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Cleone - Leg 14 Day 1 - Departure from Thursday Island



Nine yachts left on time from Thursday Island, bound for Darwin; we hope several more will follow!
 
We started from Thursday Island in a strong breeze, but a mercifully slack tide.  There was a strong wind - and the threat of the flood tide - to carry us over the line, and Branec wisely stayed well up wind.  The rest of us hovered nearer, and in the end, all played it safe; no-one was over the line before the start, with Branec charging magnificently through the fleet to snatch an early lead.  Assisted by our ex-crew Nicky, Clare was in an aluminium dingy to do the honours, and we were happy to notice the correct flag sequence - Clare's earlier worries were unfounded and the procedures were perfect.
 
We played it cautiously, being one of the back-markers, but the fleet kept pretty well together as we goose-winged around Thursday Island, through Normanby Sound and out through the Torres Straight towards Booby Island and across the Gulf of Carpantaria.  As we passed Friday Island, our last thoughts were, what happened to Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Saturday Islands?  But it was too late, the tide had set in and there was no going back!
 
It's just Norfy and the Skipper for this leg.  So far, there have been fair winds from the Southeast, and it's been a fast passage.  But the waters are shallow, and this wind has kicked up a nasty short sea, and it has not been particularly comfortable.  Both crew have got wet - and the light showers have not provided enough fresh to wash the salt water away.  It's cracking sailing, though, and we have logged 158 miles in the 2 hours since leaving our anchorage.
 
All well with us, and best wishes to everyone. 
 
James and Norfy (Chris)
Yacht Cleone
10o43'S 139o34'E



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