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Published: January 19th 2008
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Day 260 (12.12.07)
Today we were set to board our very own sailing boat to tour the stunning islands of the Whitsundays. But before we could get there we had a frantic pack of our stuff and drive over to the marina. We needn't have rushed in the end as we got there with plenty of time to spare. As we checked in we were excitedly awaiting our very own mini Ellen Macarthur style adventure.
After the final formalities and picking up our very attractive stinger suits (full body lycra suits for sea swimming to minimise risk of marine stings) we walked through the marina and boarded our boat for the next two days. She was an ex-racing yacht called Hammer who had picked up some pretty good results in her racing years most notably having been placed on a number of occasions in the Sydney - Hobart Yacht Race. Since she'd been retired from racing the only alterations that had been made were to add a couple of additional beds.
Stowing our water and goon in the on board cool box and dumping our bags on our bunk we went up on deck to watch as we
left the harbour and to see Airlie Beach disappear as we motored around the headland. Unfortunately there was very little wind and the skipper decided to keep going for the time being with the engines to ensure we reached our main destination for the day, Whitehaven Beach. Even though we wern't sailing yet the scenery was stunning and we had the chance to get to know a couple more of our crew members over an early beer - the best way to do so we think!
Even though the wind was less than favourable we still raised the main sail. This is one of the jobs where us as the additional crew could muck in. Not wanting to miss out, and with a rather overwhelming feeling of apathy amongst our German and Dutch contingent, a team of 6 brits including both Haywards was assembled to raise the sail (this might be done by just one person in a race). This was HARD work. Starting with one of the ladies who pulled on the rope to raise the sail, another was added when things were becoming too heavy, and then another until the sail was raised half way up the
enormous mast. Then it was the turn of the fellas. Starting with one (which was very difficult) quickly more were added until once again three of us were working at full tilt to get the sail to the top. Eventually with it sitting in perfect position, we were aloud a rest and nursed our aching arms with another beer.
As we 'sailed' along, still being powered by the motor, we occasionally got hit by a gust of wind tipping the boat slightly over towards one side. This unfortunately caused the first fatality of the voyage with our sunscreen taking an early plunge off the side of the boat. Ooops.
Our plan for today was to 'sail' to the south of the Whitsunday islands to visit one of the most famed and photographed of Australia's beaches in the form of Whitehaven. As we arrived the Skipper (and his two crew) manouvered us into position and moored up before scuttling us to the beach in Hammer's inflatable dinghy.
We first took a walk through the forest up a hill to a viewing platform which gave us the most amazing view of the bay and Whitehaven Beach where we would
be going next. After soaking up the view and gettng some snaps, which could never really do the whole view justice, we walked back down the hill and along the boardwalk to the beach. As we walked out onto the beach it was fantastic - not another soul was there and it was the pristine white sands and turquoise water that you only ever expect to see on the TV - Stunning!
After zipping into our rather attractive stinger suits we went for a swim in the bay's clear water spotting a couple of what looked like little sharks and some sting rays in the shallows, as well as just taking in the views whilst floating around the bay. Very relaxing!
Back over to our pick up point and we were back on Hammer. With a little more breeze hitting the islands the skipper decided that there would be the chance to move on purely under wind power. Allowing another group of willing volunteers to raise the main sail we volunteerd ourselved to raise the smaller sail at the front (which was still hard work) we turned the engines off and gracefully floated through the water. So peaceful.
A truly 'stressfull' afternoon was spent sailing through the islands chatting and enjoying a cold glass of goon. Who said travelling was going to be hard work!
Mooring up for the night we had dinner, watched a beautiful sunset turn into an incredible starfilled sky and marvelled at the numerous shooting stars we spotted. We finished the evening off with a drinking version of poker before hitting our bunks not sure whether the room was swaying due to being on a boat or because we had drunk too much goon!
Day 261 (13.12.07)
We were up early as the boat had reached high temperatures in the morning sun, we had brekkie before moving around the bay we were soon pulled in to go for a snorkel. Once again finding our stinger suits we jumped into the water to find it full of small jelly fish which we were assured weren't dangerous(!) and what looked like clear tentacles. Other than the jellyfish and tentacle soup there was some amazing fish and it was great to get out and go for a swim.
Back on the boat we sailed around to another spot where half of the
group went for another snorkel. This time there were no jellyfish to contend with which made for a much more relaxing experience.
When we got back on Hammer the wind was really starting to pick up. Excitedly we once again got ready to set sail and pointed the boat in the rough direction of home. As we left the bay we realised that the wind was even stronger then we first thought and we were able to get some real speed up with the boat tilting right over, so much so that the bottoms of the hand rails were being dipped into the water - so exciting!
For the next couple of hours we were able to have a proper sail around the islands and get a real flavour of what it is like to sail a racing yacht. With home in sight we slowed up and Mark was able to have a go at the helm, whilst we let another of the big yachts catch up with us. When we were side by side both boats once again picked up speed and began racing toward home. With the Skipper at the helm it took both crew and
another 4 of us volunteers to man the grinders. It was great fun but we are dissapointed to say we ended up a close second.
Pulling into port we disembarked at around 4pm having had an amazing time.
Jumping back into Nora we had a quick stop at the supermarket to re stock up on sun screen before hitting the road. As we had a really short time on the east coast we were in a bit of a rush to fit in all we wanted to so our next stop was to make it Agnes Water for a surf lesson the following morning. This was about 600km away so we really had to get our skates on.
We were making steady progress down the coast until we hit a traffic jam in the middle of nowhere on the Bruce Highway. Getting out of the van we got chatting to the family in the car ahead of us where we learnt that there had been an accident and that cars had been waiting since 3pm that afternoon to get through. Luckily we weren't waiting that long before we could continue on our way.
Further down the
road we stopped to help an old couple who had run out of petrol. Not sure what we could do to help having no spare fuel we could give them, we offered to take his wife and friend (and dog!) to a friend's house 50km down the road to get help whilst he waited with the car.
Having done our good deed for the day and starting to flag having driven for 8 hours on and off, we pulled into a rest stop deciding to get some kip and start again early the next morning.
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charlotte Smith
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FITTIES!!
Loving the 'Stinger Suit' poses guys. Talk about working the fitness and Owning the fitness!! LOL!! Yeah! You rock my freakin world!! ;oD xxxx