Today has been a very long day.  We awoke early this morning with Rhapsody rocking and rolling and a very strong wind blowing.  We came outside whilst still dark to find that the wind had increased significantly in the early hours and had changed direction so was now blowing into the bay.  We pulled up our anchor and headed out at 7.00am to find we had 26 knots of wind behind us, so decided to start our journey with just the headsail.  We had between 21-30 knots and a rolling sea which we were surfing.  It started out really well and we were averaging 7 knots of speed.  We then changed sails to the Screecher and our speed increased.  For the first 5 hours of sailing up to Cape Bowling Green the journey was quite exhilarating although the wind was quite cold.  The decision was made that it was not going to be safe to stop overnight at Cape Bowling Green and to carry on to Magnetic Island which was another 35 nautical miles on top of what we had already done.  As we changed direction slightly the wind and seas were now coming more side on and we were no longer surfing waves but taking them side on, so the rest of the journey was not particularly fun.  We were very happy to see Magnetic Island and the last 10 nautical miles seemed to take forever but by 4.30pm we were anchored in a lovely calm anchorage and now have two days of R&R to explore the island before heading around to Nelly Bay Marina on Friday.

Tonight all the participants on the Coral Coast Rally met on the beach at Horseshoe Bay for a few drinks and a barbecue.  All the crews discussed what an interesting day it had been and how much sail was used and who turned on engines and what speed each boat managed.  Everyone agreed it had been a long and interesting day. I am pretty sure everyone will sleep well tonight.

Not many photos today, time and energy was spent making sure we stayed upright and hanging on.

Gloucester to Cape Upstart

Today was a 48 nautical mile sail from Gloucester to Cape Upstart with a secret time of between 3-4.00pm.  Anchor was up at 7.00pm as we motored out of the bay and hoisted the mainsail.  We had a good southerly breeze blowing so unfurled the Screecher and set sail.  It was a rather cool cloudy day with a decent breeze for most of the day between 12 to 15 knots so we were able to average around 7 to 8 knots.  It was obviously way too fast for any fish to hook onto the lures trolling off the back or Rhapsody.  Today was joke day and the crews were kept busy as the fleet radioed their jokes in to be judged at our sundowner later today.  Due to the favourable winds, everyone was way ahead of time, but no one was complaining.  We even managed to spot a pod of pilot whales passing our bow at Abbott Point.  By the time we were 4 nautical miles from the finish the breezed had died due to shelter from the cliffs and the fleet had pulled down sails and started engines to motor the final leg into Cape Upstart.

At 4.30 pm the fleet had made their way to the beach by dinghy for a sunset wine and cheese night.  We watched a spectacular sunset over the fleet anchored in the bay and the friendly rivalry created much quizzing and discussion as to who sailed the entire distance and who cheated along the way with a little engine assistance.

Tomorrow we are sailing to Cape Bowling Green approximately 35 nautical miles, let the tactics begin.

Sunday 2^nd June 2019

Today is the day of our departure from Abell Point Marina.  The dock lines were untied and we headed out of the marina at 9.30am ready to start the Coral Coast Rally.  The mainsail was hauled up and the spinnaker was pulled out of its bag ready once we were under way.  The headsail was unfurled and we began jockeying for the start at 10.30am when the starter’s gun was to go off.  The 5 minute warning was sounded and all the boats began heading to the line.  Two minutes from the start the unthinkable happened, the wind died out and all the sails on the competing boats just lost all forward movement.  The gun went off and 6 boats limped over the line with 6 skippers grappling to get some sort of advantage.  Eventually we moved forward and was able to furl the headsail and haul up the spinnaker.  Rhapsody began to get going and from then on we had a great sail, right up to Gloucester Passage.  The sails were all dropped and the engines turned to be able to negotiate the passage markers safely.  Anchor was dropped at 2.30pm at the front of the Eco Resort ready for our Mexican Night tonight.

Mexican Night

Night one of the Coral Coast Rally was held at the Eco Resort at Gloucester.

All the participants got into the spirit and dressed in Mexican costume and to make things even more interesting had to dinghy into the beach and walk through the sand in their attire.  Everyone came dressed and enjoyed some drinks and had photos taken before the resort laid on the most amazing Mexican food that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Most went for seconds as the food was so good.  Prizes were given for the best male, best female and best couple.

The format for day two was explained which is a 48 nautical mile sail to Cape Upstart with a secret time of arrival between 3.00 @ 4.00pm with a prize for the boat that comes closest.  Sunset drinks will be held on the beach after 4.00pm to watch the sun go down.

The race is on.

By Marg

Preparation for our Cruising Adventure has kept us busy the last couple of weeks but all coming together now.

Last job the mainsail off and being checked and repaired if required.

Rhapsody and the tender full of fuel, gas bottles full, freezer full of meat, dry foods stored away, Marg’s beer on board and a couple of bottles of rum for the skipper.

Plan is to leave Airlie Beach 2nd June with the Abell Point Yacht Club as part of the Coral Coast Rally.

First stop Cape Gloucester Eco Resort and a Mexican theme dinner that night.

Next stop Cape upstart and Cheese and Wine on the beach while we watch the sunset.

Then on to Cape Bowling Green and BBQ on the beach.

Day four head to Magnetic Island for a few days and further socialising before we leave the Abell Point Yacht Club members and continue North.

by Steve

It is now only 4 days until we depart Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach for the next phase in our lives. We have been living on Rhapsody in the marina for quite a few months now and find living on a boat very comfortable but now we are going to enjoy living in different locations up and down the Queensland Coast.

The past few months we have been busy preparing Rhapsody for our journey. The solar panels have been upgraded and additional panels added. A rack has been added to carry the additional solar panel and to carry the stand-up paddle boards. New shade panels have been added to the cockpit and the engines are serviced and ready to go.

Sails have been checked and repaired, lights and electronics at the top of the mast have been replaced.

The fuel tanks are filled and it is now only spare fuel to be loaded.

The pantry is filling up and lists are being made and ticked off as items are purchased and stored. The freezer is filling up with meat that has been packed and cryovaced. The medical box has been checked off with everything needed. It is just the fresh produce to purchase and store.

All the purchases made online have now arrived and the lists are growing smaller.

Excitement is now building along with a little trepidation as we have only used Rhapsody for shorter journeys over the years we have owned her so full time travelling will be a totally new experience.

By Marg