Hi from Skipper Steve,
We are back in the groove on the 1200nm passage from Port Vila, Vanuatu - Makay in Queensland, Australia, (where I can finally wear my personally signed Shane Warne cricket shirt!!!).
A 6-7 day passage over the Coral sea. The main fleet have headed north to the Northern end of the Vanuatu group and are making the direct passage to Cairns from there. We decided, however, that we would like to visit the Whit Sunday Islands within the Great Barrier Reef and so, are making a more southerly crossing. The first 48 hours have been once again exhilarating with constant winds in the high twenties gusting to 35knts with two 200+nm day runs. Robert and Dawn are now thinking this is usual and have become quite the old sea dogs, ignoring the lack of sleep, bumps, bruises and general discomfort caused by the heavy seas and high winds. However better weather has just arrived and when they crawl out of their bunks this morning they will be greeted with blue skies, flattish seas and a lovely soporific rolling motion. So for us it's a day of light housework (two days of heavy weather takes some clearing up) a few maintenance jobs, then a trip to the Red Lion with Northy at lunchtime and an afternoon of reading and sunbathing. ( Luvely jubbly)
At our present progress we should hit Mackay Mon- Tues and hope to set off for the Whit Sunday Islands Thursday and reach Cairns by the following Monday evening.
As for the Vanuatu group what a great time we had there, the local people greeted us with open arms, gave us lots and took little in return. The partying was extreme, and our only regret is that some good friends are leaving the fleet at Vanuatu to make for Sydney, we will miss them greatly. We wish them all the very best for their future adventures, thanks for all the laughs, safe sailing and god bless.
Love to all
Skipper Steve