SAILING TRIP FROM VANUATU TO CAIRNS, HAMILTON ISLAND, WHITSUNDAYS AND SYDNEY

The weather forecast for our 1.300-mile sailing trip from Vanuatu to Cairns was favorable. 25 to 30 knots of SE breeze for the duration of the entire journey was good news and so we departed on Monday, the 15.7.13 at 11.00. Indeed apart from one day when the wind was light and from a NE direction we could sail a straight course. Exhilarating sailing at high speed again surfing down the huge seas occasionally up to 20 knots of speed in gusts up to 40 knots of wind made for a fast voyage. We completed the 1.323 nautical miles journey in 5 days and three hours.

Sailing fast downwind from Vanuatu to Cairns

Surfing down the waves

With reefed sails heading for Cairns

Big seas in 30 Knots of wind

Big waves and wind from 140 degrees apparent, at times surfing at speed of 20 Knots

Upon our arrival at low tide we got stuck in the soft mud at the entrance of the harbour although the Marina had previously advised there would be no problem with our four 4 m draft. Luckily we got free a little while later with a bit of effort. Holger and Alexander were booked to arrive at Hamilton Island on the 25th July, which would not leave us much time to carry out cleaning as well as shopping for provisions, etc. I did however do a very nice trip by tourist bus to Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns. It’s a very beautiful subtropical scenery but rather touristic. On the way back the bus stopped at a snake and crocodile farm and I watched the shows.

Beautiful Beach at Port Douglas

Crocodile feeding at Port Douglas

He got the Bite

He missed it

Near Miss

We left Cairns for Hamilton Island on 22.7.13 at 17.30 and arrived 24.7.13 at 10.30. The last night and the morning before our arrival it blew up to 50 knots, which was uncomfortable however we could duck away in Lee of the Islands and soon we were heading for a buoy opposite the Marina. The Marina is not really suited for our size of boat, too small and insufficient draft. After Holger and Alexander arrived the next day we sailed around the Whitsunday Islands and anchored at all the beautiful beaches, fishing from the yacht and the dinghy. Although the boys were trying long hours we were not as lucky as we were used to in Mediterranean and the Caribbean. The three of us had a great and relaxing family reunion for ten days and we vouched to do this at least once a year.

With Koala Bear

Helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef

Fishermen tender

Sailing and fishing

Office work during holiday

Enjoying sailing

Relaxing on aft deck during sail

Coming back from a fishing trip

Alexander teaching me fishing knots

Father and son being lazy

Father and son relaxing

On the 570 m high Whitsunday peak

Whitsunday Anchor place

On the 10.8.2013 late afternoon we departed from Hamilton Island and commenced our final leg of 1.060 miles to Sydney. We were aware that historically this trip on 8 of 10 times would be very rough with strong headwinds against current which creates confused seas resulting in slow progress. However we were very lucky again. The wind blew either from astern or with weak force only. In four days and seven hours we arrived on the 14th of August at one o' clock in the morning at Sydney. What an arrival in the moonlight in one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. We anchored right in front of the famous opera house and the Bridge.

Anchoring right in front of the opera house and bridge in Sydney

Bondi Beach Sydney

Since I took delivery of Zefiro in Cape Town exactly four years ago I have sailed 43.000 miles and I am more impressed all the time about the incredible performance of the Yacht.

Sunrise one day before Sydney

We stayed one more night at the anchor and then shifted to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Marina, the club organizing the grueling Sydney to Hobart Race which takes place every year and commences on Boxing day, the 26th December. To participate in this race has been one of my Top aspirations on my " Bucket list" for many years and we have meanwhile registered for it. I still can't believe this dream will finally materialize.

The next six days after our arrival I was busy doing many excursions getting to know Sydney and I can confirm it is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There is no place with such a huge harbour in the middle of the city. A dream for any sailor. Jeri and I were also busy visiting various shipyards in order to choose where to haul out Zefiro for maintenance work such as new antifouling paint, drawing the rudder shaft, pulling the propeller shaft, change of shrouds from PBO to Carbon EC 6 from Southern Spars, etc.

On the 20.8.13 in the evening I departed with Emirates on a 14 hour direct flight to Dubai and thereafter to Cyprus.

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