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Around 7:30 we set sail, heading for White Haven beach. Unfortunately the east coast was getting hammered by 30knot winds and 2m swell. As we became more and more aware of the windy reality of the planned destinations route, we chose to turn around and try out our luck at the west side and the southern islands (Even tho Guido and Nivi were more than happy to try out sailing in rough weather – feels like a rollercoaster!)
The new spot for the night became an anchorage at Shaw Island. It was a bumpy ride getting there, with a bit of rain on the way, but it cleared up nicely as we arrived. Guido got up in the mast, checking for reefs, as Nivi was on the helm steering the boat to the anchorage.
As we got settled the big question occurred: who is the better fisherman? Nivi started out taking the lead with the first fish of the day, but Andrew took over the title when when he reeled in the biggest fish, a nice 2.5 kg white snapper, which also ended up on the dinner table (Y U M!) Guido caught the most fish, a beautiful, coloured reef fish and a mangrove jack.
Who the better fisherman is, is still unclear (first fish, biggest fish, most fish??), so we will try again tomorrow to clear up the question.

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We woke up early in the morning at Blue Pearl Bay and after a morning swim and a nice breakfast we moved to Luncheon Bay. 

After some challenging sailing for Nivi and Guido, we arrived to Luncheon Bay just in time for some home made (maybe boat made) bread sandwiches.  Beautiful snorkel with plenty and funny batfish. We missed the Mauri Wrasses tho, who made friends with someone else.

We got some more protection from the swell at Maureen’s Cove later in the afternoon, where Nivi and Guido had an endless nap.

Nivi is cooking tonight… it is said that she knows what she is doing, we shall see and report again tomorrow. Andrew and Guido played Pass the Pigs.

Side note: this is Guido. I hate pass the pigs!!!!

Whilst Nivi was in the galley cooking up a storm we had a game of boat dodgems trying to get to the calmer mooring we had been waiting for.  The marine parks boat had been on it. Another yacht came into the bay and was also waiting. The parks boat finally left and it was on. 

Everyone jumped up, Guido had us unhooked from the mooring in seconds.

Sue at the helm and it was all ahead full steam. The other boat had deployed a dinghy and was heading for the new mooring. That didn’t slow Sue down. Neither did the screams and shouts from the kids in the dinghy.

Although they were shouting something from the other boat, both Andrew and Guido said they couldn’t hear what they were saying.  Well, they didn’t start moving their boat fast enough (they didnt stand a chance) and to be fair we had been waiting all afternoon for the mooring.  We had also come across this same boat that had hogged the moorings at 2 other bays we had just been to, it must be karma!

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Straight after breakfast we headed back to Blue Pearl Bay. It seems all the rent a boats had the same idea. By the time we got there, there were 12 other boats in the bay. Thirteen boat onto 6 moorings doesn’t go. Our only option was to anchor in 19m of water. 

It wasnt long before we were in the water. Guido and Nivi snorkelled the reef while Andrew and Sue swam around the boat, then sunbathed on the back deck.

Ten of the boats in the bay must have known each other as after lunch they left in a group leaving only two boat plus us.

We quickly hauled anchor and moved onto a vacant mooring. That took a lot of energy, so it was back into the water for another cool off and swim. When back on deck Guido and Andrew repaired the bowroller that had lost its retaining pin. 

This afternoon it was time to teach the new crew how to play Pass the Pigs.

After Andrew blitzing everyone in the two games it was time to be serenaded by Guido on the guitar.  Onto drinks and nibbles, enjoying this beautiful bay, the peace and quiet and “our fish” that always come to swim with us here.

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This  morning we met our new crew Guido and Nivi. After a quick tour of Airlie beach and a trip to the booze shop we headed back to the boat.

We only had time for a quick tour of the boat before preparing to set sail. 

Our plan was to head to Blue Pearl Bay, but unfortunately the rent a boats had taken up all the moorings. So as with boating we changed plans and went to Stonehaven Bay.  Minutes after anchoring Guido was in the water cooling off. Nivi has already got a little pink on her first day in the sun. The start of their 30 day adventure on Imagine.

This evening we were asked to try Nivi’s home made Danish cake. Now there is none left! Yum!