From Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island to Armit Island in the Whitsunday

Cape Cleveland

We had to spend an extra day at Horseshoe Bay on Tuesday to make sure we had suitable weather to head south, having made the journey a few times in not so good conditions we did not need to put ourselves through another uncomfortable journey so caught the bus to Nelly Bay and back with a great lunch of fish and chips at Nelly Bay.

So on Wednesday the weather was improving but not quite right so headed into Radical Bay for lunch.  What a beautiful bay and a great day to enjoy it.  There were quite a few people enjoying the beach and water.  After a nice visit we headed the 9.5 nautical miles across Cleveland Bay and dropped anchor at Cape Cleveland for a head start to our journey south.  We anchored just below the lighthouse and a great little beach and were rewarded with a spectacular sunset going down over Magnetic Island and then the lights of Townsville when it got dark.

Cleveland to Upstart

After a very comfortable night we headed out of Cape Cleveland early this morning for the 55 nautical mile journey to Cape Upstart. We headed out form the headlands into 12-15 knot winds and a bit of a swell but no whitecaps so hoisted the mainsail and unfurled the headsail for the long journey south.  The swells made the boat bob quite a bit so put one engine on to keep momentum as a long day ahead.  Thankfully it was quite a good trip this time as each time in the past it has been the trip from hell and my share of Rhapsody was going cheap.  Luckily captain you chose a good day and the crew is staying.  As we came alongside Cape Bowling Green just before lunch we were lucky enough to see a hump back whale cruising past on the surface of the water, our first siting for the year and one of the reasons we are heading south for a while it is such a special time to be out on the water.

After a reasonably smooth trip we dropped anchor at Cape Upstart late this afternoon just in time to enjoy our well earned sundowner and another great sunset.

Bona Bay – Gloucester Island

After a very comfortable night we departed Cape Upstart and headed the 45 nautical miles south to Bona Bay.  It was a nice sunny day but a cold southerly wind blowing which was good so we could at least motor sail and arrive at a reasonable time.  The winds were quite light but there was quite a rolly swell on the sea so needed and engine to keep momentum.  Abbott Point was busy loading ships with coal and 5 more anchored waiting to come in and load, that was the most exciting part of the trip.  We were anchored alongside all the other yachties travelling by mid-afternoon just in time for afternoon tea.

Looking forward to spending a few weeks travelling the Whitsundays fully without having to interrupt the enjoyment with going to work and being responsible for a house, hopefully we will get to see lots of whales.

Jonah Bay

Bona Bay was full of yachties and that evening along came the Bowenites for the camping weekend so the bay was full of activity.  After lunch we decided to head a little further south to Jonah Bay.  It was low tide so headed to the top of Gloucester Island and through the other side to anchor in the bay.  As we rounded the top of Gloucester Island we were suddenly hit with 17 knot winds and quite rough seas so luckily we were not travelling far.  It was so nice and calm in the bay and a few campers in tents dotted in the bush.

Armit Island

After a very comfortable night in Jonah Bay we headed further south to Armit Island.

Winds were nice and light and calm seas so we had a really good sail all the way and not far from our destination all the action happened.  Steve spotted a fish on his trolling line so was quickly hauling it in as a shark was chasing his fish.  It was a nice big tuna that was not happy to be out of the water so lots of thrashing and trying to get aboard whilst keeping our course.  Once the tuna was safely aboard Steve noticed there was another fish on the other trolling line, of course it was that naughty shark so a morning of action.

Once safely anchored in the bay at Armit Island it was down to filleting a tuna for the freezer.