AHOY! Sailing Australia & The South Pacific - August 2022

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Sailing To Australia

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"IT'S FREE TO ENJOY AHOY!"

AUGUST 2022

BECOME A DOWN UNDER RALLY MEMBER TO RECEIVE...

Discounts & Special Offers all year round on a wide range of marine-related products & services from participating rally partner businesses & sponsors.

Unlimited Access to our Offshore Cruising Preparation Course. Watch the course content as often as you like for as long as you are a member.

Access to our Members Only Portal. This is where we share articles and stories that we believe to be both of interest and use to anyone that owns a cruising yacht.

Down Under Rally Burgee.

e-Help. Contact us via email, telephone or even via video conferencing as often as you like for advice on anything related to your vessel, your cruising plans and goals. Plus assistance and support when cruising in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.

Priority Rally Registrations.

Our rallies have a maximum number of participants. DUR Members will get advance notification of rally registration opportunities to help avoid disappointment.

Discounts on all Down Under Rally Registration Fees.

Access to our Members Only Facebook Group. Being a member of this group provides you with the opportunity to interact with other Down Under Rally Members, many of whom will have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share about all things sailing & cruising!

Full Membership $125.00 AUD Per Year downunderrally.com/membership

Inside Ahoy AUGUST 2022

SAILING TO AUSTRALIA SPECIAL FEATURE VANUATU OPENS TO YACHTS CRUISING NEW CALEDONIA -THE GREAT SOUTHERN LAGOON BACK FROM BEYOND (AGAIN) CRUISING QUEENSLAND- THE MACKAY COAST WE HOPE YOU ENJOY AHOY!"

AHOY is published by: Down Under Rally Pty Ltd Contact John Hembrow - Director Website: downunderrally.com Email: admin@downunderrally.com ©Copyright 2022 Down Under Rally Pty Ltd Ahoy Newsletter is published monthly and distributed electronically via the world wide web. Original editorial content & advertisements in this newsletter are copyright and the exclusive property of Down Under Rally Pty Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the Down Under Rally Pty Ltd. The comments and views in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Down Under Rally Pty Ltd.

CRUISING YACHT MARINE INSURANCE

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As your Insurance Broker, I work for you, not the Insurers. Utilising my 25 years of Marine Underwriting experience in Boat Insurance, I’ll take the hard work out of getting the right cover for you, arrange the policy and manage the administration of any claims if and when you need to claim.

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At PredictWind, your safety is our priority!

In addition to accurate forecasts, you can now access AIS vessel position reports worldwide – that’s 280,000 vessels displayed at any one time!

We’ve sourced this AIS data through our partner SPIRE; a market leader in satellite AIS vessel position data.

Now you can literally see any vessel in the world transmitting their position via VHF on the AIS system.

Watch to learn more about AIS Data on Predictwind

View highly congested commercial traffic routes and fishing fleets or simply find your friend’s boat that is transmitting its position via AIS.

We now have a special page in the PredictWind App / Website under Tools called "AIS Data". This page contains all the vessels that come from the SPIRE AIS data.

Whilst offshore, you can download all AlS vessel positions within a 300 NM radius of your boat using the PredictWind Offshore App. This will give you a clear indication of the traffic you are likely to experience in the next 24 hours. Is it going to be a busy night for traffic? What vessels should I be looking for?

Fishing trawlers, Oil tankers, or just other cruising boats? This feature is available as part of the Professional Subscription.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREDICTWIND AIS VESSEL DATA AT predictwind.com/news/ais-vessel-data/

Sailing To Australia From The SW Pacific

©Down Under Rally 2022

Why Australia?

From a cruiser’s perspective, apart from the fact that it is warm, the best part about cruising the east coast of Australia is that you can say goodbye to overnight passages for a while!

Farm Cove Anchorage Sydney Harbour

For the most part, when cruising the east coast between Sydney and Cairns, it is possible to sail by day and stop over each night at various marinas, yacht clubs or sheltered, secure anchorages. When cruising the Queensland Coast, there are just 4 bar crossings, all of which can be avoided if conditions are not favourable by choosing an alternate route or destination.

Most of all, be prepared to be surprised by how much there is to see and do ‘down under,’ so much so that many cruisers rally decide to stay for an extra season, which is no problem as visiting yachts can remain in Australia for up to 3 years without having to be imported.

Lizard Island Southern Lagoon Anchorage Far North Queensland

"To sail halfway around the world without spending time cruising the east coast of Australia would be a travesty."

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©Down Under Rally 2022

The Passage To Australia

Given that the predominant wind direction for those coming from the east is from the SE / E, downwind conditions can be expected on the voyage to Australia. However, should the forecast not live up to expectations, it is important to understand that Australia is a huge target with many ports of entry, so one can simply change direction and choose a port of entry that offers a more comfortable point of sail. Choosing a southern Queensland port of entry such as Bundaberg reduces the chances of encountering an east coast low or, as they are sometimes called, a 'Southerly Buster'. These weather events are not uncommon when approaching the NSW coast.

When we look at the latitude of Bundaberg in Queensland, for example, it stands to reason that one is much less likely to encounter weather as severe as what can be expected when sailing in considerably higher latitudes. In our experience and that of the majority who have made the passage from New Caledonia or Vanuatu to Australia, it is typically a reach or a run, especially if a port in South East Queensland is chosen, such as the Port of Bundaberg.

AUSTRALIAN EAST COAST PORTS OF ENTRY CENTRAL & SOUTHERN

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©Down Under Rally 2022

Clearing Into Australia

The overwhelming majority of yachts that have arrived in Australia in recent times have reported that The Australian Border Force (Customs & Immigration) and the Department of Agriculture & Water Resources (Quarantine) were very efficient, pleasant and easy to deal with.

In fact, many have said that they found clearing into Australia as part of the Down Under Rally easier and more convenient than many other countries they had visited.

Many have shared their experiences HERE

Arrival Fees

The Australian Border Force does not charge a fee for inspecting and providing clearance into Australia for recreational vessels under 25m LOA. The only department that charges a fee is the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. This fee is a fee for service, and as such, it is not a set amount meaning that the fee charged can vary from vessel to vessel.

The fee for the initial pratique & timber inspection is calculated as follows: $120.00 flat fee per vessel. $50.00 per 15 minutes spent onboard the vessels by the officer carrying out the inspection. $30.00 per 15mintues spent in the office by the officer completing the documentation related to the inspection and issuing the clearance certificate.

The average cost (per vessel) for the pratique & initial timber inspection of vessels that have participated in the Go West Rally and arrived in Bundaberg has been AUD 448.00. However, some vessels have reported being charged over AUD 700.00.

In the majority of cases, vessel preparation plays a vital role in the amount of the fee charged.

Fee-Free Entry The Down Under Rally understand that not knowing how much it might cost to enter the country is a significant concern for many international yachts. For this reason, the Down Under Rally has partnered with the Bundaberg Port Marina, which has made it possible for those yachts who join the Go West Rally to no longer have to worry about how much the fee will be.

The Down Under Rally pays the cost of the initial biosecurity pratique and timber inspection for all vessels who join the Go West Rally as part of the rally entry fee*.

PLEASE NOTE: *Overtime charges apply for clearance outside normal working hours, and these fees are not included in the rally entry fee.

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©Down Under Rally 2022

Cruising Permits (Control Permits) For Yachts Visiting Australia When you arrive in Australia, there are a number of clearance options depending on when you intend to leave.

If you intend to leave within twelve months, you may be granted a Control Permit, asked to provide a security for temporary importation or to formally import the craft.

A Control Permit will be issued to the Master of the craft if the ABF are satisfied the craft is transiting Australia for noncommercial purposes. Control Permits may be issued for a period of 12 months or the length of the Master's visa, whichever is less. Extension of the initial control permit may be granted on application for up to two years, provided that you meet eligibility requirements and have an appropriate visa. The maximum period of time the vessel will be permitted to remain in Australia before it will be required to be imported is three years.

A person eligible to apply for a Control Permit must be a tourist or a temporary resident of Australia. Australian citizens are not eligible for a Control Permit unless they have overseas residency. Satisfactory evidence of overseas residency is required.

If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia or migrating to Australia on a craft purchased outside Australia, importation of the craft is required. Customs duty and tax are payable on any craft imported into Australia upon its arrival.

See the following page of the Australian Border Force Website for more information: www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea/yachts-and-pleasure-craft

AUSTRALIAN VESSELS Returning to Australia.

If your vessel has departed from Australia, it is likely that you will be required to re-import your vessel when you return to Australia despite having not exported the vessel when you departed.

You can clarify this yourself with the Australian Border Force by emailing the Bundaberg Office of the ABF using the following email address. bundaberg@abf.gov.au.

If the vessel was tax paid when it left Australia, you should not have to pay import duty or GST again; however, only the ABF can confirm this.

If the ABF confirms this is the case, they will likely inform you that you will need to complete some paperwork on arrival to re-import the vessel and that they strongly recommend you employ a customs agent to assist with the completion and lodgement of the associated paperwork.

The Down Under Rally has a long-standing relationship with DAZMAC, who are customs brokers. The Down Under Rally recommends contacting DAZMAC to get a quote from them to act as your agent should you be required to import or re-import a vessel.

You can make an obligation-free enquiry with Dazmac via the following page of the Down Under Rally website: www.downunderrally.com/agents.

Discounts for Down Under Rally Members.

Marine Trades & Services There are many choices when it comes to finding marinas and shipyards, all of which are serviced by various providers of marine-related products and services.

The Down Under Rally understands the needs of visiting yachts and has formed strategic partnerships with key providers of marine-related trades and services, many of whom offer discounted services to Down Under Rally members.

To see some examples of the wide range of products and services offered by our Down Under Rally Partner Businesses, visit: downunderrally.com/rally-partners-sponsors

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©Down Under Rally 2022

RETURNING TO THE PACIFIC Down Under Rally Organisers Vessel Track. Australia To Fiji Return 2019

Most of us who have crossed the pacific realise that there is no way to see it all in one season, which leaves us with the dilemma of what to do if we would like to spend more time in the SW Pacific?

Some of you reading this information have probably read or heard the statement: “Unfortunately, one of the things that help make Australia an easy destination to sail to, the SE to East prevailing wind, also makes it a difficult place for cruisers to get back into the Pacific from”

This statement is no more accurate than when the same people also say: "Getting back to the tropics from New Zealand for the next cruising season is EASY”

The voyage from Australia to New Caledonia, Vanuatu & even onward to Fiji is one that, in recent years, many yachts have made as an annual pilgrimage; in fact, The Down Under Rally organisers made the voyage from Australia to Fiji via New Caledonia each year for five years consecutive years aboard their Catamaran ‘Songlines’.

In addition, over the past few years, the Down Under Rally has assisted more than 200 Australia cruising yachts to successfully make the voyage from Australia to New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

It just requires some careful planning & patience.

2019 Go East Rally Fleet Ilot Maitre New Caledonia

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©Down Under Rally 2022

GO WEST RALLY TO AUSTRALIA Organised by the Down Under Rally, the Go West Rally is open to all vessels departing from ports in the SW Pacific, with Australia being their destination.

NOT A RALLY PERSON? NO WORRIES! Do everything, do some of it, sail in company or sail alone, it is up to you! No matter your level of involvement, you can still get the benefits and savings associated with being part of the rally.

YOU CHOOSE WHERE YOU DEPART FROM! The Go West Rally is open to all vessels departing from ports in the SW Pacific, with Australia being their destination. Participants are free to depart for Australia from New Caledonia, Vanuatu or any other port in the SW Pacific.

YOU CHOOSE WHEN YOU ARRIVE! The Go West Rally is a destination rally meaning that we do not sail to a schedule; there is no set departure date. Participants are free to arrive in Bundaberg, Australia anytime between August 1st & November 15th 2022 STRESS FREE AUSTRALIAN ENTRY! All Go West Rally participants receive our comprehensive guides covering every aspect of sailing to & arriving in Australia. We also work closely with rally participants, The Australian Border Force & Biosecurity to ensure that all rally participants are fully informed of what is required before they depart for Australia and what to expect upon arrival.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE! We are Australians, and we actively cruise in Australia.

Access to a local is always a great advantage when arriving at a new location. We are available to our rally participants for the entire time you are in Australia.

GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY! The Go West Rally entry fee is just AUD 150.00 more than the average cost of the fee charged for the initial biosecurity pratique & timber inspection, which makes joining the rally a pretty easy decision given all the extra benefits we provide! Over 200 international vessels have joined the Go West rally. Many have written to us to say how happy they are that they joined the rally, how impressed they were with the organisation and communication and how astonished they were by what they received for their money! For full details of what is included in the Go West Rally entry fee, visit: downunderrally.com/westrally-feebenefits SAVE $$$$ WITH MEMBERS ONLY DISCOUNTS The Down Under Rally has a network of trusted partner businesses, the majority of whom offer Down Under Rally Members discounts and deals on everything from Antifoul to Zincs, including marinas fees and hardstand fees. These discounts are available all year round, not just when you arrive.

2019 Go West Rally Participants

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SAILING TO AUSTRALIA

©Down Under Rally 2022

JOIN THE GO WEST RALLY TO AUSTRALIA REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! RALLY ENTRY FEE $595.00 (AUD) AND INCLUDES: 1 Year Down Under Rally Membership valued at $125.00. Down Under Rally Membership provides access to discounts and offers from our network of rally partner businesses in Australia including Bundaberg Port Marina who offer our members the following: 15% discount on the first 15 days of berthing at Bundaberg Port Marina.

Pay for five days on the hardstand and receive two days extra free of charge Pay for two weeks on the hardstand and receive an additional three days free.

Pay for three months of dry storage and receive a 10% discount Payment of biosecurity fees*. The Down Under Rally will pay the fees associated with the Department of Agriculture's initial biosecurity pratique & timber inspection for all vessels who join the Go West Rally. In recent years the average cost of this fee for small craft arrival in Bundaberg Australia has been $448.00, with some vessels being charged as little as $330.00 and others over $700.00! (*conditions apply) Support, advice and accurate information from the rally organisers about sailing to, arriving in and visiting Australia.

Down Under Rally COMPREHENSIVE Guide to Entering Australia by yacht including passage planning information from New Caledonia & Vanuatu to Bundaberg, destination waypoints and much more.

Down Under Rally COMPREHENSIVE Guide to Australian Customs and Biosecurity with instructions on preparing the vessel and crew for customs and biosecurity inspections & visa requirements.

Free to attend Welcome Week events in Bundaberg, including, Cruising the East Coast of Australia presentations, fully catered functions (some food & drinks included), fun social activities and much more.

The chance to WIN PRIZES, including FREE HAUL OUTS!

TO LEARN MORE & REGISTER AS A PARTICIPANT VISIT downunderrally.com/go-west-rally

WELCOME WEEK DOWN UNDER A FUN & INFORMATIVE INTRODUCTION TO AUSTRALIA! Go West Rally participants are invited to attend the Down Under Rally Welcome Week in Bundaberg.

The Welcome Week activities below are a mix of informative presentations, fun social events and relaxed gettogethers and are included in the Go West Rally Entry Fee.

FREE SERVICES & SOCIAL EVENTS Free daily shuttle bus to local shops & the city Welcome to Country Cocktail Party.

Fun Social Events Beer & Prawn Party (free beer & prawns for all) Cruisers Cove Hootenanny /Jam sessions Pot Luck Dinners & BBQs Free Yoga Classes by Yoga4Yachties Done & Dusted Party

FREE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE SEMINARS Surviving Down Under VHF Channels & Weather Land Cruising Down Under Presentation East Coast Cruising Presentations x 4 1. Bundaberg to Gold Coast 2. Gold Coast to Sydney 3. Bundaberg to Cairns and Beyond 4. Sydney to Tasmania

Tours to local attractions* In addition, there will be the opportunity to join tours and visit local attractions, including Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Snakes Down Under Reptile Park & Zoo, Wineries, and Boutique Breweries. (not included in rally entry fee*)

Meeting The Locals Snakes Down Under Reptile Park & Zoo

For More Welcome Week information visit: downunderrally.com/welcome-week 9 SAILING TO AUSTRALIA

©Down Under Rally 2022

2022 WELCOME WEEK EVENT CALENDAR Please note that all events are subject to change at the discretion of the Down Under Rally organisers.

Wednesday, 9th November 8.00am - 9.00am - Yoga4Yachties:

Friday, 11th November 8.00am - 9.00am -Yoga4Yachties

WHERE: Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove

WHERE: Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove

•All Welcome - Beginners through to Experienced Yogi’s • FREE to attend for the captain and first mate of each vessel that is a Registered Rally Participant. $10.00pp for everyone else.

• Join Leanne for a Blissology-Inspired Vinyasa Flow • All Welcome - Beginners through to Experienced Yogi’s • FREE to attend for the captain and first mate of each vessel that is registered rally participant. $10.00pp for everyone else.

11.00am - 1.00pm Event Registration:

WHERE: Bundaberg Port Marina Cruisers Cove Register to attend Welcome Week Events.

10.30am - 12.30pm East Coast Cruising: Tweed Heads to Sydney

6.00pm - 10.00pm Welcome Cocktail Party

WHERE:Lighthouse Hotel

WHERE: Baltimore Restaurant Bundaberg Port Marina

(Free to attend for all. FREE Return Shuttle Bus Service) Join us for an informative and detailed presentation on sailing route options and stopovers for the passage from Tweed Heads to Sydney.

MAJOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY EVENT: All rally participants who attend this presentation will go into the draw to win a major prize!

6:00 pm: Welcome to Country Ceremony 6:30pm - 10:00pm: Live Music. Complimentary Canapes served throughout the evening. *MAJOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY EVENT: All Rally Participants who attend this presentation will go into the draw to win a major prize. *The Welcome Down Under Cocktail Party is FREE to attend for the Captain & First Mate of each vessel that is a Registered Rally Participant. *Crew members & all others are welcome to attend. The ticket price is $30.00 pp

Thursday, 10th November 12.30pm - 2.30pm Surviving Down Under/VHF & Weather WHERE: Lighthouse Hotel (Free to attend for all. FREE Return Shuttle Bus Service) Surviving Down Under: A light-hearted presentation about the Aussie culture & way of life to help you understand us Aussies & make your time Down Under more enjoyable.

VHF Channels & Weather Down Under: What VHF Channel to monitor and use. Understanding the forecast areas - how, where and when to get forecasts. East Coast weather - what to watch out for!

East Coast Cruising Intro: A brief introduction to cruising the East Coast of Australia

1.30pm - 3.00pm East Coast Cruising: Sydney to Tasmania WHERE: Lighthouse Hotel (Free to attend for all. FREE Return Shuttle Bus Service) Join us for an informative and detailed presentation on sailing route options and stopovers for the passage from Sydney to Tasmania.

6.00pm - 9.00pm Bundy BBQ & Hootenanny / Jam Session WHERE: Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Bundaberg Port Marina will supply the meat!

BYO sides (maybe a salad or dessert to share). BYO plates/cutlery etc.)

7.00pm - 9.00pm or whenever: Bring your instruments and vocal cords to join in for a jam session with your fellow cruisers and maybe a few locals.

3.00pm - 5.00pm East Coast Cruising Bundaberg to Southport An informative and detailed presentation on sailing route options and stopovers for the passage from Bundaberg to Southport. *MAJOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY EVENT: All rally participants who attend this presentation will go into the draw to win a major prize!

5.00pm - 8.00pm - Sundowners & Schnitty WHERE: Lighthouse Hotel 5.00pm - 6.00pm: Sundowners at the Lighthouse Bar. Have a drink or two with other rally participants and maybe meet a few of the local characters.

6.00 pm - 8.00 pm: Enjoy a classic Aussie Chicken Schintty with chips & salad for just $14.90 ( add an extra topping for $3.00) *Drinks and meals are at your own expense.

*THE LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL OFFERS A FREE COURTESY BUS SERVICE FOR TRANSFERS TO & FROM THE MARINA. ASK THE DOWN UNDER RALLY ORGANISERS FOR MORE INFO

2022 WELCOME WEEK EVENT CALENDAR 1.00pm - 3.00pm Please note that all events are subject to change at the discretion of the Down Under Rally organisers.

Saturday, 12 th November 3:00pm - 5:00pm Barefoot Bowls WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina (Free to attend for all) Barefoot bowls is an Australian spin on the traditional game of lawn bowls and a great way to spend an afternoon with some mates and enjoy a little friendly competition and a few laughs. BYO Drinks.

5:00pm - 7:00pm Beers 'n' Prawns WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove

A tub of freshly cooked prawns, a couple of beers or a glass of wine will be waiting for the Captain and First Mate from each boat registered for the rally. (Compliments of the Down Under Rally and Bundaberg Port Marina). Make a meal of it and bring along a salad, side dish or dessert?

7:00pm - 9:00pm Outdoor Movie Night - ‘The Castle’ WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina Cruisers Cove.

(Free to attend for all) The Castle is up there with ‘Crocodile Dundee’ as one of the all-time favourite Aussie movies. When you are cruising, sooner or later, someone will ask if you have seen ‘Captain Ron’? Well, when you are in Australia, sooner or later someone will ask have you seen ‘The Castle.’

BYO, comfy chair, popcorn and beverages! (Weather Permitting)

Monday, 14th November 1:00pm -3:00pm East Coast Cruising Bundaberg to Cairns & Beyond WHERE:Lighthouse Hotel (Free to attend for all. Join us for an informative and detailed presentation on the sailing route options and stopovers for the passage from Bundaberg to far north Queensland.

MAJOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY EVENT: All rally participants who attend this presentation will go into the draw to win a major prize!

3:30pm-5:00pm Land Cruising Down Under Presentation WHERE:Lighthouse Hotel (Free to attend for all. FREE Return Shuttle Bus Service) If you plan to do some ‘Land Cruising’ during your time in Australia, you will find this presentation interesting. We look at each of the states & territories, the different attractions they offer and what time of the year is best to travel there.

MAJOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY EVENT: All rally participants who attend this presentation will go into the draw to win a major prize!

Sunday, 13th November

5.00pm - 8:00pm Dinner at the Pub - Chefs Selections.

WHERE:Lighthouse Hotel

8:00am - 9:00am Yoga4Yachties: WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove

5:00pm - 6:00pm: Sundowners at the Lighthouse Bar 6.00 pm - 8:00 pm: Great Deals on Chefs Selections at the Lighthouse Bistro *Drinks and meals are at your own expense.

Join Leanne for a Blissology-Inspired Vinyasa Flow All Welcome - Beginners through to Experienced Yogi’s FREE to attend for the captain and first mate of each registered rally participant vessel. $10.00pp for everyone else.

1:00pm -3:00pm Charity Swap Meet: WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove Bring all the boat bits you no longer want aboard your boat and display them for others to see, and perhaps offer to swap something for them. At 3.00 pm, you can either take what you have not been able to swap or sell back to the boat, or you can donate it to the VRM, who will auction it off at a future fundraising event. Clothing and other items can also be displayed and donated.

(If you would like to volunteer to help organise this event that would be appreciated)

6:00pm 7:00pm Pizza Night WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove Place your Pizza Order at Baltimore Restaurant by 3:00 pm. Pick up your Pizza between 6:00 & 6:30 and get together at cruisers cove. Maybe a salad or dessert to share. BYO plates/cutlery etc. *Pizzas are at your own expense.

7:00pm 9:30pm: Take 2 - Hootenanny / Jam Session WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove Bring your instruments and your vocal cords and join in for another jam * session with your fellow cruisers and hopefully a few of the locals as well.

Tuesday, 15 th November 8:00am - 9:00am Yoga4Yachties: WHERE? Bundaberg Port Marina - Cruisers Cove Join Leanne for a Blissology Inspired Vinyasa Flow All Welcome - Beginners through to Experienced Yogi’s FREE to attend for the captain and first mate of each vessel that is a registered rally participant. $10.00pp for everyone else.

6:00pm - Late ‘Done & Dusted’ Party 6.00pm - 7:00pm: Complimentary Welcome Drink & Canapes (Tap Beer or House Wine) 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm: Bistro opens for those who wish to purchase meals.

8.00 pm - Late: Party on & dance the night away with the live music.

MAJOR PRIZE GIVEAWAY EVENT: All rally participants who attend this presentation will go into the draw to win a major prize!

The ‘Done & Dusted’ Party is FREE to attend for the Captain & First Mate of each vessel that is registered as a Go West Rally Participant. *Crew members & all others are welcome to attend. The ticket price is $30.00 pp

BUSES TO BUNDABERG CITY

2022 WELCOME WEEK EVENT CALENDAR FREE TWICE DAILY COURTESY BUS SERVICE

MONDAY- FRIDAY 1st November - 15th November (Compliments of Bundaberg Port Marina)

DEPARTS BUNDABERG PORT MARINA FOR BUNDABERG CITY - TWICE DAILY 9.30am & 11.30am RETURN SERVICE FROM BUNDABERG CITY TO THE MARINA 12.00 noon.

SUNDAY MARKET MARINA COURTESY BUS Departs Marina at 8.30 am Departs Market for Marina at 11.00 am PLEASE NOTE: Limited numbers. See the signup sheet in the laundry to reserve your seat on the bus.

Those catching the 11.30 am bus from the marina must make their own arrangements for the return trip back to the marina.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS - MONDAY TO SATURDAY The bus stop is at the marina. Services run frequently.

The Down Under Rally would like to acknowledge the support of our Platinum Rally Partners below.

Without their support, The Go West Rally would not be possible.

GO WEST WITH THE DOWN UNDER RALLY TO WIN TOTAL PRIZE POOL VALUED AT OVER $5000.00 Here a just a few of the prizes that you could win if you join the Down Under ‘Go West’ Rally!*

2 x VOUCHERS FREE LIFT + FREE WATERBLAST

valued at $700 EACH • Conditions Apply • Subject to Availability • Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

FREE LIFT + WATERBLAST + 5 DAYS FREE HARDSTAND valued at $1100 • Conditions Apply • Subject to Availability • Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

2 x VOUCHERS

PREDICTWIND

HARDSTAND CREDIT

12 MONTHS PRO SUBSCRIPTION

valued at $500 EACH • Conditions Apply • Subject to Availability • Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

WIN ONE OF 5 CRUISING QUEENSLAND GUIDES

TOTAL VALUE $450 • Conditions Apply • Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

valued at $499 • Conditions Apply • Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

CHANDLERY VOUCHER VALUED AT $250 • Conditions Apply • Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

PLUS MANY MORE MINOR PRIZES *2002 Go West Rally Participant Only *Participants must be present during the 2022 Down Under Rally Welcome Week Cruising The East Coat of Australia Seminars in to be included in the prize draws. *Maximum of One Major Prize per vessel

https://passageguardian.nz

As a Platinum Sponsor of Passage Guardian The Down Under Rally is helping to ensure this invaluable service is availble free of charge to the sailing community!

10 REASONS TO CHOOSE BUNDABERG AND BUNDABERG PORT MARINA AS YOUR AUSTRALIAN PORT OF ENTRY 1. The Port of Bundaberg is the closest Australian Port of Entry from New Caledonia, thus reducing passage time and the risk of encountering adverse weather conditions on route.

2. The Port of Bundaberg offers all-weather, deep-water access, with much less likelihood of encountering concentrated shipping traffic on approach to the port than many other Queensland & NSW Port of Entry.

3. Professional and friendly Customs and Quarantine Officers that specialise in small craft arrival.

4. Inward clearance takes place at Bundaberg Port Marina, which is located only one nautical mile from the entrance to the river.

5. Bundaberg is the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, meaning there is some spectacular cruising on offer right on your doorstep.

6. Largest dry storage facility on the East Coast of Australia with a modern sealed hardstand area, professional staff and competitive rates.

7. Relaxed marina with quality berths, clean amenities, WIFI and a courtesy bus into the city of Bundaberg.

8. Walking distance to the township of Burnett Heads shopping village, Hotel/Motel, Sports Club & quiet, uncrowded beaches and parklands 9. Affordable Direct Access to Brisbane International Airport via public transport or air.

10. Great base for "Land Cruising" to discover the inland beauty that Australia has to offer.

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The cleanest and greenest boatyard, extending unparalleled customer service & facilities.

HOME IS WHERE THE BOAT IS We also understand that convenience counts, and that is just one more reason to choose The Boat Works Convenience Counts...

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Vanuatu Maritime Borders Are Open

A MESSAGE FROM YACHTING WORLD - YOUR CRUISING HOME IN VANUATU. YACHTING WORLD IS PREPARING OUR MOORINGS, SEA WALL MARINA AND FUEL WHARF TO BE SURE ALL IS IN PERFECT CONDITION FOR YOUR VISIT. WE'LL BE ANNOUNCING OUR REOPENING DATE SOON! PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE GET EVERYTHING READY FOR YOUR RETURN.

For current information about Vanuatu pre and post-arrival protocols for visiting by yacht, go to the following page of Noonsite noonsite.com/place/vanuatu

YACHTINGWORLD-VANUATU.COM

If voyaging to New Zealand in 2023 with the view to continuing onward to cruise Tonga, Fiji or even French Polynesia with Island Cruising New Zealand is of interest to you please visit the Down Under Rally website for more information about the 2023 OZ to NZ Yacht Rally. downunderrally.com/oz-to-nz-rally-about The OZ to NZ Rally is a joint venture between Island Cruising New Zealand & The Down Under Rally.

CRUISING NEW CALEDONIA The Great Southern Lagoon Region

By Richard Chesher, Rocket Cruising Guides

By Richard Chesher, Rocket Cruising Guides In the July AHOY, we checked out Noumea & the surrounding area. This month we'll look at cruising south from Noumea to the Great South Lagoon and the Isle of Pines.

We're talking about a vast area, over 4000 square kilometres of reefs, lagoon islands and bays. The Rocket Cruising Guide has more than 50 anchorages in this region alone. From a cruise plan perspective, it's best to think of this area as three very different sub-regions, each offering some of the best cruising adventures in the world.

1. The Great South Lagoon - a Marine Wilderness, no villages, and (except on long weekends and holidays) nobody but you and your friends, magnificent lagoon islands, pristine soft white sand beaches, excellent anchorages, welldeveloped coral reefs, whales during the cruising season, a natural cathedral built before humans appeared.

2. The Isle of Pines - Kanak culture, world-class beaches, caves, a mountain trek, historical sights, restaurants, and limited supplies.

3. Prony - Wilderness treks, forests, waterfalls, hot springs, parks, historic village.

The Great Southern Lagoon is my absolute favourite cruising area in New Caledonia. You have the protection of the barrier reef, good anchorages, fascinating sea creatures (including whales and dolphins during the cruising season), beautiful reefs and stunning white-sand beaches.

Some Noumea yachts venture this far afield on weekends, and more of them show up on long weekends or holidays.

But most of the time, you'll be all alone in the anchorage except, of course, if you are cruising with another yacht.

What's so special about that? Well, other than when you are blue water cruising, you are seldom disconnected from humanity - so in the Great Southern Lagoon, you have an opportunity to connect with the spirit of the sea without the dangers of blue water crossings.

TIP: Sail to arrive when the sun is high in the sky – or else you’ll be looking for the reefs like this.

The Rocket Cruising Guide includes a series of GPS routes to safely guide you through the multitude of reefs to the best anchorages - but you still want to sail when the sun is high enough to see the reefs and, especially when it's calm, you need a good pair of polarised sunglasses.

It takes about 5 hours to sail the 27 nautical miles from Noumea to Ilot Mato, depending on the wind. It's usually an upwind sail against SE trades, so it’s best to leave at first light before the wind picks up. You want to arrive after 10:00 and before 16:00.

You could sail to Ilot Amedee first, spend a day or two there, then island-hop to Ilot Atire and Ilot Redika before sailing the rest of the way to Ilot Mato. Or, depending on your itinerary and the winds, you could sail to Baie Ue or Baie Blanch on Isle Ouen, then sail on to Mato the next day via a narrow but deep channel to Ilot Ua and then to Mato.

Mato is the best anchorage in the South Lagoon because it has its own small lagoon within the Great South Lagoon and is protected from winds and waves from any direction. So if you were in Noumea and knew there would be a westerly wind the next day, you would have a leisurely downwind morning's sail from Noumea to Mato and could stay there comfortably until the wind changed and allowed you to explore the other anchorages in the Great South Lagoon.

SEE A VIRTUAL DIVE EXPEDITION AT MATO

There is plenty to do at Mato, two lovely beaches, an abundance of premium dive spots with well-developed coral reefs and lots of tropical fish, sometimes dolphins come to play, sea eagles cruise the skies, and you can follow a trail to the top of the island to survey the lagoon and the distant mountains of Grande Terre.

From Mato, it's a two-hour sail down to Ua in the five isles group with even more great diving and a stunning white sand beach to warm up on after chilling out on the colours and textures of the fringing reef.

Hey, check it out, the only footprints in the sand are yours, your friend’s and the sea birds.

Kouare, another 5 miles south of Ua, has even more spectacular diving, whales cavorting, anchorages protected from winds from most directions, and flocks of rare sea birds in the trees.

You can anchor on the NE, SE, SW and west side of Ilot Kouare, so it’s OK for most weather conditions.

From late June until September, humpback whales come to New Caledonia to have their young, and they seem to like cavorting and teaching their kids around this part of the Great South Lagoon. Dolphins like to hang around the whales, so you have a good chance of seeing them here as well.

The water is also crystal clear, so you’ll have scenic underwater views of the coral reefs surrounding the island.

There are some really big, old corals here. It’s very beautiful.

AVAST THERE MATE! Once past Mato, you won't have cell phone reception so before you venture further into the lagoon, check the next week's forecast on Windy and then tune in to the weather forecasts on VHF every morning and evening. If a westerly wind is coming, get to an anchorage protected from the west.

Although Kourare has a westerly wind anchorage, the most secure place to anchor in strong westerlies is Mato. Or, if it's going to last a while, head-on into the Baie du Prony. If they say it will be light westerly winds, don't believe it, move out.

Only sail when you can see the reefs, not into the sun in the morning or evening or when it is mirror calm and overcast, so all you can see is the sky on the sea surface.

Do not dump organic wastes in the anchorage - it gives the sharks the wrong idea about what splashes into the water from yachts.

Don't frighten the birds when they are nesting ashore. Some shade their eggs from the sun with their feathery little bodies. If you scare them away, the eggs can die from the heat before mommy returns. If the Protection of the Lagoon officers have put up a red flag on an island, it means the sea birds are nesting, and you are not allowed to go ashore at all.

The image to the right should make it clear why it is important to anchor ONLY in the sand and make certain your anchor chain does not drag across the coral.

As everywhere in the lagoon, do not stand or walk on the living coral. It not only kills the corals and starts coral diseases, coral cuts immediately infect the wound with salt-tolerant bacteria. If not treated before the cut stops bleeding, these bacteria become very difficult to kill and can fester right down to the bone.

If someone does get a coral cut or any cut in the marine environment, pour pure bleach on it as quickly as possible and gently clean the area with a soft gauze or soft brush. The bleach kills marine bacteria on contact, but you need to do it before the bacteria move deeper into the body.

(Drs. Carl Edmonds, Bart McKenzie, Robert Thomas 1992 Diving Medicine for SCUBA Divers J.L. Publications Chapter 28-1).

BETTER YET, AVOID CONTACT WITH THE CORAL.

Often promoted by the Tourism department as the "Jewel of the Pacific" or the "Closest island to paradise", the Isle of Pines is a favourite destination for visitors. Yachts are only allowed to anchor in Kuto Bay unless there is a westerly wind, and then you can move around to Kanumera Bay. You can, presently, day sail to Ilot Brosse and Ilot Moro and then back to Kuto for the night.

Kuto and Kanumera Bays both have really beautiful beaches, and the anchorage is fine in most winds. You can enjoy the beach or follow a 3.5 km trail up to the top of Mt. Nga, the only mountain on the Isle of Pines.

If you need fuel or food, you'll have to rent a car or hire a bus to drive to the village market (12km from the dinghy wharf), the store or the fuel station (2.2 km from the dinghy wharf). The Rocket Travel Guide to New Caledonia will give you a complete summary of what sights to enjoy and how to join a tour, hire a mini-bus (with a guide), or rent a car.

This is your chance to learn about the Kanak Melanesian culture. There are plenty of examples of Melanesian art and various tours, like sailing on a traditional sailing canoe. If you happen to come during a festive time, you’ll see some spectacular traditional dancing.

AVAST THERE MATE! Women must wear modest clothes and never go topless on the beach or on deck.

Fresh water may not be available - there used to be a public faucet at the dinghy wharf, but they removed it after yachts WERE SEEN hosing off their catamaran during a severe drought.

The Rocket Cruising Guide shows other anchorages around the Isle of Pines, but since 2019 - because yachts abused their hosts by dumping trash over the side or leaving bags of it on the islands and various other antics - the chiefs of the Isle of Pines closed all the anchorages except Kuto to yachts.

Yachts at anchor Kuto Bay - Isle Of Pine image credit: Island Cruising NZ Facebook Page

On the way back to Noumea, you'll want to explore the Baie du Prony, a large, deep bay on the SE tip of Grande Terre with 17 anchorages, offering calm night sleeps in almost any weather conditions.

When you sail past the Prony lighthouse into the Baie du Prony, you'll see Bonne Anse to starboard with six good anchorages.

Anse Majic is the most sheltered bay in Bonne Anse and has park moorings. There is a 4.5km walking trail up to the Cap N'dua lighthouse and whale-watching observatory.

At the tip of the bay's eastern end, there’s some nice diving with a well-developed coral reef right next to the land.

Once past Bonne Anse, you'll see a large wharf and probably some big ore ships on the eastern shore. This is where they load the nickel ore from a gigantic mine. At night the towers and the lights will remind you of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings movie. And like Mordor, you'll want to stay well away from it.

Ilot Casy, in the middle of Baie du Prony, is a marine and terrestrial park. There are two sets of park moorings – one on the north coast and one on the west coast. A walking trail with park signs describes the island's history and is accessible from either of the mooring areas. You’ll find some nice white sand beaches along the walk. The gardens are long gone, but you’ll find many medicinal herbs used by the settlers growing wild in some areas.

Moored Yachts - Ilot Cast image credit: ©EndlesSmiles 2017

From 1867 to 1911, the French ran a prison colony in the Bay du Prony using prisoners deported from France to cut down the forests, supply wood for Noumea, and later mine nickel and Iron. Today you can enjoy a 2.2km walking trail to Prony Village from the anchorage at Baie de la Somme with signs explaining the activities and history of the colony.

There is a floating wharf on the north shore of the Baie de la Somme, and the walking track starts from there and goes not just to Prony Village but all the way to Noumea. It’s known as the Sentier de grande randonnée NC1 (GRNC1). There are also garbage disposal dumpsters near the floating wharf.

Go East Rally Participants s.v Brave and s.v Simpatico_Bay de Prony_©Richard Chester 2019

The Baie du Carenage, the northernmost extension of the Baie du Prony, is calm and surrounded by lush forests. Four rivers enter the bays, and nobody lives on any of these watersheds; it's all wilderness. There is one dirt road into the area and lots of walking tracks through forests and fern glens to hot springs, freshwater swimming holes in crystal clear rivers, and gorgeous waterfalls. The ruins of the prison colony days are found along the walking trails. The Province Sud maintains the trails for the mountain bike club and trekkers who enjoy these wilderness walks.

LIKE TO SEE A VIDEO OF A 10-DAY GREAT SOUTHERN LAGOON CRUISE? CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON BELOW

The Rocket Cruising Guide to New Caledonia includes details of the walks and treks in Prony and many other anchorages around New Caledonia, including photos and GPS routes you can use on your smartphone so you can actually see your position on the trails as you are walking them. To check one of them out right now, click here.

From the Baie du Prony, it's an easy morning's (usually downwind) sail to Ilot Bailey Nature Reserve for a picnic on the beach.

Ilot Bailey is only 1 km from the Mount Dore community, so if you stop on a weekend or holiday, you can be certain there will be lots of people there.

After your picnic, you can spend the night in the protected anchorage or sail the 10 nm back to Noumea.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Frederique and Richard Chesher have cruised New Caledonia and Vanuatu since 1980 aboard their Kelly Peterson 44 cutter, the Moira.

Richard is a PhD. Marine Scientist specialising in coral reef ecology and sustainable development. Part of his research work included a workshop at the University of the South Pacific teaching lands and survey personnel of the Pacific Islands how to do resource mapping using aerial and space photography.

Frederique is a professional photographer and artist.

The 2022 Rocket Nautical and Travel Guides are the result of 22 years of continuous development.

Except for the NASA space images and the high-resolution aerial survey images, Richard and Frederique took almost every photograph in the Cruising and Travel Guides. They carefully did complete hydrographic surveys of all the anchorages, and the GPS routes on the guides were created from their own tracks. The Moira is never in a marina. Richard and Frederique update the guide with new images and information at least three times a year to ensure you have the latest, most accurate information for your adventures in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

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There are so many valuable insights, documents and processes that even if you think you have an understanding of sailing, nothing beats the experience, realistic and genuine information that is shared by this course to the sailing community.

Kerry & Bryn

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From The

Galley

By Leanne

Ahoy friends of Yoga, Health & Sail Wellness™️with Leanne I enjoy trying new food and onboard meals do become a major part of your thought process for example: "what do I feel like"? and "what food do we have that needs to be used" I’m not a huge bread fan and I was a little tired of wraps and the usual lunches, so what could I try differently that everyone would enjoy and was a light but tasty lunch.

I had plenty of eggs, and I really enjoy Asian flavoured food, so Egg Rolls came to mind !

Here is the recipe I made up as I leisurely prepared lunch while John was busy teaching predict wind at the aft table and those of you that know captain Les of MV Cavallino sat waiting … and was my taste tester much to his delight.

Egg Roll - Ingredients (makes 10) 4 large or X-Large eggs Dash of milk Drizzle of water not to much teaspoon (optional) Cracked salt & pepper with chilli

Egg Roll - Method Whisk eggs with other ingredients until all combined and soft foam forms (the water stops the egg from sticking, but if you have a quality non-stick pan, you can leave it out!) Season to taste & set aside.

Filling - All of the following needs to be finely chopped: 2 x bbq chicken thighs (removed skin) 3 x mushrooms Hand full of spinach and chopped carrot (I used prepack mix ) 1 x shallot 1 x med onion 1 x handful of bean spouts (2 styles ) DOWNLOAD THE RECIPE FREE Sesame oil Soy sauce (Tamari ) Parsley COOKING Precook the chicken, mushrooms & onions separately - with a dash of sesame oil.

Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat Add a drop of sesame oil Pour small (1 or 2 tablespoons) amount of egg mixture roll in the pan to fill half of the pan...odd shapes are okay Take off the heat quickly Fill with ingredients Sprinkle parsley Roll up with egg flipper or I also used 2 forks to roll smaller - use the back of one fork to secure ingredients and then flip and roll.

SERVE WITH SOY SAUCE WE LIKE IT SPICY 🌶 IN OUR GALLEY, SO SIRACHA SAUCE WAS DRIZZLED OVER ALSO!

P.S. I ALSO MADE ONE WITHOUT CHICKEN, AND IT WAS JUST AS YUMMY! 😉

Enjoy 😋 www.namasteoceanyoga.com www.sail-wellness.com

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS

After waiting almost 2 weeks for a suitable weather outlook for the commencement of LEG 2 of the Beyond The Barrier Rally, we departed Magnetic Island for Flinders Reef on the 6th of July. (147nm).

The delay, however, took its toll so it was a diminished fleet of just 6 vessels.

Bon Voyage BBQ Horseshoe Bay Magnetic Island.

The first 55 or so miles of the passage from Magnetic Island to Flinders Reef inside the Great Barrier Reef and, as such, very pleasant. Once we exited the Great Barrier Reef, we headed ENE, and the 1.5m-2.0m easterly swell made this leg a little uncomfortable.

Main Cay Flinders Reef The following morning, we woke to a stunning sunrise before venturing ashore at Main Cay, Flinders Reef, to stretch our legs on the small coral cay that is home to the Flinders Reef Weather Station before departing in the early afternoon for our next destination Chilcott Islet some 95nm to the NE of Flinders Reef.

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN BACK FROM BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS BEYOND AGAIN We arrived in the early hours of the morning, and as such, visibility was poor, which required us to anchor well off the Islet until there was sufficient daylight to navigate closer to shore and out of the swell that was penetrating the anchorage. Unfortunately, we discovered that there was very little room close to shore that offered the opportunity to anchor clear of the many coral heads. Phoenix 9 and Dreamtime girl were able to find suitable spots to anchor however, the remainder of the fleet, including Cavallino & Goolara at 22.5m & 20m LOA respectively, were not comfortable with venturing into what would have become pretty close quarter short scoped anchoring.

As expected, the wind increased during the afternoon and evening, as did the swell, which made for a very uncomfortable night. Our intention was to stay at Chilcott for another 2 days however, at first light, I decided that rather than continue to roll around in the anchorage for another 48 hours, I would prefer to make the 50nm voyage to Herald Cays, where the chart suggested the anchorage would be more suited to the conditions.

The forecast conditions for the passage to Herald promised to make for an uncomfortable voyage, but at least it would be able to be done in daylight hours and the lure of a calmer anchorage for the evening was appealing. Thanks to their being able to get closer to shore, Phoenix 9 and Dreamtime Girl were not feeling the discomfort that the rest of the fleet experienced and therefore opted to stay on at Chilcott and join us at North East Cay, Herald Cays the following afternoon.

The Coral Sea has a reputation as being ‘bumpy’, especially in developed trade winds. There are serval factors that contribute, such as currents and varying depths. The passage from Chilcott Islet to Herald Cays lived up to this ‘bumpy’ reputation with a 2.5m short period swell on the beam, which was whipped up by 25kts of SE winds and opposing south setting current, but as mentioned, it was only 50nm so by early afternoon the breakaway fleet had arrived at North East Cay where we were rewarded with a much calmer anchorage for the evening.

mySerenity on passage - Chilcott Islet -Herald Cays

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS

The following morning it was time to head ashore in the tenders and discover what awaited us in what appeared from the anchorage to be paradise found. We were not disappointed.

Reminiscent of East Diamond Islet, the fringing reef of North East Cay extends around 1nm to the north of the cay's northern tip, about ¾ of a nautical mile long and about 0.3nm wide, making it slightly larger than East Diamond Islet. The fringing reef then extends a further ½ nautical mile to the west and just over a nautical mile to the east, so whilst substantial, the fringing reef is not quite as big as at East Diamond.

Tradewind anchorage can be obtained over a sandy bottom in several locations in the lee of the cay amongst the isolated coral heads about 0.3nm from the cay in depths ranging from 5-15 metres.

North East Cay Anchorage - Herald Cays, Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS

Ashore the vegetation is more substantial and a haven for the many sea birds that call the cay home.

Unlike other cays & islets in the region, the sand on the leeward side of this cay is quite fine. The contrast of colours with the deep green vegetation and the stark white of the sand makes for a visually appealing landscape further complimented by the many shades of the clear ocean waters, which shallow from the anchorage to the shore. An abundance of coral bommies provides homes for a wide variety of marine life, large and small. In short, this could well be the holy grail when it comes to idyllic locations.

North East Cay - Herald Cays, Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia

North East Cay - Herald Cays, Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS

The forecast for the following day was for a clear sky and little to no wind, and it was spot on.

In fact, a more perfect day would be hard to imagine. A combination of very light winds <10kts, very little cloud cover and a low tide in the middle of the day made for ideal conditions day above and below the surface as the fleet went about their individual activities (snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding and sunbaking) before gathering ashore for a lunch and to farewell Goolara and her crew who due to other commitments would be leaving us the following day.

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS

During the May Beyond The Barrier Rally (Leg 1 from Bundaberg to Townsville) Goolara and her crew earned several nominations for The Spirit of The Rally Award.

Basically, this award is to recognise those who were always front and centre when anyone needed anything, enthusiastic in their participation and contributions to the rally experience.

The rally flag was hoisted on Goolara the day it was received and flown every day of the rally, which to me is a sign that they were proud to be a part of the fleet. Generosity is also a consideration, and the Goolara crew demonstrated their generosity time and again in many ways. I, therefore, decided that even though leg 2 of the rally was not yet over that, Goolara had earned the 2022 Beyond The Barrier Rally Spirit of the Rally Award.

Spirit Of The Rally Prize Giving

m.v Goolara

Our thanks to Coral Sea Marina for providing the winner of the Spirit Of The Rally Award with a voucher for 2 nights of berthing at their spectacular marina & resort at Airlie Beach Queensland As a footnote to the above, both Goolara & My Serenity participated in 3 out of the 4 Beyond The Barrier Rallies during 2021/22. mySerenity was a close runner-up for the Spirit Of The Rally Award for all the same reasons however they were edged out by Goolara for their contribution to the very memorable ‘Lihou Light Cruise’ during the May Rally.

BACK FROM BEYOND AGAIN

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY LEG 2 TOWNSVILLE TO PORT DOUGLAS

For the remainder of the fleet, Herald Cays would be home for another 4 days, which were spent walking the cay, bird watching, snorkelling, diving and socialising. The weather during this time was a mixed bag, with mostly sunny days and winds ranging between 15 – 25kts with a few showers of rain that were accompanied by wind gusts of around 30kts. The anchorage was very comfortable for the majority of the time however it did suffer from some swell for a couple of hours on either side of high tide.

Our next destination was to be Holmes Reef, about 90nm to the NW of Herald Cays, but a trough in the Coral Sea was expected to deepen and become a low-pressure system over the following days. The exact path of the low was difficult to determine, but after much analysis of the weather models provided by PredictWind via their Offshore App, it was decided the prudent thing to do would be to return to the mainland immediately rather than risk being caught in what looked like some pretty nasty weather in the coming days.

For the slower vessels in the fleet, this 220nm non-stop passage would see them being at sea for around 36 hours, and although the passage was a downwind one with following seas, it was reported to be quite challenging for the less experienced members of the fleet. It turned out, however, that we made the right call with the trough developing into a significant out-of-season low-pressure system that generated some significant wind and seas as it made its way south over the following few days. Some of our readers would have heard about the Cruise Ship 'Coral Princess' being caught up in this system and reporting 6.5m waves. To see some footage taken aboard the ship, visit: https://youtu.be/mIUmP1k4sKY

After arriving at Low Isles and catching up on some much-needed sleep, we ventured ashore to explore the island before gathering in the afternoon for a few drinks to celebrate our safe arrival and reflect on our adventures Beyond The Barrier.

Low Isles Light

Back From Beyond Celebration

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By Greg Luck

PART 6 RUISING THE MACKAY COAST This is Part 6 of the Ahoy magazine series of articles based on information contained in Cruising the Queensland Coast, the eBook by Greg Luck. In Part 5, we cruised the Capricorn Coast. In this part, we cruise the Mackay Coast, visiting Middle Percy, Curlew and Scawfell islands. This is a small summary of what is in the book, which has 40 pages on the Mackay coast.

The Mackay coast is a great cruising ground, visited only by cruisers, with no charter bare boats as in the Whitsundays to the north. The Mackay Marina offers very good value, with a hardstand, haul out (65t) mechanic and shipwright for any repairs needed.

This coast exhibits distinct wind patterns between the dry season from May to September, and the wet season, developing in October with the "northerlies". Many cruisers head up from May to September The Mackay Coast

then wait for the first northerlies to send them south again. The afternoon sea breeze adds to the prevailing wind and helps take the wind off the nose.

© The State of Queensland (Globe Queensland) Creative Commons 4

Photo G. Luck

RUISING THE MACKAY COAST

By Greg Luck

Passages Cruising the Queensland Coast includes passage plans for each coast. Here are the ones for the Mackay coast. We have 13 in total with distances and waypoints in the book.

I highlight the popular delivery route from Island Head Creek to Middle Percy, Scawfell and Hamilton islands. This is the most direct route to the Whitsundays, favoured by delivery crews. We usually go this way when scooting up to Hamilton Island. On the way back though, we liked to explore the westerly islands. We usually stop at Keswick, Curlew and the Duke Islands. The Dukes are our favourite. They are less-visited — perhaps that is why.

Many of the islands provide good anchorages for the usual southeasterly trade winds. For example Hexham Island, Hunter Island, West Bay, Middle Percy Island, Curlew Island, the public and private moorings in Egremont Passage between St Bees and Keswick Island, and Scawfell Island.

If coming south, there are good anchorages from northerlies at Arthur and Basil Bays, Keswick Island, Homestead Bay, Marble Island and Rescue Bay and Whites Bay, Middle Percy Island.

© The State of Queensland (Globe Queensland) Creative Commons 4

Photo: Down Under Rally

RUISING THE MACKAY COAST

By Greg Luck

The Delivery Route # 1

Passage Island Head Creek to Middle Percy Island

12 Middle Percy Island to Scawfell Island

Notes

Rte. Dist.

Suggest leaving Island Head Creek a few hours before high tide to get up to 2 knots tidal assist when going north.

Passes Steep Island to the east. If the tide is ebbing it can be 2 knots against you.

⎈ ⎈

48nm

This is a popular, direct route for those looking for the shortest passage. There is up to 1.5 knots on the flood tide towards Shoalwater Bay, so route is fastest on the ebb.

Passes to the west of Sphinx Islet, through the ship anchor berth area at Hay Point and across the shipping channel.

Beware of anchored and moving ships.

⎈ ⎈

62nm

⎈ ⎈

50nm

Caution: Passes across the Hay Point shipping channel and ship anchor berth area east of Hay Point. It is highly likely ships will be anchored along the indicative route, therefore the route should be used to indicate the general direction only.

13 Scawfell Island to Hamilton Island

Popular route for those in delivery or passage making mode. Passes close to islands for the shortest route.

Passes between Cockermouth Island and Silloth Rocks, west of Coppersmith Rock and Silversmith Island, west of Platypus Rock. It proceeds up Dent Passage, keeping well away from the northern end of the Hamilton Island Airport runway.

Caution: See Hamilton Island Marina for details on runway clearances and safe distances.

Warning. These are illustrative routes only. Not to be used for navigation. Click ⎈ for a GPX file to import the route as a starting point for your route planning, or ⎈ for a Navionics boating link.

What can you do with GPX files?

GPX files are an open standard for exchanging markers, waypoints and passages. Most chart plotters released in the last few years will import them. You can also import the GPX files into the C-Map app, Google Earth Pro and OpenCPN, a popular navigation and chart plotting tool popular with international cruisers. Finally, the Navionics app also supports them in addition to their own boating links.

RUISING THE MACKAY COAST

By Greg Luck

West Bay, Middle Percy Island West Bay is a favourite anchorage for cruisers. It has the famous A-Frame, where cruisers from all over the world leave memorabilia or just their names and date of visit. There is a BBQ at the back of the AFrame.

The island has a long history of hospitality to

West Bay Anchorage

passing yachts. You will likely find some supplies for purchase at the A-Frame on an honour basis such as honey, preserves or eggs, all produced on the island. The homesteaders welcome yachting visitors to the homestead.

Dogs are permitted in the non-national park area.

There is a road from West Bay and tracks from West Bay (shorter but steeper than the road) and Whites Bay. See the Percy Island website for information on these and much else.

To pay for public liability insurance to keep the A-Frame accessible, you can help by joining the Percy Island Yacht Club and paying a oneoff fee. We did this soon after it was established.

West Bay and A-Frame

Photo: P. Grogan

RUISING THE MACKAY COAST

By Greg Luck

Curlew Island Curlew Island has a lagoon on the northern side, formed by the beach on the south and a large sand bar. It has a magnificent beach that stretches the entire anchorage. Our yacht is named Curlew Escape, so this island always feels like something of a home island to us. The main entrance is on Lady Elliott Island from Mooring 2 the eastern side, with a narrow entrance on the western side, though quite deep. We use both entrances depending on which is closer.

A well-developed easterly swell will propagate into the anchorage, though more so at high tide. From low to midtide, the anchorage is well protected from the north by the sand bar.

Neither anchorage has mobile reception. The Telstra Tower is at Carmila to the SW, so the island blocks it. I have climbed the island and gotten a good signal from the top.

© The State of Queensland (Globe Queensland) Creative Commons 4

Photo: G. Luck

RUISING THE MACKAY COAST

By Greg Luck

Scawfell Island Calm Waters in Anchorage 1, Pearl Bay Scawfell Island is part of the South Cumberland Islands National Park. There are no tracks on the island but there is a toilet and picnic table in Refuge Bay. There is good fishing here and it is a Habitat Protection Zone so fishing, with limits, is allowed.

This is a very popular anchorage for those visiting the Whitsundays. It is on the direct path to the Percy Islands and is a very secure trade winds anchorage.

The Island is 394m high with very steep mountains and is prone to bullets.

Photo: G. Luck

It is, however, also a very safe anchorage to ride out even the strongest trade winds.

The public moorings are in very close. If you cannot get on one, then take an anchorage behind them.

There is plenty of room.

The fringing reef is clearly shown in the aerial photo, and it is also marked with reef protection buoys.

© The State of Queensland (Globe Queensland) Creative Commons 4

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