Jim G and I left Bermagui with full diesel and water tanks and meals prepared in the freezer. We stayed close to the coast where the counter-current could help us north. Near Jervis Bay the north-westerly rose above 35 knots, but the sea remained relatively flat. When a northerly blocked the run past Sydney, we took a mooring in Quarantine Bay and had a proper night’s sleep.
The following day we resumed northwards. Wind came and went, the moon kept us company overnight, and conditions near Smoky Cape turned uncomfortable. We stopped at Coffs Harbour for fuel, then continued to the Gold Coast Seaway. Jim left at Runaway Bay to fly home.
Wide Bay Bar to Bundaberg
I sailed on to Double Island Point and timed the Wide Bay Bar crossing for the top of the tide. After crossing, I picked my way past the shallows near Sheridan Flats, stopped at Urangan for fuel and food, and continued to Bundaberg. The voyage north from Bermagui had taken 17 days including stops.