30pm LAST WORD slipped out of her berth and headed for Scawfell Island , 52 NM south, (and about 23 NM off Mackay).<br />
<br />
The wind was 10 kts from the east and the seas were 0.5m also from the east , and the temperature was in the high 20s. The seas and wind were predicted to get up later that evening and over the next two days, but be less of an issue further south , which is one reason we decided to leave that afternoon.<br />
<br />
LAST WORD sat on about 1100 rpm and made 9 kts with the wind and seas coming at 11 o'clock. As the trip was going to take about 5.5 hours and sunset was at 6.13pm we did a couple of speed runs to ensure we arrived just before sunset , and to clean out the engine injectors, exhausts and heat up the engine oil - all good for the engines in moderation.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry showed Phil how to program way points , and that it was not necessary to stay in the helm chairs all the time , as long as a wary eye was cast out the window every so often.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20SaGVN3_Sy6SWTkuKytGXQFH_1UNJk4qKmaRnn-188lfZFv-9fsY-05YRGrB-AIlNzv2sjfaIOqUS8DM6MteE-zkl0HSLvW1nxHVoRAdP_3elTkUQdISJ4iLoRAunsC_PZbeZ2k3zEBC/s1600/P1020292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20SaGVN3_Sy6SWTkuKytGXQFH_1UNJk4qKmaRnn-188lfZFv-9fsY-05YRGrB-AIlNzv2sjfaIOqUS8DM6MteE-zkl0HSLvW1nxHVoRAdP_3elTkUQdISJ4iLoRAunsC_PZbeZ2k3zEBC/s400/P1020292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil got the gist of not needing to be at the helm all the time , as evidenced by the lack of Captains Barry and Phil , whilst underway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Most of the trip was extremely pleasant weather and we ventured upstairs to the fly bridge where Phil nodded off to sleep a couple of times after enjoying a light beer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn5a39BYYO_0DHJC8vp-hIajBIKigsNkvK0sYnjkgzeLjU6akNzK8aKK0E0XHBub8z9jCto81kHbCmDhsPzyDBF6pKPbWGzBTR3_FxrsgRUHeEuxwCkVGyNNO_1iNYa_uWZ8bpQJeGwBK/s1600/P1020294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn5a39BYYO_0DHJC8vp-hIajBIKigsNkvK0sYnjkgzeLjU6akNzK8aKK0E0XHBub8z9jCto81kHbCmDhsPzyDBF6pKPbWGzBTR3_FxrsgRUHeEuxwCkVGyNNO_1iNYa_uWZ8bpQJeGwBK/s640/P1020294.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these Steiner binoculars are really excellent. Phil in charge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V-0Xct_gH3rLBRs_Grr_Y3vDm5xVrx2PWn_qWoMGlv6dbyNBUg-yPj_26bxxh5wDnuyRjowwZs1_VCSJYVbZ0JJLO5frQANNuPo6J9mFR8kpdnS2OZ_seecbzVsPH7OSJxs4q5NgfKa8/s1600/P1020295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3V-0Xct_gH3rLBRs_Grr_Y3vDm5xVrx2PWn_qWoMGlv6dbyNBUg-yPj_26bxxh5wDnuyRjowwZs1_VCSJYVbZ0JJLO5frQANNuPo6J9mFR8kpdnS2OZ_seecbzVsPH7OSJxs4q5NgfKa8/s400/P1020295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD has two tenders for this trip north. The smaller tender is also kept on the fly bridge , and as it is only 15 kgs it is easily put over the railing and lowered to the water when needed., and just as easily retrieved .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
About 5.00pm the sky came over quite dark and we passed through a couple of rain squalls with winds up to 20 kts. It must have been one of the storm cells that resulted in Phils plane changing course and arriving early.<br />
<br />
We arrived at Refuge Bay ( where three other boats were already anchored ) at 10 mins before sunset and set the anchor then settled down to a beer whilst discussing dinner options and options for the next days passage.<br />
<br />
Phil discovered rear admiral Julie's food notes , and ( after a quick phone call to obtain further cooking instructions ) we broke out the pasta , and Phil had penne napolitana and Capt Barry had penne bolognese, accompanied by half a bottle of fine red wine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv-XDwUSDKhC0bZRf6OvW5LqNBG0rcQ_f2By_CKojGWHoDRHWrWnftmgGocoHxDB3K3e_HTe1l6gQQuZA_4r7BO3dVmlS5nOhew7_paO0V85coG2ZE71OVi6IwdqJgxTeyrQavSfg2EXx/s1600/P1020296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv-XDwUSDKhC0bZRf6OvW5LqNBG0rcQ_f2By_CKojGWHoDRHWrWnftmgGocoHxDB3K3e_HTe1l6gQQuZA_4r7BO3dVmlS5nOhew7_paO0V85coG2ZE71OVi6IwdqJgxTeyrQavSfg2EXx/s400/P1020296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry had a little bit of trouble turning on the induction cooktop, and had to resort to the instruction manual. Phil , being a solicitor had no problem following instructions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUW5-UtCvl4TVSMN8lpDo50zNznD9j2pDEtFBSvRNhC9GJM_dOL19ZB_C9vwW-52e7CxQQYQ_isum1-IgRCuwAfvdqA44O06YWfWBIpxj75bF1ghfwKxMng4mnaxnViKdK_o2VSMI9xMf/s1600/P1020297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUW5-UtCvl4TVSMN8lpDo50zNznD9j2pDEtFBSvRNhC9GJM_dOL19ZB_C9vwW-52e7CxQQYQ_isum1-IgRCuwAfvdqA44O06YWfWBIpxj75bF1ghfwKxMng4mnaxnViKdK_o2VSMI9xMf/s640/P1020297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cockpit was still a bit wet from the rain squalls that passed , so we uncovered only the area needed for dinner outside. The pasta and red wine were excellent. We were proud that we managed to cook ourselves a fine meal with only the basic instructions from rear admiral Julie by long distance phone call. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After dinner we settled down to watch a DVD, but when Phil fell asleep ten minutes into the movie, Capt Barry called it a night and we turned in for the evening.<br />
<br />
<b>TRIP: 52 nm, 4.75 HRS, AV 11 KTS AND 70 L/H TOTAL.</b><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-20042867636600669742012-11-05T19:17:00.000-08:002012-11-05T19:17:12.042-08:00segment 43 : Abel Point to Hamilton Island<b>segment 43 : Abel Point to Hamilton Island</b><br />
<b>Wed 31st Oct to 2 Nov 2012. 20 NM.</b><br />
<br />
After spending the week 23rd Oct to 30 Nov in Sydney, attending to family matters , paying some accounts , ensuring that the house is ok and catching up with family and friends, and in the rear admirals case , going to work every day , on 31 Oct. rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry caught an early morning flight to Hamilton Island and caught a connecting Cruise Whitsunday ferry to Abel Point marina , Airlie Beach and reboarded LAST WORD just before midday.<br />
<br />
A quick check of LAST WORD revealed that the power was on ( and had not been off for any extended period whilst we were away), and that the starboard water pump had been either rebuilt or replaced during our time in Sydney. It turns out it had been rebuilt instead of replaced ( all under warranty ) as there were no replacements in Australia, and they cost about $4,000. Capt Barry checked that all the valves and other engine bits and pieces were in the correct positions so when he started the engines there would be no issues. Once , after the engines had been serviced Capt Barry found the raw water inlet ball valve had been left shut off, and that would have made life interesting on engine start up. So a careful check each time after some service fellow has been on board is always a good idea.<br />
<br />
That after noon rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry went shopping at the local Cannonvale shopping centre to stock up on food and drink for the next week or so. We met the marina manager, Richard Barrett while waiting for a taxi to the shops , and Richard insisted on driving us the short distance ( which he did ) . It does not get much better than that.<br />
As rear admiral Julie was departing LAST WORD the following Saturday (to fly back to Sydney) and i was being joined by a friend, Phillip Rattenbury, for the passages to Bundaberg, and possibly beyond to Surfers Paradise , rear admiral Julie had Capt Barry message Phil for his list of preferred food.<br />
<br />
We returned to LAST WORD with our shopping and Capt Barry borrowed a trolley to load the food and drink into and we made our way to the boat ( nearly losing the trolley down the steep ramp to the berth arm ).After packing away the goodies we had an early dinner then watched the first of the three Lord of the Rings movies and went to bed.<br />
<br />
The following day, Thursday, Capt Barry spent at leisure at the Abel Point marina (with rear admiral Julie on the computer and phone all day for her business , Bead Them UP ) , then we watched the second of the three Lord Of the Rings movies.<br />
<br />
On the Friday , after another morning at leisure, we departed for Hamilton Island.<br />
<br />
There was a 15 to 18 kt wind from the north and a 1 m sea, also from the north, which made the passage, east , coming out from Airlie Beach and across Whitsunday Passage, a little wet and lumpy, but once we turned for Hamilton Island it was a more comfortable ride. We arrived at the marina berth at 3.45pm and Capt Barry gave LAST WORD a quick wash before we enjoyed drinks , in the setting sun.<br />
<br />
That evening we watched the 3rd movie in the Lord Of the Rings series then retired to bed for the day, <b>knowing that men,, elves and dwarfs had banded together to make the world safe, once again.</b><br />
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<b>TRIP; 2.3 hrs, 80 L , ave speed 8.3 kts , ave fuel 37 L/HR</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-26850943268707720732012-11-03T00:03:00.002-07:002012-11-03T00:03:46.778-07:00segment 42: Homestead Bay ( West side Cid Island )to Airlie Beach<b>segment 42: Homestead Bay ( West side Cid Island )to Airlie Beach</b><br />
<b>Mon 22nd Oct 2012: 14 NM</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The anchorage was quite good at Homestead Bay, and we all slept well.<br />
<br />
However, we were up early Monday as rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry were due in Abel Point Marina , Airlie Beach by midday<br />
<br />
After a morning at leisure , Capt Barry went across to SILVER MINX to assist Capt Geoff repair the hole in his tender.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry had some spare patches and PVC glue (which was lucky as Capt Geoff had used the last of his glue fixing a hole in the tender the day before, and the Hamilton Island Chandlery does not sell glues of any sort for tenders - at least that is what they informed Capt Barry when he enquired ).<br />
<br />
Capts Barry and Geoff dragged the tender up onto the bow of SILVER MINX, located the hole by rubbing detergent over the suspect area, marked the area , then deflated and dried the area of the tender.<br />
Next we cut a patch about 100mm in diameter, to overlap the pinprick of a hole , and used a light sand paper to rough up the area to be glued.<br />
<br />
Then Capt Barry applied a HYPERCLEAN spray to the area of the tender to have the patch applied, and rubbed this off , once , with a clean rag, in one direction only, then let it dry for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
Finally we applied three applications of glue, in light layers, to both the tender area to be patched and the patch, waiting about 4 minutes in between each application for the glue to get tacky in the 10 kt breeze, then we applied the patch , smoothed out any air bubbles, and left it tied down on the bow ( as it needed about 24 hours for the glue to go off properly before inflating the tender).<br />
<br />
After the tender repair Capt Barry dropped Capt Geoff and Vicki off at RANGER, to look over the Riv.<br />
<br />
Later that morning Geoff and Vicki Player and Steve and Angela Marshall came to LAST WORD for morning tea.<br />
<br />
About midday , we said our goodbyes ( not knowing when we might see each other again) and LAST WORD raised its anchor and set off for Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach.<br />
<br />
The seas were flat and the breeze a lovely 6 to 8 kts. As we sought clearance to enter the marina , we were advised that entry was fine, but look out for a departing yacht. Capt Barry decided to wait outside the Marina leads, and not soon after one of the dinosaurus maxis "Broomstick " wandered out.<br />
<br />
I mean WANDERED out, as it took forever, with no one at the helm for some parts of the exit through the S shaped entrance/breakwall. Other exiting yachts started to build up behind Broomstick, so Capt Barry got on the loud hailer , and suggested they get under way and clear the entrance leads before they finish doing whatever it was they were trying to do. This had a sort of positive effect as someone took the helm, but their progress was not much faster, with the yachts behind started to go left and right around the stern of Broomstick.<br />
<br />
Broomstick eventually cleared the entrance to the marina , and LAST WORD was able to enter and berth at N03, another of the 30 m berths with plenty of room . Just what Capt Barry likes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytL7uiO3-Hip_AJHoLsiUSjjJn7P0yTSGcspYLg-atKk-sLQG3H4M4KmTgAMpLNIQiIzbZMWsFtjW5Pft_vSBYQFYMPzVUDvpy4ZlrR6S1Q__d4Lrc7N9LUCjX7HDkWREqDkqGY2z3PWw/s1600/P1010792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytL7uiO3-Hip_AJHoLsiUSjjJn7P0yTSGcspYLg-atKk-sLQG3H4M4KmTgAMpLNIQiIzbZMWsFtjW5Pft_vSBYQFYMPzVUDvpy4ZlrR6S1Q__d4Lrc7N9LUCjX7HDkWREqDkqGY2z3PWw/s400/P1010792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD put to bed for a week in Abel Point Marina , Airlie Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Later that afternoon rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry cleaned and tied up LAST WORD, and made her ready to be left in the berth for a week while they went to Sydney for a ( pardon the pun ) flying ,one week visit.<br />
<br />
We packed that night , and as we were taking home about 16 kgs of frozen Mackerel, Capt Barry turned down the freezer, to minus 24 degrees, to ensure the Mackerel stayed frozen on the trip home.<br />
<br />
The next morning sheets were changed and we did a couple of loads of washing and drying , and rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry then locked and left LAST WORD and handed the keys to the marina manager , as LAST WORD was having a Hastings Deering service fellow change the starboard engine water pump , under warranty, while he was in Sydney.<br />
<br />
At 10.35 am Capt Barry and rear admiral Julie arrived at the Whitsunday Cruises desk to confirm our ferry passage to Hamilton Island on the 10.45 am ferry ( for our 12.05 pm Virgin flight to Sydney ) , only to be told, by the check in lady , that the ferry departed at 10.15 am , and there was not another ferry for 2 hours.<br />
<br />
Rear admiral Julie looked a little stunned, and there was a brief discussion about how we came to be in possession of the wrong information. Rather than spend useless time looking for the guilty party ( who may well be penning this blog ) , Capt Barry suggested to the the lady behind the desk that she recommend the next fastest way to get to Hamilton Island, in time to catch our flight, suggesting that <b>this cannot be the first time this situation has arisen.........ie....</b><b> WHAT IS YOUR BACK UP PLAN IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES ?</b><br />
<br />
The Whitsunday Cruises lady looked up a number and made a call to someone called SCAMPER??? at Shute harbour who agreed to take us ( and our frozen Mackerel ) to the Hamilton Island airport jetty for $200, if we could get there by 11.00am.<br />
Capt Barry said "do it" and " PLS BOOK US A TAXI ", and we were in the taxi and on our way to Shute Harbour at 10.45 am.<br />
<br />
We had a quickish trip to Shute Harbour and arrived at the SCAMPER terminal at 10.58 am and boarded the aluminium landing ( or should I say - <b>SHAKER </b> ) craft via a boat ramp, at 11,04 am, and we were <b>THUMPED ALL THE WAY</b> to Hamilton Island, in a building southerly , blowing 20 + kts.<br />
The skipper sat or stood up top at the back of the craft , presumably to see and stay out of the spray and noise.<br />
<br />
The SCAMPER is a multi use vessel capable of transporting a car or about 30 to 40 people on bench seats, has no creature comforts and has two large outboard motors,<b> and BANGS A LOT on the water</b>.<br />
<br />
The trip added to rear admiral Julie's and Capt Barry's ever increasing experience of the Whitsunday Islands, and gave us a few ideas on what not to do for our next vessel..<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuTF57qYE6wK1Vw3aVfrpDVy5HG1EqrDoFCyDpiMb-KfkjIxfDcKNncnCLdn9wkvHuRiV0NxACb3hqVh6mspEcIxBojSEwsyg6u3brbC5jcFf_xcY2eDnZeXXmRU5CqFszxhG7tZ8hc3Y/s1600/P1020288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuTF57qYE6wK1Vw3aVfrpDVy5HG1EqrDoFCyDpiMb-KfkjIxfDcKNncnCLdn9wkvHuRiV0NxACb3hqVh6mspEcIxBojSEwsyg6u3brbC5jcFf_xcY2eDnZeXXmRU5CqFszxhG7tZ8hc3Y/s400/P1020288.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOOKING FORWARD FROM OUR SEATS ( WE SAT AT THE REAR TO AVOID THE WIND AND SPRAY) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CL7JVGGIyASxuG1j0SVK8bDZrq8y1DAUieXafs_lP3yV4GwOvRMFF7v-DtIY3IrfYOGc4hCyUKwAfzDwe1RW-WcvTup4BLY8P6UW7Ux5FC4blXXvPnh2kvwy6d-WsbukXKFGBEs7X0dZ/s1600/P1020289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CL7JVGGIyASxuG1j0SVK8bDZrq8y1DAUieXafs_lP3yV4GwOvRMFF7v-DtIY3IrfYOGc4hCyUKwAfzDwe1RW-WcvTup4BLY8P6UW7Ux5FC4blXXvPnh2kvwy6d-WsbukXKFGBEs7X0dZ/s640/P1020289.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not happy JAN. </b> Gee Barry, tell me again what the difference is between this vessel and LAST WORD.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We arrived at the ferry terminal at 12.40pm , and Capt Barry grabbed the suitcase of Mackerel and ran for the baggage check-in.<br />
<br />
Of course, as fate would have it.........there was a bloody big line up of people trying to check in baggage. SO.......Capt Barry worked his way through them ......apologising for pushing.....saying that he had been called through for a flight that leaves in 15 mins.<br />
<br />
Most people were fine with that , except one fellow.....who demanded to be told what flight Capt Barry was on.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry thought about whacking him over the head with the suitcase full of frozen Mackerel , .... <b>BUT INSTEAD .... just smiled and answered the question</b>.<br />
<br />
Well, the fellow said,,,, "that is also my flight", to which Capt Barry replied , "well..... you had better get your act together and follow me", and went the rest of the way, without incident, straight to the check in desk ( with the other fellow in tow ).<br />
<br />
The kind Virgin lady ( well ,....you know what I mean ) checked in the suitcase full of Mackerel, and rear admiral Julie ( who had caught up by then ) and Capt Barry went through security gates and made the boarding gate with about 10 mins to spare.<br />
<br />
We relaxed on the flight home, which was a direct flight and took about 2 hours , and were met at the airport by Capt Barry's brother, Graeme.<br />
<br />
The real surprise was not only that the Mackerel stayed frozen , but that Graeme had washed the cars and cleaned the house.<br />
<br />
<b>TRIP : Cid Island to Airlie Beach 14 NM, 1.45 hrs, fuel 60 L.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TRIP : </b><b>taxi from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour $38. SCAMPER ( 25 kts and 38 mins ) from Shute Harbour </b><b> to Hamilton Island $200.</b><br />
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<b>NO REFUND FOR MISSED FERRY. </b><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-81312038630562009402012-11-01T20:06:00.003-07:002012-11-01T20:06:53.528-07:00SEGMENT 41 : HAMILTON ISLAND TO CID ISLAND<b>SEGMENT 41: HAMILTON ISLAND TO HOMESTEAD BAY (WESTERN SIDE OF CID ISLAND)</b><br />
<b>SUNDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2012. 6 nm</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Capt Barry played telephone tag with the Campbells' and swapped a few messages , and as time was ticking and Capt Barry had received a call to bring some PVC glue to SILVER MINX ( to effect a repair to SILVER MINX'S tender ) plans were changed, and after Capt Barry checked the seas and weather , LAST WORD decided to spend a couple of days on anchor with SILVER MINX.<br />
<br />
As Capt Barry and rear admiral Julie were going to Sydney for a week in the next few days , they said a few goodbyes to new friends that were still in berths on Hamilton Island, then informed Steve and Angela where they were headed and made preparations to head to Homestead bay on the western side of Cid Island.<br />
<br />
Steve and Angela , on board RANGER, were also eager to leave the marina for some time on anchor , so both vessels departed at the same time.<br />
<br />
Despite Steve and Angela's Riv being happiest travelling at about 24 kts, when Capt Barry contacted them on VHF chnl 72 and said LAST WORD was going to troll at idle most of the way , Capt Steve found a new slow speed and did the same.<br />
Capt Barry thought the Riv may haemorrhage, travelling at such a slow speed, but no, it did just fine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjQl5sf7nVYEO-BZCCJfW_zPujJGOSz7oLR1VBlyg5yLcbIFSOtGslEXdU6nubQPKY7rnBl7UkBdq45rHaBZ3K7o29Fjtxf8KFEJaCdF9PwCbU9Sx4O9mcTAjE9qCqn99O0T_r8yOOxK8/s1600/P1020285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjQl5sf7nVYEO-BZCCJfW_zPujJGOSz7oLR1VBlyg5yLcbIFSOtGslEXdU6nubQPKY7rnBl7UkBdq45rHaBZ3K7o29Fjtxf8KFEJaCdF9PwCbU9Sx4O9mcTAjE9qCqn99O0T_r8yOOxK8/s400/P1020285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RANGER, Captained by Steve Maeshall and crewed ( very ably ) by Angela Marshall</td></tr>
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<br />
As LAST WORD rounded the south western tip of Cid Island we spotted a yacht that looked like SILVER MINX , but did not recognise the usual flag aray. So, Capt Barry contacted SILVER MINX, by VHF radio CHNL 72, to ask if the boat in the bay was them, and if they had done their washing and had their sheets drying up the mast.<br />
<br />
The response , from Vicki Player , was a little indignant, and asked if one of the boats coming around the corner was LAST WORD, and<b> NO.......</b>they had not done their washing....and.....<b> NO......</b>.they <b>did NOT have their sheets up the mast </b>to dry<b>......BUT........SILVER MINX WAS FLYING HER BATTLE FLAGS......WHICH WERE QUITE LARGE.</b><br />
<br />
Capt. Barry replied ..."<b>oops..SORRY.....LAST WORD OUT ".</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig26AalHHgme3jbSXCORAsx0CeuIsztlNfxURvJhPgGTXiVO4LkgyhCoxeliQf0z55PrMiLef2EUkSLMw_G1sy-Smc2AbQtHzCfrs7SKZ5ytPx-cPaRTPxtUAfhhDorKOR53OxxFYpFpt8/s1600/P1020286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig26AalHHgme3jbSXCORAsx0CeuIsztlNfxURvJhPgGTXiVO4LkgyhCoxeliQf0z55PrMiLef2EUkSLMw_G1sy-Smc2AbQtHzCfrs7SKZ5ytPx-cPaRTPxtUAfhhDorKOR53OxxFYpFpt8/s400/P1020286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Minx with battle flags in the breeze</td></tr>
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<br />
LAST WORD anchored just in front of and out from SILVER MINX and then assisted RANGER anchor just in front of and next to LAST WORD.<br />
<br />
This anchor position was perhaps a little close for Capt Steve and Angela, but Capt Barry said they better get used to closer anchoring if they were going to spend time on Sydney Harbour, especially on new years eve.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry had spent some time on RANGER that morning, and had inspected its anchor, and thought the 80 lb Manson and ample 10 mm chain good anchoring material , and said to Capt Steve that it was very unlikely RANGER would drag its anchor after Capt Barry had them put out 27 m, in 5 m of water , in the 10 to 12 kt winds , especially after seeing Capt Steve set the anchor properly before turning off the engines.<br />
<br />
However, Capt Barry did tender over to RANGER, and specifically say , on the quiet to Capt Steve, that notwithstanding who advises Capt Steve on what, and no matter what experience that person may or may not have , it is up to Capt Steve to decide what is best for RANGER, and <b>NEVER BE EMBARRASSED TO LIFT THE ANCHOR AND/OR MOVE FURTHER OUT OR RE ANCHOR AGAIN, IF IT MAKES HIM FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
That afternoon we all launched our tenders and went ashore to explore , procure some coconuts ( for coconut cocktails later that evening ) and set Capt Geoff's crab trap.<br />
<br />
Capt Geoff went to the north, Capt Barry decided not to risk the prop and headed further south, and Capt Steve chose the middle course (and nicked the prop).<br />
<br />
We enjoyed a walk at low tide, set Capt Geoff's crab pot in a creek. We spotted rays, shovel nose sharks and lots of fish from the shore, then after an hour headed back tour boats.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry assisted<b> the ever lovely</b> rear admiral Julie ( who was wearing something akin to the full berka - to protect herself from the hot sun ) into the small tender and decided to walk the tender out into deeper water , to protect the prop, and start the motor before hoping in.<br />
<br />
This was <b>a superb plan, but..... not flawless.</b><br />
<br />
Capt Barry did not check whether the motor was in neutral , and on first pull the motor came to life and the tender shot off towards the deeper water with the rear admiral aboard ,.......<b> but no Capt Barry.</b><br />
<br />
Capt Barry realised at once that the tender was Captainless, and managed to push the motor sideways as it shot past him, this ( whilst nearly throwing the rear admiral into the centre of the tender) caused the tender to do a large circle and return to Capt Barry who grabbed the tender and put the motor into neutral then boarded without further incident.<br />
<br />
The others saw the whole show, and upon subtle enquiry, learned what had happened, explaining that they thought the rear admiral Julie had decided to leave the handsome Capt Barry on shore, for the crabs.<br />
<br />
Later that afternoon , Capt Barry collected Capt Geoff and took him ashore where they fished from the shore , but again without luck. Capt Geoff checked his crab trap and came back with a good size mud crab for the freezer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJGuJiyKfjweCRu0d9Fhdc33iAIuaR60OUJb3X9q1j00MfHEVGXCOwZ8zhK6ee-f534WOz4PXuJtNuCXV0ui7vSlFptgdfzRYVta634XlOAAp8Miu2cOVIH_ssI8dpl1h5tMTS4kyrTjP/s1600/P1020283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJGuJiyKfjweCRu0d9Fhdc33iAIuaR60OUJb3X9q1j00MfHEVGXCOwZ8zhK6ee-f534WOz4PXuJtNuCXV0ui7vSlFptgdfzRYVta634XlOAAp8Miu2cOVIH_ssI8dpl1h5tMTS4kyrTjP/s400/P1020283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">geee .. I hope that crab does not puncture the tender...... we already have one repair to do.</td></tr>
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Whilst returning to SILVER MINX Capt Barry's tender motor ran out of fuel , and he had to row to SILVER MINX and then on to LAST WORD.<br />
<br />
Later that evening , the wind dropped to a zephyr, and LAST WORD and RANGER'S crews boarded SILVER MINX and the 6 of us enjoyed coconut cocktails as the sun set ,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yzofgVqlCYkjNd6jj42iaZLdvlDoNPjicdLjaTxZFfZULBspB5f7pcMdH3tYxr2nhGgzQer-GlUTHd-M5zxiTrjUuSf8uJTU6n-WxY0wljJ0VLTuopdTeR7E2G6-yKzwWjU3VoQdzI2G/s1600/P1020278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yzofgVqlCYkjNd6jj42iaZLdvlDoNPjicdLjaTxZFfZULBspB5f7pcMdH3tYxr2nhGgzQer-GlUTHd-M5zxiTrjUuSf8uJTU6n-WxY0wljJ0VLTuopdTeR7E2G6-yKzwWjU3VoQdzI2G/s400/P1020278.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">excellent coconut cocktails on board SILVER MINX</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkRKDOXxdLFluRMi_N6jkVveWHVDSk7S0EbM-H4cmxzej2wqsSJ_M90IxmwQ5_vRU6Aedc4M7KozDiKeAFKq4BtkFxRQxqTi0rVE6fo2SXCRzG0DVeMjoVLz6Omb-TY8KWz61QPsE824l/s1600/P1020277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkRKDOXxdLFluRMi_N6jkVveWHVDSk7S0EbM-H4cmxzej2wqsSJ_M90IxmwQ5_vRU6Aedc4M7KozDiKeAFKq4BtkFxRQxqTi0rVE6fo2SXCRzG0DVeMjoVLz6Omb-TY8KWz61QPsE824l/s400/P1020277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another perfect end to a perfect day</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
a few beers, fresh calamari as an entrée and mackerel for the main course,<br />
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accompanied by several bottles of fine wine and good music.<br />
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<b>NOT BAD EHhhhhhh</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Another excellent night in near glass out sea conditions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3qXA3MZGyKwuQ52ki39SVRlfOqV2Pxhx-MopTfuE9tnRAzqwghtCAspYUreVdajLURU6OV9t71yYxUFrihl29fc3EFjLRbl1JLC7oKLJygkEiBLrWQSY-jR4KqcPJL1FwTJVQtSaEQpf/s1600/P1020280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3qXA3MZGyKwuQ52ki39SVRlfOqV2Pxhx-MopTfuE9tnRAzqwghtCAspYUreVdajLURU6OV9t71yYxUFrihl29fc3EFjLRbl1JLC7oKLJygkEiBLrWQSY-jR4KqcPJL1FwTJVQtSaEQpf/s400/P1020280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all asleep on LAST WORD</td></tr>
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<b>TRIP : 1.2 hrs 42 L </b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-72462999291510595462012-11-01T18:30:00.004-07:002012-11-01T18:30:38.307-07:00segment 40 : Shaw Island to Hamilton Islandsegment 40 : Shaw Island to Hamilton Island<br />
Friday 19th Oct 2012 12 NM<br />
<br />
WE woke about 7.00am and enjoyed a morning at leisure, and said goodbye to SILVER MINX for a couple of days.<br />
<br />
As we were saying goodbyes to SILVER MINX Capt Barry noticed a turtle and a large bat fish swimming around the boarding platform of LAST WORD .Capt Barry tried , unsuccessfully, to net the fish (which would have worked if the fish had fit into the small net), and then tried to catch it on a line, but the fish was too wily and just swam up the bait then, at the last second , diverted.<br />
Probably just as well, as Capt Geoff reckoned that if I had managed to catch it, it would have taken me skiing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt6JMzexWniQeQtE8MRP8khBrzXIuHQVqiW4sN3J42LxQlQBmZCt6UVSxO2hizm2G38zdbWvJyGiMYJsEd6mm9aWaRsP7fk53IGh09MnzGDmmMfxZ0XG_cEh_8jRkwGYNlvohsDYmuTj2/s1600/P1020274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt6JMzexWniQeQtE8MRP8khBrzXIuHQVqiW4sN3J42LxQlQBmZCt6UVSxO2hizm2G38zdbWvJyGiMYJsEd6mm9aWaRsP7fk53IGh09MnzGDmmMfxZ0XG_cEh_8jRkwGYNlvohsDYmuTj2/s400/P1020274.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dive ... dive .... dive (a turtle heads for safety) . It was swimming around on the surface just off LAST WORD</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR94NqD2zWPTLVmYcR5vMxbgLJwddQi8Egiblcbv4bACEtJgxvgWgp1tgNc8ZFdm7iyiwp7QBQeem0EEADfwEXmfgJ4WtDUVsXQbMbbHB9ffmU0oxI0bQ3SyX0WwSmsy6Cm8ncg5aF4Tr0/s1600/P1020275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR94NqD2zWPTLVmYcR5vMxbgLJwddQi8Egiblcbv4bACEtJgxvgWgp1tgNc8ZFdm7iyiwp7QBQeem0EEADfwEXmfgJ4WtDUVsXQbMbbHB9ffmU0oxI0bQ3SyX0WwSmsy6Cm8ncg5aF4Tr0/s400/P1020275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This batfish is nearly 3 feet long and spent about an hour playing around just off LAST WORD'S swim platform</td></tr>
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<br />
Rear admiral Julie spent the day working on the Bead Them Up website, and Capt Barry did some share trading, paid some bills and blogged, then we up anchored, mid afternoon, and headed back to Hamilton Island.<br />
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Capt Barry covered two thirds of this trip trolling at idle speed , then for the second section doing a speed run at 2300 rpm , 23+ kts in a 15 to 18 kt E wind to clean out the exhausts and properly heat up the engine oil to burn up the impurities etc.,and we were soon tied up in LAST WORD'S usual berth at Hamilton Island.<br />
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After giving LAST WORD a quick tub we organised to have drinks on LAST WORD, with some friends holidaying at Hamilton Island for several days, Sue and Ian Campbell ( who were accompanied by their friends Berty and Rick Henwood).<br />
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After drinks we caught up with more new friends , Steve and Angela Marshall, who own a new , very smart, Riviera 53 fly bridge cruiser ( with two VOLVO pod drives ), and enjoyed dinner at Romanos Italian restaurant.<br />
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We then repaired to LAST WORD , where the four of us enjoyed a couple of extra drinks, made plans to take our boats out in a day or so , and finally retired just after midnight.<br />
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The next day we spent at leisure in the berth at Hamilton Island, Julie working on the infernal Bead Them Up website problems , and Capt Barry reading and dicking around ( ie doing odd jobs that rear admiral Julie classifies as really achieving nothing more than wasting time, eg reorganising the rope locker).<br />
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<b>TRIP 1.1 hrs, 74 L</b><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-53428770473714977412012-11-01T17:24:00.000-07:002012-11-01T17:24:01.252-07:00segment 39 ; THOMAS ISLAND TO SHAW ISLAND<b>segment 39 ; THOMAS ISLAND TO SHAW ISLAND</b><br />
<b>Thursday 18th Oct 2012. 8 NM.</b><br />
<br />
Rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry were up early , after all LAST WORD rolled all night , and we were happy to move to the next destination.<br />
<br />
Capt Barry had a coffee on board SILVER MINX with Capt Geoff Player whilst the girls and Peter went ashore to visit the hermits hut and collect some shells ( and I think to look for evidence that the hermit had cannibal like practices ).<br />
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After their return Capt Barry announced that LAST WORD was going to up anchor and proceed to the south western side of Shaw Island , where Capt Barry hoped there would be greater protection from the swell , which whilst primarily from the east , wrapped around small land masses ( like Thomas Island ) and become a north eastern swell, making anchoring swelly, and not so comfortable when the boat turned side on.<br />
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Late morning both vessels up anchored and set off. LAST WORD made its way direct to Shaw Island ,at about 6 to 7 knots and Capt Barry trolled all the way....without luck, and SILVER MINX , with lures out , took a more circuitous route around some nearby rocks , also without luck.<br />
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The anchorage, inside ( ie on the top/northern side ) of the bottom, left dogleg of Shaw Island, proved far superior to Thomas Island , in the prevailing swell, and gave better protection from the 10 to 12 kt wind, and the anchorage was several miles long , so boats could spread out for some quiet and privacy.<br />
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Early afternoon Capt Barry received a radio message ( on channel 72 - which s designated "ship to ship " ) from SILVER MINX that dinner would be on board SILVER MINX , <b>and white slacks or shorts was the dress code for the evening,</b> and that the tender service would collect us at 6.00pm.<br />
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Well..... rear admiral Julie was quite excited at the prospect of a <b>NEAR FORMAL evening out</b>, especially having had her hair done two days previously at Hamilton Island, and broke into the safe deposit box for her best jewellery ( made from Capt Barry's best supply of hooks and sinkers ) and then whipped up large ( for 6 ) green and potato salads.<br />
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Meanwhile, Capt Barry found his white shorts and gave them a quick iron, and selected two good bottles of white wine,.......being the usual entrance fee for visiting another boat in the islands........ then we waited for the tender, which arrived on time with Peter at the tiller.<br />
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Upon arrival at SILVER MINX, rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry were presented with the evenings top half of the dress code ,<b> red Hawaiian shirts </b>, and then a quick photo shoot was had to record the evening for posterity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiki, Vicki Player and rear admiral Julie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry, Capt Geoff Player and Peter</td></tr>
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Just before dinner, there was commotion at the back of SILVER MINX , and yes..... Capt Geoff had caught another shark... which gave a good fight before Capt Barry held it against the back of the boat whilst the hook was removed and the shark let loose.<br />
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Before we let the shark loose it recognised our lovely uniforms and asked us to snap some pics of it posing with the two Capts, Barry and Geoff.<br />
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Of course we obliged it as we were in a party mood.<br />
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Dinner was a fine affair with Capt Geoff and Vicki Player demonstrating excellent culinary skills , and there was plenty of that lubricating fluid called wine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just like the cookie days in the Payers biscuit factory. Line them up and punch them out.....delicious</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another fantastic night . Notice the flying saucer light over the table. The Players stop at nothing and spare no expense to create the right atmosphere, and........ it helps keep the flies away. The light cord was specially imported from China, and the light , i think was from BFC (boating, fishing and camping ), and Capt Geoff had painted the bulb red , to give off that special soothing pink effect..... that makes drinking wine a real surprise.............as one is not sure whether they are drinking white , red or rose wine.</td></tr>
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Finally, rear admiral Julie and Capt Barry wilted and were rowed back to LAST WORD. I say rowed , as Peter was having some trouble with that four stroke Honda, 3.3 hp outboard engine on the back of SILVER MINX'S tender, and only got it started after we had covered most of the distance by rowing.<br />
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The night proved to be quite still , despite the 10 + kt wind which we regarded as a pleasant night breeze and contributed to an excellent night's sleep.<br />
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<b>TRIP : 1.2 Hrs , 33 L </b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-20182840177805649592012-10-31T18:24:00.002-07:002012-10-31T18:24:27.110-07:00Segment 38 : Hamilton Island to Thomas Island<b>Segment 38 : Hamilton Island to Thomas Island</b><br />
<b>Wed . 17 Oct 2012 , 17 NM.</b><br />
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Rear admiral Julie was up early and off to the store for some provisions, then to have her hair attended to. Apparently the hard water up the Whitsundays is not kind to rear admiral Julie's hair, and regular visits to the hair doctor are dreamed about.<br />
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Sometimes a visit to the hairdresser can be diverted by Capt Barry playing with the rear admiral's hair for an hour or so. Capt Barry gets through these sessions by thinking he is cleaning out the raw sea water strainers of fine seaweed, and adding up the brownie points.<br />
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The winds were still blowing 18 kts from the SE and the seas had a 1 + M swell , mainly from the S.<br />
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LAST WORD departed its berth mid afternoon and rear admiral took control and instructed Capt Barry to catch some fish, so we trolled at about 7 + kts to Thomas Island, which is south of Lindeman and Shaw Islands ( south of Hamilton Island).<br />
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We came across SILVER MINX , and anchored between Thomas Island and Young Tom's Island, in about 3 m of water, but still put out 25 M of chain as the tide was going to rise about 4 M during the night.<br />
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Capt Barry thought we had selected a good anchoring spot, but when the rollers started to come through from the NE he up anchored and moved LAST WORD 50 m closer into shore , but to no avail. The swell still swung around the Island and we knew we were in for a swelly time .<br />
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Never the less , Capt Geoff Player, managed to get himself and Vicki Player , and their two guests, Peter and Kiki, into their small tender , and over to LAST WORD, where we enjoyed a chicken curry dinner , cooked by rear admiral Julie - because Capt Barry had not done so well with the fishing on route to Thomas Island .<br />
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After dinner , Capt Geoff and Capt Barry tried their hand at squidding, but that was also a failure, so we all retired to our oats and beds for a relatively early night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vicki, Kiki and Peter, on LAST WORD enjoying a drink after dinner, while Capt Geoff ( in the background ) tries his luck at squidding.</td></tr>
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<b>TRIP : 3 HRS, 96 L , av 6+ kts and 32 L/HR.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-43501306761623926152012-10-31T17:56:00.003-07:002012-10-31T17:56:51.450-07:00segment 37 : Stonehaven Anchorage to Hamilton Island<b>segment 37 : Stonehaven Anchorage to Hamilton Island</b><br />
<b>Monday 15 October 2011: 19 NM</b><br />
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After three days at Stonehaven Anchorage ( NW side of Hook Island ) it was time to move on, with a brief stop over at Hamilton Island.<br />
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The wind was still blowing at 25 kts from the SE, and it was now quite rolly at Stonehaven Anchorage, so a move was timely.<br />
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SILVER MINX was also headed for Hamilton Island for some supplies and to collect two guests. As their water was low, Capt Barry suggested LAST WORD take SILVER MINX'S bed linen and towels and put them through the washing machine and dryer on route to Hamilton Island, so they could be collected by Vicki Player when SILVER MINX arrived at Hamilton Island later that afternoon.<br />
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Capt Barry managed to put the large tender away , up on the rear of the fly bridge deck, with the assistance of rear admiral Julie.<br />
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Due to the wind and swell entering the anchorage, Capt Barry considered towing the tender back to Hamilton, instead of trying to stow it in the rolly conditions, but as we were expecting a rough trip into the wind, and there is no place to tie up the tender in the marina and as the davit had a hydraulic slew function , Capt Barry decided to see if we could stow it properly first.<br />
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There was no real problem until the tender was fully lifted and Capt Barry started to swing the tender over the fly bridge rail. Just then , the Good Lord, decided to send some bigger rollers through the anchorage and turned LAST WORD 90 degrees so it was side on to the swell (<b> the double wammy</b> ), and LAST WORD developed quite a sideways roll, with Capt Barry hanging onto the tender ( trying to lessen the tender swinging ) at the same time he was trying to position the tender over the cradle to lower it into its final resting place.One second the tender was over its cradle, then the next it was swinging over the water outside the railing.<br />
Capt Barry told rear admiral Julie not to stand underneath the tender ( in case the unthinkable happened ), and after about four rolls , managed to somewhat dampen the swinging tenders arc, enough to lower the tender onto the cradle<b> in roughly the right position</b>, then when the rolling subdued , lifted and jiggled the tender into the correct final position. Thank heavens for a fully hydraulic davit boom, as Capt Barry would not have even considered trying to stow the tender in such conditions if the swing function ( side ways movement ) was manual . ie not hydraulic.<br />
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My advice to fellow boaties, is, <b>don't even think about stowing a tender in such conditions</b> unless you are sure the rope/cord is in good condition and the connection points and the davit are rated <b>well above the tenders weight, and the davit has a hydraulic slew.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We let the mooring rope go at 10.00am , and headed south for Hamilton Island.<br />
The sea, once outside the protection of the other islands, was about 1.5 to 2 M , into winds gusting 25 to 30 kts. Not to bad, in a vessel like LAST WORD. The stabilizers are fantastic in such conditions.<br />
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On route to Hamilton Island we received a radio heads up of a large turtle wallowing around on the surface from SILVER MINX (which was about 1 NM ahead of LAST WORD ), and sure enough, the big fellow was still there when LAST WORD reached to same spot, and Capt Barry altered course to let the exhausted turtle continue with his surface swim in the rough conditions.<br />
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On the trip back to Hamilton Island Capt Barry deviated through Cid Harbour , to check out the sea conditions ( which were fine ) in the stiff SE winds.<br />
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After arriving l at Hamilton Island , Capt Barry gave LAST WORD a quick wash , spliced a new anchoring bridle , caught up with some of the skippers nearby, and returned the fresh laundry to SILVER MINX which used the fuel wharf to resupply and collect their guests.<br />
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Capt Barry decided on a NO alcohol policy that night and cooked two poached eggs on toast then retired early to be fresh for the next days challenges ( whatever they may be).<br />
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<b>Trip : 1.9 hrs, 80 L, av 9.2 kts and 41 L/HR</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-34509198009841164552012-10-29T21:06:00.004-07:002012-10-31T18:26:47.665-07:00segment 36 : Hamilton Island to Stonehaven Anchorage <b>Segment 36 : Hamilton Island to Stonehaven Anchorage ( North western side of Hook Island - just to south east of Hayman Island)</b><br />
<b>Sat 13 October 2012.</b><br />
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The winds were predicted to blow SE for another several days at approx. 20 to 25 kts, and the seas were to be between 1,2 and 1,7 M ,<br />
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Capt Barry rose at 7.00 am and blogged for several hours, to appease the baying fans who complained they had had nothing to read for some time.<br />
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Capt Barry was suffering from writers block.<br />
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After blogging, Capt Barry again visited the chandlery to borrow some bolt cutters ( to shorten the large tenders anchor chain - which he shortened from 17 to 8 m ) and to acquire some rope to make a bridle for the anchor , as the traditional snubber that went through the anchor cradle , took the load off the windlass, but was a little noisy in windy weather, when LAST WORD swung on the anchor chain.<br />
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Rear admiral Julie did some last minute shopping for groceries and some stores for SILVER MINX , and we left the Hamilton Island berth mid morning , and headed for Stonehaven Anchorage on the north western side of Hook Island, just to the south east of Hayman Island.<br />
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The seas were ok, with small white caps and winds about 20 kts, and we trolled someof the way.<br />
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We found SILVER MINX on anchor about 80 m out from shore and picked up a 30 M mooring buoy. SILVER MINX had decided not to use the mooring buoy as she got caught up on one several weeks ago, and Capt Geoff Player had to dive below to untangle the mooring rope from the keel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Minx anchored out of the swell, but still in some wind.</td></tr>
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Capt Barry launched the larger tender ( JABN ) , and Capts Barry and Geoff loaded up JABN with several rods and fishing tackle and went off to fish the bombies, close to shore, a,couple of bays to the south.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capts Barry and Geoff , off for some reef fishing</td></tr>
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Capt Barry installed a trip rope on the anchor - in case it got snagged on the coral , and we managed to catch two tuskers and retrieve the anchor ( which did snag ) when it was time to return to the bigger boats.<br />
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The wind was building in intensity , and rear admiral Julie reported seeing the wind indicator at 35 kts during one of the gusts .<br />
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That evening we had a chicken pasta on board LAST WORD, and saw a large dolphin swimming around the back of LAST WORD , snorting for air every so often.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Geoff and rear admiral Julie on dolphin watch</td></tr>
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The wind dropped about 2.00 am, and we were enjoying a quiet nights sleep in GLASSOUT sea conditions , until the mooring buoy started to bang , gently, against the hull of LAST WORD.<br />
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Capt Barry got up to see what the buoy was doing , and it was apparent that in the calm conditions and turning tide , LAST WORD was being held stern first into the tide against the mooring buoy , with the very long ( and extremely thick - 100 mm plus diameter ) mooring rope running down the side and under LAST WORD.<br />
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Whilst Capt Barry was not concerned with the gentle bagging of the mooring buoy against the hull, ( and knew this was unlikely to last for long) he was somewhat concerned that the mooring rope might get caught under, and on the inside, of the starboard stabilizer fin ( ie between the fin and hull ) . If that occurred and the wind picked up, it would be very difficult to get such a large rope back under the fin , ( ie back out the other side ) with the windage on LAST WORD making it impossible to get the necessary slack in the mooring rope to untangle the fin.<br />
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So Capt Barry used the stern thruster to swing LAST WORD 180 degrees and let the tide take her away from the buoy which allowed the mooring rope to stretch out the front of LAST WORD , as usual.<br />
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The next day , Sunday, the girls went for a LOONNNGGGG paddle in the Players' peddle canoes , whilst Geoff Player and Capt Barry cleaned and prepared some fishing tackle. Capt Barry was able to clean the larger tender and clean out his rope locker ( long description for "dicking around" ).<br />
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Capt Barry went over to SILVER MINX for a quick breaky of toast and coffee, then Capts Geoff and Barry went in search of the girls in the large tender.<br />
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After finding the girls a couple of bays away, they asked for a tow back to the larger boats as the wind had picked up and they wanted the easy ride. So Capt Barry tied them in line astern and towed them back at about 10 kts.<br />
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After returning to the larger boats, we decided to visit Langford Island , in the larger tender, for a walk. Langford Island was about three NM to our west, so not far to go, even in the choppy , windy conditions.<br />
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We managed a speed of about 15 kts without getting too wet, and Geoff volunteered to wade out shoulder depth from the beach to plant the tenders anchor, about 10 m off shore, and was rewarded with a large turtle swimming his way.<br />
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The large tender bobbed into the 15 to 20 kt wind as we walked along the beach and back (with Capt Barry checking on its location every 5 mins or so - and expecting to swim for it ). Thankfully the anchor did not drag.<br />
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Whilst away at Langford Island , we observed a 70 foot motor vessel, named "HILLSY", join the several vessels anchored off the beach near where LAST WORD and SILVER MINX were stationed.<br />
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After returning to the larger boats, the four of us polished off rear admiral Julie's chicken pasta, for lunch, then we repaired to our own vessels for some quiet time.<br />
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Capt Barry was repairing a tear in the track that locates the top of the small clear on the fly bridge ( that allows the top hatch to be left open in all weather conditions) and noticed that one of the vessels , HILLSY ", anchored nearby, seemed to be dragging its anchor.<br />
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Capt Barry asked rear admiral Julie , who was not sure, and yelled out to check with Capt Geoff on nearby SILVER MINX. Not being sure whether it was dragging Capt Barry decided to finish the repair at hand, and keep an eye on HILLSY.<br />
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Sure enough , HILLSY was dragging its anchor , and at a growing pace.<br />
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After completing the repair rear admiral Julie ordered Capt Barry to launch the tender and go secure HILLSY.<br />
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Capt Barry took off and approached the stern of HILLSY ( then in 24 m of water - as opposed to the 12 m it anchored ) , and yelled a loud "AHOY THERE " . This resulted in two crew appearing ( with there uniforms on ) from the fly bridge , followed by some guests / owners .<br />
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Capt Barry suggested they may want to check their location , and informed them they had dragged their anchor about HALF A NAUTICAL MILE, and would be on the shoals just south of Hayman Island in about another ten minutes at their present rate of progress.<br />
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A rather embarrassed crew member waved his thanks and they retrieved some anchor chain and went back to their original anchor location and anchored again, I WOULD SUGGEST WITH A LOT MORE ANCHOR CHAIN OUT THIS TIME.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HILLSY back at anchor</td></tr>
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That evening we enjoyed a lovely sunset followed by calamari and poached salmon on board SILVER MINX, and an early night. By the way, our dolphin returned to swim around the stern of LAST WORD.<br />
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<b>trip : 1.8 hours and 70 L, av 10 kts and 33 L/HR</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-63713018855977286462012-10-29T18:38:00.002-07:002012-10-29T18:38:13.543-07:00segment 35: Crayfish Bay to Hamilton Island<b>segment 35: Crayfish Bay to Hamilton Island and down time at Hamilton Island</b><br />
<b>Thursday 11 and Friday 12 October 2012, 6 NM</b><br />
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It was predicted to blow from the SE for the next several days , and we needed to go to Hamilton Island to drop off Graeme for him to catch the plane back to Surfers Paradise, so we made the most of the morning.<br />
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Graeme took the girls to the beach for a walk, whilst Geoff Player launched his tender, and came across to LAST WORD for a cup of coffee and a chat.<br />
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Graeme and the girls joined us for tea and toast ( breaky ) , and we handed over our supplies of bait ( for NEP ) and some other items , took a list of food items required by SILVER MINX , and made arrangements to meet up again in a couple of days.<br />
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LAST WORD took SILVER MINX'S rubbish, and as the wind had come up ( as predicted) and Geoff and Vicki had to row back , Graeme and Capt Barry grabbed the leader rope of their tender and gave them a speedy start by running up the side of LAST WORD and launching their tender at about 5 knots into the wind, towards SILVER MINX.<br />
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SILVER MINX lifted anchor and headed to Nara Inlet to wait out the predicted winds and LAST WORD lifted anchor and headed back to Hamilton Island.<br />
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Berthing LAST WORD was a little exciting , as Capt Barry accidentally put the starboaRd motor in forward gear ( after getting into the berth and the rear port rope on the cleat ) and nearly swung LAST WORD'S aft starboard corner into the neighbouring berthed vessel, in slow motion.<br />
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Capt Barry realised what was happening, in time, and took the motor out of gear before they touched, and all was ok. It emphasised the value of having a buffer on the other side ( which Capt Barry had put on LAST WORD before the berthing ) just in case one muffs a berthing , which happens to honest Capt's from time to time.<br />
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Whilst Capt Barry gave LAST WORD a bath. rear admiral Julie worked on the Bead Them UP website AGAIN.<br />
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Later that evening we walked around the other side of Hamilton Island for dinner, then returned for a DVD ( Men in Black 3 ) , and Graeme tuned the TV antenna.<br />
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The next morning Graeme checked into his flight and printed his boarding pass, and then Graeme and Capt Barry stretched their legs by walking around to the new yacht club building , and Capt Barry visited the chandlery shop for some odds and ends.<br />
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To fill in the morning Capt Barry polished some stainless steel , did a small bit of polishing the gelcoat and some share trading, then Graeme and Capt Barry walked to the airport for Graeme's flight.<br />
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Rear admiral Julie worked all day on her Bead Them Up business and Capt Barry visited some other boaties for a catch up.<br />
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Later that evening Capt Barry blogged , and rear admiral Julie cooked mackerel fish cakes for dinner.<br />
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Capt Barry surfed the web and discovered that Brisbane and Sydney were copping filthy weather, and that it had snowed in the southern highlands, just south of Sydney and the ACT.<br />
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<b>TRIP 6 nm , 0.8 HRS AND 30 l</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-8699756097290991122012-10-20T01:56:00.002-07:002012-10-20T01:56:11.196-07:00segment 34: Mackerel Bay to Whitehaven Beach to Crayfish Bay<b>SEGMENT 34: MACKEREL BAY ( NORTH EASTERN CNR OF HOOK ISLAND ) TO WHITEHAVEN BEACH ( 12.2 NM ) , THEN TO CRAYFISH BAY (STHN SIDE WHITSUNDAY ISLAND ) ( 10 NM )</b><br />
<b>WED. 11 OCTOBER 2012 </b><br />
<br />
Rear admiral Julie was first up at 6.15 am and Capt Barry surfaced at 7.00am and Graeme shortly thereafter. It promised to be another sunny day.<br />
<br />
We started the day with the genset on for an hour or so to process a load of washing and drying, and then Capt Barry visited SILVER MINX to discuss plans for the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUR ANCHORAGE AT MACKEREL BAY, IN 22 M OF WATER</td></tr>
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The plan was to up-anchor and make our way to Whitehaven Beach ( as Graeme had not been there) , and when the tied came up, Capt Barry was to launch the large tender so we could all venture up Hill Inlet and sink the crab pots.<br />
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The passage to Whitehaven was lovely. The seas were calm , the sun was out , and the wind was about 10 kts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiBtMJgftWVXViB8eEppUKxPKhgRM5z-HuOKgHaeZGImUfhiqCc7cN66ou0VKZG4WFEhHSboAvohv3IrICU0c6JeX84hsTJWHqDox4Vwkz4T8yVp8qy07fYjnpoWOSwtz8azvFQckuveT/s1600/P1020209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiBtMJgftWVXViB8eEppUKxPKhgRM5z-HuOKgHaeZGImUfhiqCc7cN66ou0VKZG4WFEhHSboAvohv3IrICU0c6JeX84hsTJWHqDox4Vwkz4T8yVp8qy07fYjnpoWOSwtz8azvFQckuveT/s320/P1020209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GRAEME GETTING A TAN AND SOAKING IN THE SCENERY</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8vOZsLh5nXw90L7PBnp8bJrKL8uEzg-xh_Q7dSR3xMIgML34zwy39t3upJ5Qs10RxlwJvVapVaP2u1101fGkFku0I4XHedqakfPgQeiWislguPZXxx2ex0IzPs8mj9UXYwioO6crB1tW/s1600/IMAG0407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8vOZsLh5nXw90L7PBnp8bJrKL8uEzg-xh_Q7dSR3xMIgML34zwy39t3upJ5Qs10RxlwJvVapVaP2u1101fGkFku0I4XHedqakfPgQeiWislguPZXxx2ex0IzPs8mj9UXYwioO6crB1tW/s400/IMAG0407.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry and Graeme in relaxed mode.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a plug in the top of Whitsunday Island</td></tr>
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LAST WORD arrived first and selected a anchor point about 400 m off shore , in about 5 m of water , about half way down Whitehaven Beach, just as the wind kicked up to about 18 to 20 kts from the NE.<br />
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As LAST WORD was rolling about a fair bit, Capt Barry decided not to launch the large tender. So we tossed over the small tender and added the 3 hp motor. Graeme insisted we fill the integral fuel tank, as he did not want to run out of fuel and have to row back in the strong wind.<br />
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Rear admiral Julie , Graeme and Capt Barry piled aboard the small tender , and we made it ashore without getting too wet.<br />
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Graeme and Capt Barry lifted the tender well up the beach and employed the cork screw anchor ( as the tide was on the rise ( about 3 m ) , and we intended to be ashore for some time as we planned a long walk to the northern end of the beach .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyViwpK1KHjP44afamKdYtTZboqS-BbEzLTFCfGCKaCdH-Gd-KXGlaqqgzWJyeI4rWS_flQTJmawg5D6uzIkNcJq8XRRlKOeKtcMKROgKcxZGXlKFxnOba2S5ItRdSyreiprHXHjG5hYuk/s1600/P1020210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyViwpK1KHjP44afamKdYtTZboqS-BbEzLTFCfGCKaCdH-Gd-KXGlaqqgzWJyeI4rWS_flQTJmawg5D6uzIkNcJq8XRRlKOeKtcMKROgKcxZGXlKFxnOba2S5ItRdSyreiprHXHjG5hYuk/s400/P1020210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry getting the cork screw anchor ready to bury</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddyJ6B63FjgmiRnghsvt8gJeRQMPdKuBk46qT72DzAr0GhbBzRFeNv_We-aJ42G_lLlz9fN3236WFRe2W3pzeYB9XR6OHk8BQz2uy1I9yQaD7bU9aswJyyemmW2yo-jKO6Lzupz-D9yfg/s1600/P1020211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddyJ6B63FjgmiRnghsvt8gJeRQMPdKuBk46qT72DzAr0GhbBzRFeNv_We-aJ42G_lLlz9fN3236WFRe2W3pzeYB9XR6OHk8BQz2uy1I9yQaD7bU9aswJyyemmW2yo-jKO6Lzupz-D9yfg/s400/P1020211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie collecting shells</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWy8PNi5Hm-3JnmYEEB-wW1wF4zsyHlZVF2NCsyBQaafyUrVESOrSVfYYqGr0Ck2CS_QVtfWCYXRCGDi0xqATwC6MEdyLMsrsHtOlxD-3Sm7WuH0_wbzyhCnX6wUZ95ul8XOS__TPb1aF/s1600/P1020214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWy8PNi5Hm-3JnmYEEB-wW1wF4zsyHlZVF2NCsyBQaafyUrVESOrSVfYYqGr0Ck2CS_QVtfWCYXRCGDi0xqATwC6MEdyLMsrsHtOlxD-3Sm7WuH0_wbzyhCnX6wUZ95ul8XOS__TPb1aF/s400/P1020214.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PERFECT - GRAEME AND CAPT BARRY IMITATING LIVE STARFISH</td></tr>
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We went right up the beach to Hill Inlet ( which at low tide is only accessible to small craft ) and took pics of the sand and creatures at work on the beach.<br />
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We waded out into the water ( which at high tide would be up to 4 m under water, and at one point , Capt Barry expressed the idea that wading through the shallows was not a bright idea, as we may step on a stingray. At that point we all stopped, and Capt Barry pointed out a strange formation in the sand about 2 feet in front of Graeme. While we were all standing still examining what it might be, it suddenly revealed itself as a medium size stingray and scooted away from us.<br />
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Capt Barry's comment must have been some sort of divine intervention , as one more step and Graeme would have had a very sore foot. A stingray barb inflicts a very painful injury.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1ZPmJJV5OWUNW2ZOhJjF5mZeaDm2AIS6q3lP03KB2Q0DpvRjw_BHGceN8ZwkZNeQ3keW1ArodDa85wMFJcw-mgIksA6g3HRardCm3mJlWXStEBs6XWZK122CCL3E_pFzrMXLV3jic0N6/s1600/P1020218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1ZPmJJV5OWUNW2ZOhJjF5mZeaDm2AIS6q3lP03KB2Q0DpvRjw_BHGceN8ZwkZNeQ3keW1ArodDa85wMFJcw-mgIksA6g3HRardCm3mJlWXStEBs6XWZK122CCL3E_pFzrMXLV3jic0N6/s640/P1020218.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THUMBING A RIDE AS SILVER MINX WENT BY</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvue8UnGs7soLb9U3Hh31R0cLTWuZdZaqoHpGT8gpRZULgzq9KuiwziE5hnJ-u7W8z-s1suGcX2jhxeToSQXuw7MIJpqxq6Wcs7UIg_weqFXhIU7SNzgEucysJ6GUEknwUdPoBUVA8LyU/s1600/P1020219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvue8UnGs7soLb9U3Hh31R0cLTWuZdZaqoHpGT8gpRZULgzq9KuiwziE5hnJ-u7W8z-s1suGcX2jhxeToSQXuw7MIJpqxq6Wcs7UIg_weqFXhIU7SNzgEucysJ6GUEknwUdPoBUVA8LyU/s640/P1020219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">save me from the BIG BAD ray , my HANDSOME CAPYTAN</td></tr>
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After that close encounter we took a closely examined shortcut out of the shallows and onto dry land.<br />
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By the time we arrived back at the tender SILVER MINX had anchored next to LAST WORD and the wind was blowing 20+ kts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGEU1BUoMFBsaeoZdqmdSnwTG9zcvebD85NGWraspkQcY_xQFY0zHlbBpnOu4sMbKTVFxIc1J90xXWkVTuFfQO5eF4KF_ISuYvPLmzB-X0KqnxPzGdBiuPrTVU0G6FwkycI6YmV9WymAI/s1600/P1020223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGEU1BUoMFBsaeoZdqmdSnwTG9zcvebD85NGWraspkQcY_xQFY0zHlbBpnOu4sMbKTVFxIc1J90xXWkVTuFfQO5eF4KF_ISuYvPLmzB-X0KqnxPzGdBiuPrTVU0G6FwkycI6YmV9WymAI/s640/P1020223.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAST WORD and SILVER MINX rolling at anchor off Whitehaven Beach</td></tr>
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We telephoned Geoff and Vicki ( on SILVER MINX ) and decided to up anchor and proceed through Solway Passage to the southern side of Whitsunday Island in search of a more protected anchorage at either Chance Bay , Crayfish Bay or Turtle Bay.<br />
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Just before up anchoring, Capt Barry dived over the back of the boat to check out the blue underwater lights, and clean the middle one which had a slight clear crusty growth over it.<br />
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After Capt Barry's quick swim, we managed to retrieve our anchor , which took a bit of manoeuvring due to the strong wind, and get under way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaving Whitehaven and the turbulence behind</td></tr>
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For those not familiar with Solway Passage , it is very turbulent patch water, due to the sudden changes in depth.<br />
One minute you are in 60 m then 6 m then 129 m then back to 15 m, and on top of that the passage between Whitsunday Island and Hasle Wood Island is very narrow , and funnels the water into a narrow passage ( for a potentially huge , ie 4 m , tide variation to pass through ) and immediately to the south end of the passage lies Teague Island and Frith Rock.<br />
As LAST WORD negotiated the passage and surrounding waters our speed went from 8 kts to 12.5 knots to 10 knots , without any change in engine revs, and one could feel the boat being pulled sideways at various points , in the turbulent waters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3gyNjIEBB5wSbjvH1aPATtNW9KfxjOeydGtnlOFGK0jLWHsk_56nOHH8Y1kq2hSa4wy5bbOdRK60lAjbQ2GVLsCK8aOSIM7sTyYgEgoiErc4WOeYg0jvCsoi-bgcCLekbzO9s0pbdl-u/s1600/P1020225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3gyNjIEBB5wSbjvH1aPATtNW9KfxjOeydGtnlOFGK0jLWHsk_56nOHH8Y1kq2hSa4wy5bbOdRK60lAjbQ2GVLsCK8aOSIM7sTyYgEgoiErc4WOeYg0jvCsoi-bgcCLekbzO9s0pbdl-u/s400/P1020225.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the bottom is all over the place and rises and drops sharly</td></tr>
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After negotiating the passage LAST WORD anchored in Crayfish Bay, and Capt Barry whipped out a rod and caught a grassy emperor, whilst waiting for SILVER MINX.<br />
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We were invited on board SILVER MINX for a twilight sail and troll , a not to be missed experience, and so we once again launched the small tender with 3 hp motor (which travels up on the boarding platform when making small passages), and headed over to SILVER MINX.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVYuxVV_xCHQeyVmGxiFQzDb97IzSrEKz5shuLGAP1865ESBk7Z9_i9lYudUPKL452a4zmEDU_4TZN6iVRYazdvgvvLLaEZgeldhaqAV_2glcZgXidOvMyPDHvKWZBLJnTGB5qOlUKXmW/s1600/P1020206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVYuxVV_xCHQeyVmGxiFQzDb97IzSrEKz5shuLGAP1865ESBk7Z9_i9lYudUPKL452a4zmEDU_4TZN6iVRYazdvgvvLLaEZgeldhaqAV_2glcZgXidOvMyPDHvKWZBLJnTGB5qOlUKXmW/s400/P1020206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How LAST WORD carries the small tender for short trips. Easy to launch and retrieve , and the soft bottom is not likely to get punctured being dragged behind</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaving LAST WORD on anchor at Crayfish Bay as we set off for a twilight sail and troll on board SILVER MINX</td></tr>
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We enjoyed some music and a drink or two and trolled to , around and back from Surprise Rock. We even had a good strike, but alas, the fish escaped being properly snared and lived to bite another day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbCxCmHnw6udTD6ZiFFErLqBQZ3piE-mlMK3AIhCio-ou-o87sHY8g4vPv_z7zIDtWZw3fICPbbTwnFE3iJT5cYmofYCgWZEegRZtjBMChfF_19H_oEK3uI5an7efuZQE6wf7e58juQlk/s1600/IMAG0410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbCxCmHnw6udTD6ZiFFErLqBQZ3piE-mlMK3AIhCio-ou-o87sHY8g4vPv_z7zIDtWZw3fICPbbTwnFE3iJT5cYmofYCgWZEegRZtjBMChfF_19H_oEK3uI5an7efuZQE6wf7e58juQlk/s640/IMAG0410.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capts Barry and Geoff on SILVER MINX . A drink is essential in the warmer climate</td></tr>
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The twilight sails are very relaxing .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">round we go and .......</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">watch the rocks change colour in the setting sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qwNMukxWbyRhS0gqOvVkZYrmLv10UW7OCUx5OhTfSBtxV0qNkDIO8-5cwRrXsgC1zsm-984N4NOanEWUY3kTBgUUNAWbTlc_3utwdaSz96thZFpokS0xhzlyBTmBInsLX-ClK0BaaBZc/s1600/P1020230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qwNMukxWbyRhS0gqOvVkZYrmLv10UW7OCUx5OhTfSBtxV0qNkDIO8-5cwRrXsgC1zsm-984N4NOanEWUY3kTBgUUNAWbTlc_3utwdaSz96thZFpokS0xhzlyBTmBInsLX-ClK0BaaBZc/s400/P1020230.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pentecost Island to the right of centre </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1RYWK1weBSpLJMVgMldQ54U7PpalgYJAbVGkJypVkYCn6ZBvscKcnv11sBZbeseZBqWv8CyzCCWlOwnnW2hO0FD1fxSW-CDIoOD-HSSoNRt0qRC6iIp8jifB7kHx70lArGEzagDUHJ5c/s1600/P1020231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1RYWK1weBSpLJMVgMldQ54U7PpalgYJAbVGkJypVkYCn6ZBvscKcnv11sBZbeseZBqWv8CyzCCWlOwnnW2hO0FD1fxSW-CDIoOD-HSSoNRt0qRC6iIp8jifB7kHx70lArGEzagDUHJ5c/s400/P1020231.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the sun,...........going </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">going </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gone </td></tr>
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After returning to Crayfish Bay , Capt Geoff ( aka NEP ) anchored close to LAST WORD , and we settled into a fab meal of calamari, red emperor and salad .... with more fine wine ....of course. The fish were all caught by NEP , prepared and cooked by NEP , and of course, sensational.<br />
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<b>TRIPS : TOTAL OF PASSAGES, 22.2 NM, 2.75 HRS, 88 L TOTAL, AV 8+ KTS AND AV 32 L/HR TOTAL.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3089249903251641959.post-22852172706409784312012-10-18T16:59:00.001-07:002012-11-19T18:27:28.366-08:00segment 33: Cape Gloucester to Airlie Beach<b>Segment 33 : Cape Gloucester to Airlie Beach 25 NM, then </b><br />
<b>Airlie Beach to Mackerel Bay ( North Eastern part of Hook Island) 22 NM</b><br />
<b>Tuesday 9 October 2012</b><br />
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Everyone was up early as the night was<b> VERY ROLLY</b> with the swell of about 1/2 to 1 M from the west.<br />
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We let the mooring go at 7.30 am , and headed around Passage Islet ( Shag Islet ) and into Gloucester Passage , which was as still as a mill pond. Amazing what difference it is to be anchored in the lee of an island or bay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFNyj-1EtYlapBj-Uo4yrGO6H7Hm-QJiYBNK7TlIubo0R1oYN0TWIxpu70EpsGhwoTs86uUM7iT6fEO5Tt_szYuwdZYoKNETa-BY9zMg3MsbzWSToxwlUNijw5Ui3BYVvV-s4j8s7UB7e/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFNyj-1EtYlapBj-Uo4yrGO6H7Hm-QJiYBNK7TlIubo0R1oYN0TWIxpu70EpsGhwoTs86uUM7iT6fEO5Tt_szYuwdZYoKNETa-BY9zMg3MsbzWSToxwlUNijw5Ui3BYVvV-s4j8s7UB7e/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">passing through Gloucester Passage where the anchoring was perfect, being protected from the swell.</td></tr>
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We would have anchored there if the swell was present when we picked up the mooring or if we had not arrived back at the boat after dark, but we were not prepared to move to the better anchorage after dark and try to negotiate the shallow , twisty passage in the dark and at low tide.<br />
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We trolled part way back to Airlie Beach, but without a strike, and arrived at Abel Point Marina at 10.00am.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB4eOlyDTJx3lqHJzogVa-GW6fsxXuP4d_d-6OhLAr2xoiYWDlvugGfLiZ58PXrc5OL3_dvzlnDKE-oLfhi0-dSxUKuC2xQ82cG0rTpdEEDr3lVMMIFWz7d4i4ryJ2xmVcZXHaZvV71u5/s1600/P1020148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB4eOlyDTJx3lqHJzogVa-GW6fsxXuP4d_d-6OhLAr2xoiYWDlvugGfLiZ58PXrc5OL3_dvzlnDKE-oLfhi0-dSxUKuC2xQ82cG0rTpdEEDr3lVMMIFWz7d4i4ryJ2xmVcZXHaZvV71u5/s400/P1020148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we trolled around the rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwxZeAwJrpz9Mh0mvyUzfTHhS8nbn5aD4Pn4OQ5vAv9Jq5RFFo9EUU0On42M69OgNbHvp4e3evl39CHM2og5FUJoaepVhJjVzAeD7fIyel5RIC8uivkCZuP7QKyUi8J36L3Kn7YYRZL5v/s1600/P1020149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwxZeAwJrpz9Mh0mvyUzfTHhS8nbn5aD4Pn4OQ5vAv9Jq5RFFo9EUU0On42M69OgNbHvp4e3evl39CHM2og5FUJoaepVhJjVzAeD7fIyel5RIC8uivkCZuP7QKyUi8J36L3Kn7YYRZL5v/s400/P1020149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the seas were kind once again</td></tr>
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Capt Barry had booked a time at the fuel birth for 10.00 am, and after a short wait for another boat to clear No 1 bowser, we entered the leads and went straight to the fuel wharf, where LAST WORD took on 1700 L (at a 10c discount of $1.66 / L.).<br />
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1700 L was what LAST WORD used for the entire 2 week trip from Airlie Beach to Huinchinbrook / Palm Island Group and back to Airlie Beach. Approx. 400 NM , and 38+ L/HR (for both engines combined and the generator ) at an average of 9 KTS. Not bad actually.<br />
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After fuelling Capt Barry slid LAST WORD back 50 m into berth M00, and all we did was swap the fenders from starboard to port tie up.<br />
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Capt Barry was not expecting to be in Abel Point Marina long (ie a couple of hours only ) , but was hoping to have the starboard engine sea water pump leak looked at / or fixed, and the master suite toilet solenoid valve fixed.<br />
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Service people had been prearranged by Capt Barry, and we were hoping to get away about 3.00pm to join SILVER MINX ( Geoff and Vicki Player) at Mackeral Bay , on the north eastern side of Hook Island for dinner and some squiding. We needed to be there, as we had 2 kgs of prawns , dips and the wine for dinner.<br />
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The resident Cat engine service fellow, David Warby , ( from Hastings Deering ) arrived and inspected the starboard impeller, but had to chop out the plastic cam ( which necessitated him driving to Proserpine for a replacement ), and after inspecting the water pump seal behind the impeller, decided to order a replacement water pump under warranty, explaining that a changeover was more efficient than servicing the existing pump seal.<br />
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David then took live oil samples from both engines ( which came back as "A"s for both engines - see earlier blogs for an explanation of that issue ) and left.<br />
David explained he would swap over the sea water pump the next time LAST WORD would be in Airlie beach , in about 2 weeks time, and that there was no issue using the leaking sea water pump in the meanwhile.<br />
<br />
While the sea water leak was being inspected, we had organised to have lunch with the marina manager, Richard Barrett , but Capt Barry had to delay his lunch ( and the others went on ahead ) as a marine electrician , Jon, arrived to look at the Tecma toilet solenoid /valve issue.<br />
<br />
Despite Capt Barry explaining that this was a repeat problem ( as the valves have been replaced before) and that Capt Barry had done some basic tests to determine that the solenoid was functioning , and that it appeared that the valve was jammed closed, Jon repeated and did additional tests , and took the valve assembly back to his work place to look at it more closely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLgi9hLxUz_JXzVeBHdJa5-h1bsVieS5vYVT-mB1UWzHRjRRgsdw_v1MklRZqZLe3mXb9Zbpnok3WIYHRP4-nkQQECl_b0emiAZBeeuhoyhCiOcWQCz2EhqBHWQodxdNYXxZ2K0TTjsbu/s1600/P1020199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLgi9hLxUz_JXzVeBHdJa5-h1bsVieS5vYVT-mB1UWzHRjRRgsdw_v1MklRZqZLe3mXb9Zbpnok3WIYHRP4-nkQQECl_b0emiAZBeeuhoyhCiOcWQCz2EhqBHWQodxdNYXxZ2K0TTjsbu/s320/P1020199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the culprit solenoid and valve assembly, There is a fine gauze filter in the angled offshoot of brass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9UHdYeg3Ab2ASt6FYdd7u_DKi1r8pWkPmhOgqe2Uc6r3EBBP-BYgApZiRNL8hmFNGjO2lXXoYx0PuBxM__NRF5qRcGwTb9ZvJtrqXBoX8WZGfqhOgrS1AF_5YXw6vniB-SQqi0Qiurxx/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9UHdYeg3Ab2ASt6FYdd7u_DKi1r8pWkPmhOgqe2Uc6r3EBBP-BYgApZiRNL8hmFNGjO2lXXoYx0PuBxM__NRF5qRcGwTb9ZvJtrqXBoX8WZGfqhOgrS1AF_5YXw6vniB-SQqi0Qiurxx/s400/IMAG0405.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Barry accessing the troublesome solenoid and valve, under the floor , under the master cabin floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbRifHcRWyHCcWn3uybmd9X-2jk1HRGopihkTUzfq4GLWmyjCsDYFLjmjFjI8KMFj5O2XDvi286GcEDTf7A3dLqmDGhvPleykeX-3jwF-J0Zbs4XdSoaik8z87zDMfCGWaKUscS0OYn_P/s1600/P1020151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbRifHcRWyHCcWn3uybmd9X-2jk1HRGopihkTUzfq4GLWmyjCsDYFLjmjFjI8KMFj5O2XDvi286GcEDTf7A3dLqmDGhvPleykeX-3jwF-J0Zbs4XdSoaik8z87zDMfCGWaKUscS0OYn_P/s400/P1020151.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there's the bugger, . the blue bit is the solenoid, and the brass valve is under that. No wonder Capt Barry needed an neck massage later that evening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Capt Barry took this oppotunity to join the others for a quick lunch break , and Jon arrived back about 45 mins later saying the valve was jammed closed on the spring and he had released and cleaned it and it should work fine.<br />
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Capt Barry asked if there was a different brand of valve that he could install , but it seemed not that was readily available.<br />
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Jon installed the valve, <b>AND IT WORKED FINE..........ONCE.</b><br />
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Capt Barry asked Jon to swap over the two valves and after this was done the toilet seemed to work just fine for several flushes - which fill before emptying ( and still is to this day).<br />
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Capt Barry ordered a new solenoid and valve, as a spare , knowing that it was unlikely to play up again if a spare was on board.<br />
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Enquires of ( I should say a complaint to) AMI the Tecma toilet agent , concerning the apparently faulty valves resulted in the AMI fellow denying there was an issue with the valves, and blaming the water pressure on board LAST WORD as being to high, causing the valves to jam. Capt Barry explained that the pump was a standard issue Flowjet that was rated at 2.8 bar pressure and that the solenoid and valve were rated at 7 bar pressure, but to no avail. Capt Barry will fit a pressure gauge in line to the supply side at some time to get to the bottom of this issue, but not now.<br />
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We managed to say good by to Jon and depart the berth later than planned, at 4.30 pm, knowing that we would arrive, and have to anchor in the dark, which is always a little tricky when trying to avoid bommies.<br />
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We had a great passage east across Whitsunday Passage ( in slightly lumpy seas and a 10 kt winds - all going with the tide, port to starboard ) and enjoyed another spectacular sunset from behind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bgmahVenbCETsS4CAGmM_S52H4uNZn9c6mrMnr2HBhcQaTlWFsR5tQGh48unv4vom7E-C9VWQauXZHwi5jkzlrOu4fybHqWASRdl7enmIbbnN1ckWuQSJJNYykDdTOUOGkvUOQBGsLMo/s1600/P1020200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bgmahVenbCETsS4CAGmM_S52H4uNZn9c6mrMnr2HBhcQaTlWFsR5tQGh48unv4vom7E-C9VWQauXZHwi5jkzlrOu4fybHqWASRdl7enmIbbnN1ckWuQSJJNYykDdTOUOGkvUOQBGsLMo/s400/P1020200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Rear admiral Julie did some speed runs , as she was hungry and looking forward to seeing the Players again, and we needed to get in front of several sailing yachts that would otherwise make life difficult if we all approached the narrow passage between Hook and Whitsunday Islands at the same time.<br />
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We then made our way through Hook Passage ( between Hook and Whitsunday Islands ) and rounded Hook Island , north towards Mackerel Bay.<br />
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We came across SILVER MINX in south Mackerel Bay and anchored about 70 m off shore, in 22 m of water, putting out about 58 m of chain.<br />
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It was a bit rolly , but Geoff and Vicki Player came across to LAST WORD by tender, and we polished off the prawns, dips and some wine, then set about the serious business of squiding, from the boarding platform of LAST WORD.<br />
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The squiding was quite remarkable that evening. The water was particularly clear in LAST WORD'S purplish, blue, underwater LEDs.<br />
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There were several hundred small school fish , called hardy heads, just swimming around lazily in the lights , whilst several schools of squid, with about 50 to 80 squid per school , and each squid being about 250 to 300 mm long, just zipping through the hardy heads, presumably feeding upon them.<br />
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Several of the squid would flash bluey / white ( ie luminess ??? ) every so often as they passed through the middle of the hardy heads , and we assumed ( as the hardy heads were becoming noticeably less in number as time passed ) that the squid flashed like this when they grabbed a fish.<br />
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The whole show was absolutely spell binding , like an orchestra of fish and squid, and had us all out the back watching for about an hour.<br />
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Geoff (NEP ) Player, armed himself with one of Capt Barry's squid jigs, and caught several good sized squid, but at a price.<br />
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As the squid were caught, and brought out of the water, they - to a squid - squirted their black ink ( quite well directed actually ) at various targets.<br />
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Geoff's <b>NEW WHITE T shirt</b> was the prime target, but Graeme and Capt Barry managed to suffer hits as well.<br />
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Capt Barry, ( reacting to Vicky's observation that NEP was in one of his good T shirts ), immediately ordered Geoff out of his good T shirt and into one of Capt Barry's older T shirts ( squid ink in colour), but a little to late.<br />
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Rear admiral Julie soaked Geoff's T shirt for 2 days then washed it, but there are still faint black marks. Capt Barry suspects that this T shirt is now part of NEP's squid tackle / attire .<br />
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We retired after catching a feed of squid , and the next morning, Graeme discovered black ink sprayed over the starboard corner of LAST WORD'S gelcoat where the steps go up from the boarding platform. It washed off relatively easily, thank heavens.<br />
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<b>TRIP: Cape Gloucester to Airlie Beach, 25 NM, 3 HRS, 128 L/total, av 8.2 kts and av 42 L/HR total.</b><br />
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<b>TRIP: Airlie Beach to Mackerel Bay/Hook Island. 22 NM, 2.25 HRS, 123 L, Av 10KTS, 58 L/HR/TL.</b><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright Lastwords Whitsunday Adventure 2012 at lastword65.blogspot.com</div>Lastwordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09741910917306554179noreply@blogger.com0