Ahoy - June 2022 by Island Cruising & Down Under Rally

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"IT'S FREE TO ENJOY AHOY!"

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JUNE 2022

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Inside Ahoy

JUNE 2022

SW Pacific & Australia Maritime Borders Update. Meet The Fleet-2022 Beyond The Barrier Rally New Caledonia - Cruising The SW Coast Sailing To Fiji with Island Cruising NZ Another First for Australias Greatest Boatyard Sailing No Regrets - Cruising the Kimberly (Part 2) Cruising Queensland - The Discovery 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

Cover Image:

s.v Migalloo at Anchor Ilot Ndue New Caledonia

©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.

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Maritime Borders

SW Pacific & Australia Current at May 24th 2022

Australia. Despite the information on the Let Us Know You Are Coming page of the Australian Border Force website internationally flagged vessels with foreign nationals aboard are permitted to arrive in Australia. Information and instructions regarding the process for arriving in Australia by sea can be found HERE New Zealand.Border to fully open from 31 July 2022 New Zealand's international border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders 2 months earlier than planned on 31 July. This includes the maritime border which will open to foreign-flagged vessels at 11.59 pm on 31 July. READ THE ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

New Caledonia. As of the 14th of March 2022, Fishing ships, special ships and pleasure ships are now also welcome in New Caledonia. For accurate and up to date info about arriving in New Caledonia by sea contact Noumea Yacht Services Vanuatu. The Down Under Rally has been informed Vanuatu will open its borders on July 1st 2022. The opening will include maritime borders however ports of entry are expected to be limited. Information regarding the pre & post-arrival process is currently being created. The Down Under Rally will provide an update in the July AHOY Fiji. Effective 1 May 2022, fully vaccinated visitors to Fiji will no longer be required to produce a pre-arrival negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. The change applies to all visitors entering Fiji by air or sea. It is recommended that those planning on arriving in Fiji by sea visit the Port Denarau Marina Website for updated pre & post-arrival procedures More Info: HERE

Rally Updates Some exciting plans for the 2023 Go East Rally to New Caledonia & Vanuatu are being made. To stay informed about the 2023 East Rally submit an expression of interest HERE.

The NC2V Rally is a flow-on from the Go East Rally. As the 2022 Go East Rally rally has been cancelled, The Down Under Rally will not be offering the NC2V Rally in 2022. More information about the NC2V Rally can be found HERE.

LEG 2 - DEPARTS MAGNETIC ISLAND - JUNE 25TH, 2022 Join us for three weeks as we cruise the remote reefs and atolls and islets of the Northern Coral Sea Marine Park. The rally fleet will be accompanied by Peter Sayre of Coral Sea Explorers aboard the 20m motor yacht ‘Phoenix’, which will serve as a mothership to the rally participants on what promises to be a memorable adventure of discovery. More information HERE.

SW PACIFIC TO AUSTRALIA Registrations for the 2022 Go West Rally will open on the 1st of August 2022. Information about visiting Australia by yacht & why it makes sense to Go West with the Down Under Rally can be found HERE.

Priority Rally Registrations & Rally Entry Fee Discounts For Down Under Rally downunderrally.com/preparation-training Members downunderrally.com/membership

Rally Updates Vessels who join the Mystery Island Rally have the opportunity to obtain full clearance into Vanuatu at the island of Aneityum which is otherwise not an official port of entry. The rally can only proceed when Vanuatu opens their maritime borders and permission is granted for the rally participants to enter Vanuatu at this location. MORE INFORMATION HERE

By joining the Loyalty Islands Rally in Fiji participants are able to experience more of New Caledonia's magnificent cruising grounds, especially those in the east and to the south that are often difficult if not impossible to return to from Noumea in the limited time available. MORE INFORMATION HERE

The Down Under Rally has partnered with Island Cruising NZ to offer cruisers in New Caledonia who are considering or planning on making the voyage to New Zealand the opportunity to do so in company. MORE INFORMATION HERE

The Down Under Rally in association with Island Cruising New Zealand (ICNZ) intends to offer the OZ to NZ Rally in 2023. If voyaging to New Zealand with the option of continuing onward to Tahiti, Tonga or Fiji in company is of interest to you MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE

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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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MEET THE FLEET

BEYOND THE BARRIER RALLY 2022

Hopefully, by the time you read this, the vessels pictured below who are participating in the MAY 2022 Beyond The Barrier Rally will have departed Bundaberg Port Marina and are making memories cruising the remote reefs cays & islets of the Coral Sea Marine Park.

Follow the Beyond The Barrier Rally Fleet thanks to PredictWind at: predictwind.com/tracking/rally/beyond-barrier-rally-22

IT'S NOT TOO LATE! REGISTRATIONS ARE STILL OPEN! JUNE /JULY RALLY 2022

Ocean Sailing, Coral Reefs, Sandy Cays, Isolated Islets, Shipwrecks and an Abundance Of Wildlife... Beyond The Barrier Reef In The Seldom Visited Coral Sea Marine Park. Queensland, Australia.

LEARN MORE

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CRUISING NEW CALEDONIA GR AN DE TER RE

The SW Coast of Grande Terre By Richard Chesher

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

New Caledonia's great southern lagoon extends for 100 miles along the southwest coast of Grande Terre from the passe d'Ouarai in the north to the Horn on the south, with Noumea right smack in the middle.

In my honest opinion, this is the most delightful cruising in the Pacific Islands with magnificent scenery, diving, snorkelling, surfing, wind and kite surfing. It's the centre piece of the world's largest coral reef lagoon, a United Nations World Heritage Site. Ilot Ndue

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

Be sure to fill up with fuel and supplies in Noumea before you leave because it's pretty hard to get them anywhere else. There is a marina in the upper end of Baie de St. Vincent where a shallow draft yacht could get water and fuel, and you can get fresh water at Ouano anchorage, just inside the lagoon from the Passe d'Ouarai. But other than that, you'll have to make do with what you have aboard when you leave Noumea.

Port Moselle Fuel Wharf

Port Moselle Produce Markets

You can enjoy cruising in this fabulous lagoon safely and easily in most weather conditions, sailing for just an hour or two between the 78 anchorages listed in the Rocket Cruising Guide to New Caledonia; some of the anchorages are in bays along the coast of Grande Terre, but most are on stunningly beautiful lagoon islands. There are also park moorings in some of the protected marine areas, so you don't even have to drop the hook!

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher By Richard Chesher

Snorkelling in the marine reserves will show you what coral reefs are supposed to look like.

Kiteboarders will be in heaven thanks to the dozens of idyllic locations to kite flat waters

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

The water between the anchorages is nice, clear, deep, and protected from ocean swells. Sure, there are reefs here and there between the lagoon islands, but, unlike other Pacific Island nations, New Caledonia has excellent navigational aids; the markers showing the dangers and passes are mostly lit, and all of them are visible on radar. The navaids are well maintained by the "Phares and Balises" department, and the Rocket Cruising Guide has the exact location of all the markers with animations of the lit ones showing the colours, flashing rate and distance you can see them.

The Rocket Guide provides accurate and proven GPS routes between the anchorages.

The Marine Reserve Islands have trails so you can explore and enjoy nature without damaging the delicate island vegetation.

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

Oh, there's one more reason cruising the SW coast of Grande Terre is different from any other cruising area in the Pacific Islands... There are no villages, no homes, nobody at all on almost all of the lagoon islands and nobody on many of the mainland anchorages in the southern part of the lagoon. No fences, no need to ask permission to go flop down on the beach or snorkel over the reefs, just you, your friends and Mother Nature with all her children above and below the surface to enjoy

During the weekends and holidays, there will be lots of yachts from Noumea out in the lagoon, but you are likely to be all by your lonesome the rest of the time. Just imagine that; you and your friends and the whole world all to yourselves!

Ilot Mboa Ilot Mboa

Ilot Mboa

Just you and your friends in paradise!

Baie de Timbia

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

And - the cherry on top - you'll have a good fast internet connection on your smartphone or modem just about everywhere except the furthest reaches of the Southern Lagoon. So if you want to remember how messed up the rest of the planet is, you can do it from paradise any time you want.

Go snorkelling, go ashore; you're free to enjoy being on the planet without needing to ask anyone's permission to be there. When it comes to snorkeling and diving there are lots of excellent dive spots throughout the area; the best ones being in the marine reserves where the marine life is protected and you'll enjoy seeing lots of fish, invertebrates, and colorful corals. The Rocket Cruising Guide shows the best dive spots at each of the anchorages so you can pick the ones you like best during your cruise. Ilot Ndue

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

For those who love surfing, New Caledonia has some of the best surf spots in the South Pacific. From May to September, lows sometimes swirl across the Tasman sea and drive nice big swells - sometimes reaching 4 meters - onto the barrier reef along the SW coast of Grande Terre. The swells curve in and stand up along the reef passes, providing a variety of left & right-hand breaks that range from mellow to the extremely gnarly!

Dumbea Pass

Prime surf spots are Dumbea Pass, the False Pass de Uitoe, Tinea Passe St. Vincent and the Passe d'Isie - all really excellent for surfing as well as drift SCUBA dives. Local divers also use Passe d'Ouarai, but if you want to surf there, you should first stop in Ouano anchorage, just inside the lagoon from Ouarai, and chat up the surfers at the surf camp there. Also, Ilot N'Digoro, on the south side of the pass, is an integral reserve - you are not allowed to go ashore, anchor or swim within 200 meters of the island, which makes it a pretty difficult place to surf from a yacht.

Cruising New Caledonia The SW Coast Grande Terre

By Richard Chesher

CRUISING STRATEGY

Which way to go from Noumea - north or south? It all depends on which way the winds are blowing for the next week or two. During the cruising season, you can bet you'll be having SE trade winds most of the time, and, especially if the trades are pumping, you'll want to sail towards the northern part of the lagoon. I like to do it easy; sailing in short hops in the morning (before the winds pick up too much), then anchor or grab a mooring in a marine reserve, and spend the day snorkelling, beaching, walking, and taking photographs. In some of the marine parks, the Provence Sud provides a fireplace and wood for a nice campfire in the evening. Mind you, you are not allowed to build fires or chop or break wood on the lagoon islands where no facilities and wood have been provided. In the morning, it's off to another anchorage further north. Most of the lagoon anchorages are protected from winds from the east through the south to the southwest and exposed to northerly and westerly winds. So keep an eye on the weather, and if there is a westerly coming, head into an anchorage on the mainland protected from the west. Or, if the trades hold steady till you're all the way north where the barrier reef meets the Grande Terre mainland, you might hang around there until a westerly shows up so you can sail all the way back to the Baie de St. Vincent in one go, anchor in a westerly protected anchorage, like the Baie des Moustiques, for the night. The next morning you can sail the rest of the way back to Noumea. That's ideal. But if the trades don't stop after you've run out of the lagoon, then do short morning hops back to Noumea, choosing anchorages close to or on the mainland to capture the calm early morning winds to avoid having to bash into a strong headwind and chop. For example, the anchorage at Baie des Moustiques is a mainland anchorage. Overnighting at mainland anchorages when sailing south against the SE trades allows you to leave early to catch the nearshore morning calm. You can sail all the way north in a couple of days, then day hop back, exploring as you go, but when the weather is nice, I like to start enjoying the Approaching Baie des Moustiques islands on day one!. IN THE JUNE AHOY WE'LL HEAD SOUTH OF NOUMEA TO EXPLORE THE GREAT SOUTH LAGOON. Richard C UNTIL THEN, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER!

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.

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SAIL TO NEW CALEDONIA FROM AUSTRALIA WITH THE 2023 GO EAST RALLY

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A very complete and detailed briefing on all things cruising. Stephen W - May 2022

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COURSE CONTENT

PREPARING THE VESSEL Ship Registration: Guide to ships registry Safety Gear: Vessel specific – EPIRBS, MOB devices Rigging: Tips for extended cruising & safety including deck layout, preventers and more. Sails: Selection, balance, tuning, maintenance, furling systems. Anchors & Anchoring: How many, types, warps, windlass Water treatment: Filtration, purification, disinfectant, watermakers. Vessel Systems: Plumbing, gas, fuel Battery Systems: Capacity, power consumption, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and charging systems Power generation: How much do you need to generate and the pros and cons of various options including wind, solar and mechanical Electronics: Radios, charting, GPS, Radar, autopilot, AIS, etc. Steering: Tiller, wheel, wind vanes, autopilots & emergency systems Diesel Engines: Troubleshooting, spares Fuel systems: Filters, injectors, avoiding ‘bugs & bad fuel’ Navigation: Basic equipment requirements Charts: Tables, filing, requirements PREPARING THE PEOPLE Sea Survival: Coastal and Offshore Watchkeeping & safety protocols Safety Gear: Personal EPIRBS and MOB devices, personal AIS Seasickness: Remedies, management & avoidance Log Keeping: How to keep a ship log and why plus basic record keeping Pros and cons of having crew aboard, where to find crew and your responsibilities. Sailing to a schedule: A recipe for disaster Medical Kits and medicines Insurance: Vessel & Travel Staying Sane: Identifying roles, communicating aboard & sharing small spaces AT SEA & OFFSHORE COMMUNICATIONS METHODS Voice Communication options including Satellite, Radios – VHF/ SSB/ HAM & Radio Schedules Electronic communications including email at sea: why is it important. Vessel tracking and position reporting Computers, Tablets, Phones and apps Weather Forecasting: Coastal & Offshore Weather information: Sources of weather info, how to interpret and use weather info. Weather routing for Passage Planning & Passage Management Cruising Guides & Reference Books: Recommended, pilots, reference manuals, cruising guides & MORE

THE ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE & ON-DEMAND The course content is broken down into easy to digest 1 hr sessions View the course content as often as you wish. View when it suits you. Learn at your own pace. Pause / Rewind at any time. Contact the course presenters via email or telephone at any time with questions.

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Island Cruising Pacific Rally 2022 By Viki Moore

After two years the Island Cruising NZ Pacific Rally is back and our first fleet set sail to Fiji from The Bay of Islands New Zealand on the 6th of May.

Our first fleet was made up of 20 vessels from across New Zealand, including a couple of Australians who'd been separated from their NZ based boats since the borders closed. There were, of course, lots of jobs to do to prepare those boats for the departure when the Australian owners were finally allowed into New Zealand. We gathered in Opua - Bay of Islands Marina for our pre-departure week preparations. We were very well taken care of by the marina, the Opua Cruising Club and the local marine businesses. As well as social events, we were treated to bread-making lessons at 5.30 am, a BBQ at Burnsco, lessons on how to maintain a watermaker, and a run-down on emergency sail repairs at sea. There were lots of runs to the supermarket and a safety, weather and communications briefing. We completed mountains of paperwork and prepared the way with Customs to expedite our departure formalities. Thankfully most of the boats were ready to depart when an earlier weather window arose, and the fleet departed with a brisk SE breeze carrying them halfway up to Fiji, all on the same tack.

Island Cruising NZ has various arrival events planned in both Denarau and Savusavu. After that, the boats will head off to explore the 333 Islands of Fiji at their leisure. We have a second group of rally participants departing from Whangarei at the end of June. In September, some of the rally boats are heading to New Caledonia and Australia, and others are even bound for Indonesia. Some will stay in Fiji, and the rest will sail home to New Zealand. If you would like to be sailing with the fleet next year, we are planning to offer the Oz to NZ Rally in conjunction with the Down Under Rally to help Australian sailors cross the ditch and experience some of the fantastic cruising we have in the Northland area of New Zealand before joining the 2023 Island Cruising NZ Pacific Rally. In 2023 we will offer options for Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, and of course, back to Australia with the Go West Rally - creating a true Pacific Circuit! Watch this space in the Ahoy Magazine for more information as these plans come together. We hope you can join us on an adventure sometime soon!

Island Cruising NZ 2022 Pacific Rally Participants Opua New Zealand

We are proud to be supporting the efforts of Sea Mercy Fiji and Days for Girls. The Island Cruising NZ Pacific Rally fleet is helping by transporting Days For Girls kits from NZ up to Fiji.

Island Cruising NZ Rally Participants attending a pre-departure workshop on repairing sails at sea

Bread baking lessons and coffee at the crack of dawn thanks to the Opua General Store

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Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY

(PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Following on from Part 1 of Cruising The Kimberly that appeared in the May AHOY we explore the King George River and the Twin Falls

Sitting at the mouth of the Berkeley River, we waited for the morning high tide to provide sufficient water to allow us to cross the shallow sand bars which are exposed at low tide and exit this idyllic location. With a brisk south-easterly breeze already blowing in the early morning, we considered exiting through the more protected south passage behind Revely Island, but after obtaining the plotted course from a larger cruise boat across the eastern passage, we felt confident to motor over the shallow stretch and save ourselves around eight nautical miles. Once we were across the sand bars and into deeper water, it was time to set the sails and surf down the short choppy waves and 22-knot tailwind, plus an additional 2-knot tail current for a reasonably quick passage up to Cape Rulhieres, 38 nautical miles away. Once we were around the cape, the waves settled down, and we pulled into the protected waters of Koolama Bay off the pure white main beach.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

With our entrance waypoints downloaded onto the SD card in our tenders’ smaller Lowrance Chartplotter, I did a few fast laps around the sand bar entrance in the tender, creating my own sonar chart. The newer chart plotters record the depths creating their own maps in very high detail for you to determine precisely where to find the sand bar locations. With only a minor correction from the previous year’s entrance channel, it was a borderline call to enter with the remaining outgoing tide, with the monohull travelling with us, drawing very nearly the remaining water depth. The Kimberley is a VERY REMOTE region. With assistance practically nonexistent, it is foolish to risk such an entry and possibly getting stuck and grounded especially given the crocodile-infested waters.

We safely crossed the shallow sand bars on the following morning tide and entered the King George River.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Deciding to head to the top of the river first and work our way down, we had the remaining incoming tide to assist us up the eight nautical mile navigable stretch of river.

The King George River has the highest cliffs in the Kimberley and the tallest waterfalls, Twin Falls cascading 80 metres down the vertical black and ochre-coloured vertical sandstone cliffs into the deep holes at the bottom.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

The climb to the top of the cliffs was quite physical and certainly got our hearts pumping, and we found ourselves breathing very heavily.

Stopping halfway up the climb, we looked for the 'Gremlin Box', something left by a previous yachty with a notebook and story about how the yacht had a gremlin on board and the skipper having caught the gremlin put him in the box, and left the box with the gremlin inside in a small cave.

We didn't find the 'gremlin box' but the cave we explored was formed by massive falling rocks, hanging precariously with almost nothing appearing to keep them in place.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Climbing to the top rewards you with the most spectacular views back down the river, with your yacht looking like a tiny speck at river level. After climbing onto what I felt was the best and most awesome viewing point, however, my wife Jo was somewhat unhappy with my selection and unwilling to join me, instead vigorously insisting I get down.

The sheer enormity of the falls is very hard to show; it is truly massive, and it is only one half of the Twin Falls.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Above the falls are several shallow pools that are safe to swim in, which you most definitely appreciate after the very hot, sweaty climb.

Returning down the cliffs to the location we left our tenders; it looked a little strange as the previous path was not leading to where I expected to see them looking below. Back at the original starting point where we had tied the two tenders together as No Regrets tender was already anchored, we were surprised to find the anchor and chain no longer attached to the anchor rode. Both tenders moved some distance downstream from where we had left them?.

After examination and several “dumb ass” calls from the ladies, the boys decided that the crocodiles were getting very smart and had untied the rode from the chain, waiting for us. We can only assume the other unlikely possibility (boys' determination) was that someone going past had noticed them drifting and tied the rode to a rock. Our next problem was the tide had come in since then, and now that knot was a half a metre to 1 metre underwater. I had to quickly untie this knot and pull the rope free with an ever-present thought of something very big watching me in this vulnerable situation.

The moral of the story, if you have two tenders, anchor them separately for redundancy and safety. Something so simple could have been an ordeal had we been there alone and lost both tenders.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Once back in our tenders, we motored up to the base of the falls, where we explored the massive 80-metre cliffs in both arms of the Twin Falls.

Driving through the waterfalls for a refreshing cool down and a chance to wash the salt off of everything, the stable inflatable RIB was at home with the water cascading upon us, providing us with a lot of fun. Still, we did have an eye open for anything big nearby! 🐊

We headed back down the river and took No Regrets off into a side shallow lagoon with just enough depth for our draft. The tide was still coming in; therefore, if it became too shallow and we got stuck, we still had some tide remaining to refloat us and get out. The water was much clearer in this lagoon and just deep enough for us to have a look. Although shallow draft catamarans could anchor in this location, the mangroves and lack of breeze from the tall encircling cliffs would make it insect heaven, and no way was I going to stay. Anchoring just outside the lagoon, we checked out Steep Gorge, climbing up over massive boulders to a lovely freshwater pool at the back. This pool was quite deep and not far from the main river, and although it appeared to be relatively safe from saltwater crocodiles, it was too dark and deep to see the bottom, therefore too dangerous for a swim.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Anchoring a little further downriver is the East Arm Falls. This arm is relatively shallow, and you need to anchor in the main channel and tender ride up to the base of the falls.

The anchorage guide we downloaded as members of the Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club informed us that there was a rope ladder to assist in the climb, however, it was no longer there, and only a couple of ropes remained. This is a tough climb and almost vertical; with you trying not to look down as the resident crocodile was nearby, we had seen it on the ride in. With the climb just too challenging for some of our party, a couple stayed perched on a midway ledge while we tackled the remaining climb to check out what was above.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Getting to the top, we found the most lovely deep swimming hole and waterfall, completely safe from crocodiles. After a mandatory quick swim, we returned, but I was determined that all group members would want to see this location. Looking for an alternative route, I spotted a crevice 100 metres downstream that I thought looked possible. Inspecting closer, I spotted a rope, confirming my suspicions that there was an alternative path.

Returning the following morning, we all tackled the climb, and although still very challenging, we all successfully made it to the top. Climbing through Spinifex and sticky grasses, over boulders on a relatively unmarked course, we made it across the challenging rocky terrain and down it the steep gorge from the other side. The swimming hole at the top above the main falls is genuinely unique and beautiful. With a deep pool and higher jumping platforms, we had a fantastic afternoon playing in the falls and pool, feeling very satisfied that we had got everyone to the top.

Sailing SV No Regrets

CRUISING THE KIMBERLY (PART TWO) By Chris Rose

Later that afternoon, we returned across the sand bars and anchored at Koolama Bay West. Taking the tender to the dry, windy, sand blown shore to explore revealed yet another picturesque location.

Behind the sand dune was a water hole fed by another waterfall that had already dried up. It was a lovely location, protected from the blustery wind but my suspicions about this pool soon proved correct. I soon spotted the lurking eyes and nostrils of a crocodile in the deeper water reinforcing why you never swim in any pools where you cannot completely see the bottom.

The evening was spent reflecting on what had just been a much-anticipated destination that exceeded our expectations, the memories made and putting another tick on our bucket list!

CRUISING E ON THE PART

KIMBERLY

Sailing No Regrets

By Chris Rose

RESOURCES FOR CRUISING THE KIMBERLY KIMBERLY COAST CRUISING YACHT CLUB. The club's intentions are: To be a social network for owners and crew of vessels who have cruised the Kimberley Coast or are planning to cruise to the Kimberley. To encourage private cruising vessels to visit, and enjoy the adventure and spectacle of the fantastic Kimberley Coastal Region. To provide a source of information and contacts for skippers and crew planning to cruise the Kimberley Coast in their own vessel. The goal is for experienced Members to help others to cruise and enjoy this beautiful area.

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By Greg Luck

PART 4 RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST This is Part 4 of the Ahoy magazine series of articles based on information contained in Cruising the Queensland Coast, the eBook by Greg Luck. In Part 4, we cruise the Discovery Coast, visiting the well-known off-shore attractions of the Bunker Group such as Lady Elliott Island, Lady Musgrave Musgrave Island, Fitzroy Reef and then back to the mainland to Pancake Creek. For those that missed it, John and I did a webinar in late April which covered both the coastal route up the Queensland coast and an offshore route that John leads. We had more than 100 people in the live audience. It is now up on YouTube.

The Bunker Group

Turtle, Lady Elliott Island

Kingfisher Bay Anchorage

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

This part of the coast is all about waiting for reef weather, then heading out to the reef, keeping an eye on the weather and having a plan for where to head to on the mainland if the weather turns. The closest bolt holes are the Burnett River (Bundaberg), Pancake Creek and Rodds Bay just west of Pancake Creek. The following table of passages will ease that planning.

Passage

Notes

Rte. Dist.

Burnett River to Lady Elliott Island

Straight route. Don’t turn out of the channel until Beacon no 7. Follow Bundaberg Port Control communication procedures.

⎈

41nm

Rooney Point to Lady Elliott Island

Passes south of the FAD at Rooney Point and west of Ferguson Spit. Avoids shoals.

⎈

50nm

Lady Elliott Island to Lady Musgrave Island

Straight route. Comes around the eastern side of Lady Musgrave. You need to arrive at Lady Musgrave in good daylight before slack water. A single mooring buoy sits outside the channel that you may be able to wait for entrance conditions on.

⎈

22nm

Don’t turn out of the channel until Beacon no 7. Follow Bundaberg Port Burnett River to Control communication procedures. Passes Round Hill and then rounds Pancake Creek Bustard Head passing between Inner and Middle Rocks then arriving at Clews Point.

⎈

60nm

Don’t turn out of the channel until Beacon no 7. Follow Bundaberg Port Burnett River to Control communication procedures. Skirts the Burnett Heads shoals Lady Musgrave before turning to Lady Musgrave Island. Passes the Curtis Shipping Island Channel close to Lady Musgrave Island. Keep watch for ships when crossing the channel.

⎈

53nm

Lady Musgrave Island to Pancake Creek

Passes across the Curtis shipping channel. Keep a watch for ships. Passes between Middle Rocks and Outer Rocks and the dangerous 37nm wreck there 2nm from Pancake LowCreek. Tide at Tyroom Roads Anchorage

⎈

Lady Musgrave Island to Fitzroy Reef

Passes the cays to the east. Fitzroy Reef needs to be entered at slack water but can be entered at low tide.

Fitzroy Reef to Pancake Creek

Passes across the Curtis shipping channel. Keep a watch for ships. Passes north of Outer Rocks and the dangerous wreck there 2nm from Pancake Creek.

Just south of Kingfisher Bay Resort

⎈ ⎈

24nm

33nm

Warning. These are illustrative routes only. Not to be used for navigation. Click on the ⎈ to import the Photo: Down Under Rally route as a starting point for your route planning.

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

Lady Elliott Island Lady Elliott Island is a jewel. You can get a pretty good idea of the whole Great Barrier Reef experience on this one island. It is a Commonwealth Island, with a lighthouse, but most of it is leased for tourist operations. We were fortunate enough to spend a week here in 2021 on a film shoot charter. The island is known for having minimal shelter so the addition of two public moorings, placed much closer than you could safely anchor, in protected locations suggested by the island’s owner, Peter Gash, really helps to make this island more accessible to cruisers. The island welcomes day visitors. You should notify the island on Channel 16 before coming ashore. You are welcome to purchase meals and drinks at the restaurant. It has a great outlook over the eastern lagoon. The island requests that you depart the island by 6 pm. There is a lot to do here. This protected side of the island has a western facing beach, great for sundowners. There is excellent snorkelling with a pristine and healthy reef right from the yacht at mooring number 1. There are Manta Rays around the island which we were fortunate to see off the bow in clear water. They are magnificent.

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

Access to the island is through natural gaps in the reef. These are marked with poles. There is a north and a south one and they are marked on the aerial photo below. It is easier to get in and out at high tide. Start with that until you learn the way. Details on anchorages and importable markers for Lady Elliott and other anchorages are available in the book. Lady Elliott Aerial, showing dinghy access routes

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

Lady Elliott Island from Mooring 2

Photo: G. Luck

Lady Musgrave Island The island is famous and heavily visited, for its navigable lagoon The internal deepwater area is 1.3nm long and 0.5nm across. Lady Musgrave is on every cruiser’s bucket list. All of the inside moorings and most of the common anchorages are along the middle of the lagoon running down towards the island. Pick your way along to your intended mooring or anchorage. The lagoon is strewn with bommies so keep a bommie watch. For this, you need daylight and good conditions.

Lady Musgrave Island

Image credit: Trevor Gill

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

Lady Elliott Island from Mooring 2

Blue depth shading set to 5m to show shallower parts

Photo: G. Luck

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

Pancake Creek Pancake Creek is a conveniently located, navigable inlet. It is a bolt hole when the weather turns on the reef, being 37nm from Lady Musgrave Island and 33nm from Fitzroy Reef and a welcome stopover after the long day passages from Great Keppel Island (65nm) and the Burnett River (60nm). It is a beautiful anchorage, and very popular. It is well protected from trade winds and swell behind the peninsula of Clews Point. It can be very uncomfortable in northerlies as the seas will overtop the sandbanks at high tide. An ebbing tide shortens and steepens these waves. For northerlies, we prefer Rodds Bay 13nm away to the west around the peninsula. Photo: G. Luck

Entrance For those using older C-Map maps on their chart plotters beware there has been a long-standing issue with the chart here being out by several hundred metres. This has been corrected on the C-Map app I have on my tablet. If in doubt update your charts. The channel is well marked with beacons and both Navionics and C-Map provide a recommended track. There are some 2m LAT sections and a narrow section of only 40m wide just before the inner anchorage. Port and Starboard lateral beacons are located at the start of this narrow section to guide you in.

Bustard Head Lighthouse

Photo courtesy Tourism Queensland

RUISING THE DISCOVERY COAST By Greg Luck

Bustard Head Lighthouse Walk and Tour There is a 6.3 km return track to the lighthouse from the eastern shore of Pancake Creek near the camping area, near mooring one. If you would like a tour of the lighthouse, contact volunteer light-station caretakers on channel 71. A guided tour of the light station costs a $10 per person donation, depending on availability.

Aerial, Pancake Creek

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