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Very pleasant cruise today with plenty of time for R&R.

David was busy taking GoPro footage from a kite.

Jane did yoga on the aft deck.

And others read books or just enjoyed the view.

Arrived in Eden at 2:30 this morning and met Carpe Diem which arrived earlier in the night.
Carpe Diem is skippered by our good friend Paul. Over the years we have shared many sailing adventures and enjoy a friendly rivalry racing against each other. He was the genesis for this tandem voyage and so it seems fitting to mention this now that we are at Eden.

Eden is a safe harbour on the south coast of NSW Australia. It was a whaling village a long time  ago and today it is important for timber and fishing. We will refuel here and depart for Sydney first thing in the morning.
And the good news is that Catherine won’t be buying a bus ticket home!

On Sunday, 1st April 1770, Captain Cook left New Zealand in search of the great southern land. Dutch explorers had already discovered parts of New Holland, including Van Diemans Land, but the east coast was still a mystery. Cook planned to start where Tasman left Van Diemans. Storms, however, prevented him sailing that for south.
On 19 April 1770 they sighted land and named it Point Hicks because Lieutenant Hicks was the first to see it. From there Cook began his great exploration of the east coast of Australia.
Now, almost 247 years later, we are on our own journey following the wake of Cook’s ship  Endeavour. Having crossed Bass Strait, this afternoon we joined the same coastline Cook explored all those years ago.

We went among the Bass Strait oil and gas platforms last night. As we left the “oil patch” the sun rose to a calm Bass Strait. Very light breeze, gentle swell about 1m. Much better conditions so we are progressing faster.

The sun will be down soon so time to get dinner ready. Tonight we’re in for a treat: lasagne!

Slow progress for much of today, heading straight onto the wind and waves. The weather was much better in the afternoon and with flatter seas and fair winds. Even so, it will be another 24 hours or so to reach Gabo Island and turn up the east coast.
Looks like it will be a clear night filled with beautiful stars.

Almost at The Prom! A good milestone after 24 hours. Seas 1-2m but closer together so boat is pitching around a bit.
Nobody seasick, all well and rested.
Plenty of dolphins. They glowed in the water, beautiful phosphorescence!

We’ve settled into our watches and in sync with the rhythm of the sea. The sun will set soon so we’re getting ready for our first night at sea. Dinner is in the oven: chicken casserole with rice. Delicious!
There’s a chill in the air so those on deck are rugging up. All crew happy and well.
Should be at The Prom by sunrise.
Not sure how much longer we will have mobile reception so, until then, “Débonnaire out”.