Gypsy Cruising

29 June 

Curlew Island to Mackay Harbour

Our original plan was to visit Digby Island for the final night of this leg, before heading into Mackay Harbour.  However the cruise books suggested Digby might be an even less comfortable anchorage than Curlew, and there were no other viable locations between us and Mackay (I briefly considered a mainland anchorage but chose against it because of adverse tides and lack of navigation aids).  So, Mackay became our destination, a night early.  

The passage gave us a delightful 45 mile downwind sail under spinnaker and perfect skies.  Passing Hay Point, a little south of Mackay, we sailed through over 35 huge ships at anchor, waiting their turn to enter one of the largest coal ports in the world.  Other than several radio chats with Hay Point traffic control, warning us of shipping movements, the day was lovely and uneventful.  We reached Mackay Harbour at around 4pm.  Four other Club boats are already here: Nirvana’s Kitchen, Galadriel, Kailani and Mix'd Nutz.  Most have been here for several weeks. 

A lovely smooth, fast sail with spinnaker

Traversing a field of bulk carriers waiting off Hay Point

We spent our final night at the Breakwater bar and restaurant overlooking Mackay Marina, having a great closing dinner.  Spencer will fly home tomorrow morning.  He's sailed the full length of the Curtis Coast, covering a distance of around 365 miles.  

And so the first leg of this cruise comes to an end.  Looking back, we’ve had a truly wonderful two weeks, visiting amazing places and having experiences quite out of the ordinary.  With any form of travel one's experience is heavily affected by our travelling companions.  Spencer has been a great shipmate and has contributed mightily to my own enjoyment of this cruise.