Gold Coast Seaway Tower
We were not the only boat waiting around for weather systems to sort themselves out. More and more boats were slipping out through Wide Bay Bar to Mooloolaba or Moreton Bay and then proceeding through the inland route behind North and South Stradbroke Islands to areas around Southport and the Gold Coast Seaway. We would be ready if a forecast really did eventuate. So many times in previous weeks it really looked like an opportunity was coming only to see the forecast we wanted shrink and then vanish altogether. Meals made for passaging needed to be eaten up and fresh ones prepared. Each time we’d be psyched up and then get deflated with the arrival of 30+kts Southerlies. Grrrr. But the day did come and we were ready.
Looking out to sea
We planned on taking the Northerly weather window as far as it would take us. In the end it became a case of how far the East Australian Current (EAC) would take us. This southbound current can provide an assist of 2-4kts. Across 24 hours it can mean an extra 45nm (83km) traveled. As a rule we calculate on achieving an average SOG (speed over ground) of 5kts (5nm per hour- or 9.26km). With the EAC we were averaging in excess of 7.5kts rendering our calculations for arrival times to logical destinations (re-tracing our earlier northward trip) completely invalid. We headed off-shore to roughly the 100m contour, 7-10nm offshore to locate water temperatures elevated from the coastal 24C to 26- 27C. Bingo, we were on the free ride offered by the EAC. Day1, Southport to Coffs Harbour: 168nm 23hours. For us that’s hooting along!
Goodbye to Queensland and the Goldie
On Day1 we experienced following winds but a residual SE swell which kicked up against the current to deliver 2.5m seas plus an uncomfortable boat movement that didn’t really suit either of us. I felt slightly queasy and fatigued and took meds while The Bloke, although not seasick, was completely unable to settle for his scheduled rest break after dark. This completely threw our watchkeeping rhythm out of whack and exacerbated feelings of fatigue. Having passed Yamba ahead of schedule and in the dark, we reassessed where we could realistically and safely pull in for a rest. Coffs Harbour was our candidate and we hoped it would provide a better option than on the way north when we had poked our nose in only to declare it useless and press onwards to Yamba. On this occasion it was a bit kinder. Still rolly but tolerable enough for 2 tired sailors to get some kip. We’d heard that there were now 2 public moorings but realistically we found only one available, if unoccupied. The other looked to have been taken up permanently by a tiny old tub of a boat. Judging by the algal beard it was sporting, it had become permanent for a while. No matter, we were happy to anchor in the good holding on offer.
Bento box lunch in down town Coffs Harbour with crew of Cool Change
A one day break from passaging proved a winner. We felt rested and the seastate was more settled the following day. Even though we motored for the first few hours waiting for the wind to fill, we finished up completing the passage not long after dawn with another 160+ nm behind us. Hello, Port Stephens! We’ve visited before and by now have a number of sailing friends that live there. What’s more, Solders Point Marina is there and the chance of a brief stay too good to resist.
Cool Change following us into Port Stephens at Dawn
Zofia under motor -courtesy of Erika, SV Cool Change
Catch of the day on deck
Dolphins visiting Fame Cove while we slept
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