Arrived in Southport at 5:30 Sunday morning. It was exciting to see the bright lights of the Gold Coast. But we were not prepared for the kaleidoscope of coloured lights hiding the navigation lights we needed to see our way through the channel in the dark. Adding to the confusion were dozens of small fishing boats buzzing past in the opposite direction. There were red, white and green lights flashing all over the place.
So what makes long delivery voyages so appealing? Why sail day and night rolling through watches, getting fatigued, cold and wind blown? The crew gave these four highlights:
4. Ham-cheese toasties, crisp on outside, oozy on the inside.
3. Wild marine life – playful dolphins, graceful terns, flying fish.
2. Seeing your replacement crew getting dressed just before the start of the 3am watch.
1. The first long, hot shower on shore after days at sea in the same clothes.
David and Brian leave the crew at Southport. Thanks so much for being on board. We appreciate all your help. Especially looking forward to the movie.
Looks like we will be in Southport for some days. Strong winds and big waves are forecast along the Queensland coast for the rest of the week. Andrew and Karen G have decided to return to Melbourne to wait it out, and John remains on standby at home with our frozen provisions. For Karen B, unfortunately the delays mean that she is no longer available for the final sector to Airlie Beach.
Debonnaire 