Curlew to Scawfell Island

With 45nm to cover, we had factored on our journey from Curlew Island, where we had sheltered from some strong SE weather, to take around 9hours. The wind was still predicted to be in the 18-20 range but less extreme gusts than we'd had on previous passages. We hoped for consistent winds for a downhill ride. The seas were supposedly to be around 1.5m.

Scooting along

 

We departed at 06:30 together with Sans Souci although they were going to break off in the direction of Mackay for the weekend. We left Jorja and Tonic in the bay. It wasn't long before the Bloke's careful passage planning was abandoned in favour of a course that would give us a more tolerable ride passing to the west of one island rather than on the eastern side. At least the tide was being helpful and sucking us along. We felt that we were beginning to get a hang of the 'tidal situation'. Being in the vicinity of Thirsty Sound and Mackay means BIG TIDES (the largest on the East Coast of Australia) and the speed you might gain in the morning of a long passage you can loose in the afternoon.

Despite not taking the rhumb line and being forced to make a couple of tacks, we arrived at the mountainous Scawfell Island 2 hours earlier than expected. This was a relief considering that conditions had freshened considerably to deliver 25-30 knots. An extra metre of fetch accelerated our Speed Over Ground (SOG) at times to 9knots. We had a small opportunity to furl the head sail in the lee of the island and then motor at 2,000+ rpm to barely squeeze out 2knots through the ripping current to swing into the anchorage.

    

The current swirling the water in slabs

A well sheltered anchorage emerging behind the point

We were astonished to find Tonic at anchor when we arrived. We'd not noticed their having passed us en route. 30 minutes after our arrival Jorja completed the hop too having decided against their original St Bee's destination. They reportedly had the same issues fighting the wind and current to eventually arrive in even more 'willing conditions'. We immediately had play-friends nearby, having transposed ourselves from one island to another. Brilliant. More fun to follow.

Tonic silhouetted at sunset