We had an early start today to make the 30 mile leg to Gloucester Island. This will mark the northern most point I've ever previously sailed on a yacht, and obviously begins the segment of the cruise that will be, for me, entirely new. The weather forecast has predicted strong southerly winds, possibly in excess of 25 knots. We happen to have the tide going with us for most of the way which will mean the seas should be reasonably flat.
As we left Cid Harbour the winds were modest, and perhaps somewhat aggressively I chose to put all my sail up. Once we got into the Whitsunday Passage proper, the forecast strong winds rather predictably appeared. I had to stay on the wheel to keep the boat tracking downwind and so gave Celeste instructions from there as to how to put two reefs in the main. This was her first experience at reefing sails, but everything went remarkably well. The boat calmed down and we rode 25-30 knot winds for the next few hours in relative ease, and speed.
Our target was the narrow passage between Gloucester Island and the mainland. It proved to be an extremely good anchorage, being protected from any significant wave activity by shoaling sand and coral. The last 90 minutes of the trip quietened down and we ended up dropping the anchor in almost no breeze at all. Several other Alfreds cruising boats had arrived there days before us and were in a more recognised anchorage. They ended up paying a price for that since they were exposed far more than us to a significant swell.
Gloucester Passage also boasts two mini resorts, Monte's and the Gloucester Eco Resort. Both are on the beach, within a few hundred meters of each other and each has a small bar and informal restaurant. Monty's was closed for several days for the wedding of its owner's daughter. The Gloucester Resort therefore provided a very pleasant base for us.
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| Gypsy Princess with the impressive backdrop of Gloucester Island |
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