Gypsy Cruising

7 October

Mooloolaba to Southport

At dinner last night, Leon suggested that Alan sail with me to Southport.  Sailing solo, I hadn’t considered doing the 88 mile trip outside Moreton Island, simply because of the distance and long day involved.  However, he was happy to come along and going two up made the whole idea very attractive, particularly since the forecast 20+ knot northerly winds would make for a fast trip.

We left the marina at 5.30, another early start for another long day.  For the first time I rounded Cape Moreton in daylight, and decided it’s not as bad as I’d imagined on my previous night time transits.  The passage down the coast was fast.  With winds up to about 23 knots from the north east and a current that helped with at least a knot all day, we averaged 8.5 knots with the headsail poled out, and made the Southport Seaway by 4pm.  I owe both Alan and Leon my thanks for helping me get to Southport so much earlier than expected.

This will be my last post for a while.  I’m flying home to Sydney this week and will be back at work next Monday.  The boat will stay here in Southport for a few more weeks until weather conditions make it attractive for a quick delivery down the NSW coast.  I'll spend a couple of days here tidying the boat up and preparing myself for the transition back to a different, new life.  

By a remarkable coincidence, Gypsy Princess is berthed next to another Catalina 400, hull number 236 – Pole Dancer.  They make a great looking pair.

Gypsy Princess and her sister yacht, Pole Dancer, in Southport together

My adventure is all but ended.  I’ll write a proper ending to this blog when the Gypsy is safely back in her own pen at the Alfreds, hopefully next month.  Until then, safe travels.