I collected the family from the beach by dinghy and brought everyone out to Malua. Theo had remembered his lessons from the previous year. After a short discussion, the adults agreed that he could take the dinghy out alone. The first burst of throttle surprised him, then he slowed down and returned alongside with care.
Ruby had another turn at the dinghy too. I stayed close because she could not yet restart the outboard by herself. After dinner and a night aboard, Nicola and Ruby went home while Dean, Theo and I prepared to head north.
Out of Jervis Bay
Theo took the wheel as we went past Point Perpendicular. The confused water at the heads took some getting used to, but farther north the sea settled. There was little wind, so we motored towards Wollongong. A pod of dolphins came to ride Malua’s bow wave, and Theo and Dean hurried forward to watch them.
Wollongong and home
We initially picked up a mooring within a triathlon swim course, then moved alongside before the event. From Malua I had a close view of a full day of swimming, cycling and running around the harbour. The family joined me for dinner, and I set off for Bermagui the next day. Unlike some earlier southbound passages, this one was calm and straightforward.
