Hi, from Skipper Steve
We are now safely back on board after a couple of great weeks, exploring the delights of Sydney and Cairns. Sadly Anne and Jenny left yesterday for the long flights home and I am busying myself preparing Kasuje for the passages ahead. Sydney was everything we had read and heard about a beautiful city and it was good to meet up with some old friends. The other cities visited of Mackay and Cairns were also quite exceptional and we now fully understand, why English folks fall in love with this country.
I am joined for the next stage by Philip Ireson and crew, who are with us until Darwin, a passage of some 1250nm around the top of Queensland ,through the notorious Torres Straight, across the Gulf of Carpentaria and on down to Darwin. It promises to be an interesting passage with tidal heights exciding 8 metres, strong currents and unchartered reefs! So we will be keeping a keen lookout and sailing well inside the marked shipping lanes.
The original ARC fleet is now well depleted. From a starting number of some 43 yachts only 20 remain and it is a surprise to all who are left that the attrition rate has been so high. There are a number of reasons, some folks planned to stop at Australia, some have had mechanical problems, some crew difficulties, however the recent incidents and accidents has brought the remaining crews closer and there is a real sense of purpose within the fleet. We are now just over half way round Kasuje is looking and performing better than ever and we are well set for the second half. I am in good form and absolutely determined to finish the project and return to Troon.
We anticipate leaving our mooring at Cairns tomorrow so look out for the logs.
Please keep in touch, I feel a long way away and I will not be back home until Christmas, where all being well we should have made Cape Town, so your emails are eagerly anticipated.
Kindest Regards
Skipper Steve