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Finally we arrived at Middle Percy Island, after our long sail from Goldsmith, turned into a very long, 33 hour sail. It was our first overnight sail. The experiences are as follows.
Nivi’s story: I had the first shift. It was back when the weather still was nice, the exhaustion unseen and the wind just right. Oh, how my innocent mind, still had thought of dolphins jumping around the boat, as we glided elegantly through the moonlit waters. On my second shift, everything had changed. It was pitch black. The boat banged against the water, as we went up and down, cutting through the meter high waves. Everything got thrown around in the saloon, onions and apples, books and guitars. Even Guido went across the hull. But I had no worries for them. My only thoughts, was with the instruments – my only eyes in this everlasting darkness. And how dark it was! I had heard the stories. Massive tankers, enormous cargo ships, ploughing ahead, stopping for nothing. In the back of my mind, I knew they where out there, roaming the deep blue sea, but thankfully, the chartplotter assured me, that they where all far, far away. What was getting much closer tho, was the rain. Never had I praised the hard cover of the cockpit so much as now. From the dry shelter of the cockpit, I could watch the spectacular inferno of rain and waves, merging on the outside. As the rain passed, the Radar told me, no further worries were to be seen. Again we only had the everchanging wind to fight against.
Authors note: As we arrived to our destination and anchored in the darkness of the night, a lot of thoughts finally had time to be. It was a trying, exhausting, but also a very giving experience. I felt like I learned a lot more in the hours alone on the helm, about sailing, the wind, the tides and not to forget, the instruments. I know a lot more now, about the power of the sea and how much a boat can take, being pushed around in it. It surely was a cool experience, but now, I’m happy we have some days anchored at Percy, resting and exploring the Island.

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We sailed from Goldsmith Island to Middle Percy Island. Andrew had worked out approximately how long it would take with the 15 knot easterly predicted for Sunday turning south easterly by Monday. Then working backward from arriving at Percy mid morning Monday meant we set off at lunch time Sunday. What we didn’t take into consideration was that Mackay (halfway point) had 8m tides which creates strong currents, which of course were against us. So we set off at lunch time with an easterly and a boat speed of 7.5 knots which slowly went down to 3.50 knots. Then the easterly turned south easterly ahead of time, which meant a lot more tacking than anticipated. With the wind turning south east the swell also increased. By Monday morning Percy was a faint image on the horizon. So it was 9pm by the time we dropped anchor at Percy Island.

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We were so tired after chilling out yesterday that today we had to spend the day relaxing. So there is not a lot to say today, other than we set off tomorrow to do a day – night sail. Heading to Middle Percy Island. Guido and Nivi’s first night sail. We may not have internet for the next few days. So we will catch up later.

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Apologies for not writing here yesterday. We were too busy… chillin’. Today we woke up with hardly any wind and a beautiful warm sun. After breakfast, time to work! Guido went up the mast to bring down and clean the tri-light while Andrew, Nivi and Sue held the safety lines. Mission accomplished! After lunch and of course a nap for Guido, we went exploring the nearby beach on the other side of the bay.
Basically, we had our own beach, amazing. We saw many turtles, rays, squids and other cute animals.
Back at the boat, Sue, Andrew and Nivi had some drinks and nibbles while Guido was “fishing”. No success today with this last part, as he gave up to join the the rest of the crew and well… no fish. The sunset was breathtaking, simply wonderful.
Nivi made some very tasty fried rice and after dinner, well, time to keep chillin’.

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After a bit of work, getting the double anchors up, we left Thomas Island for a nice couple of hours, sailing to Goldsmith Island. We had a couple of boats racing us there, but we found a nice spot in the bay as we arrived.
Guido and Nivi went out in the dinghy for some fishing, but without much luck. They were however unlucky enough to have the motor pack up on them, so the paddles came out. After 15 minutes or so, another dinghy thankfully came to their rescue, and towed them back to the boat.
We enjoyed the rest of the sunset with wine and nibbles, back on board, together with Andrew and Sue.

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We got up this morning started making breakfast (toasted spicy fruit loaf Andrew had made yesterday). Guido tried to change his fishing luck and put a line over the side, then came inside for breakfast. Just as he sat down we heard the reel buzz. There was a fish on it. We all raced on deck to watch Guido reel in a 3kg Snapper.
When we had finished breakfast we set sail for Thomas Island. This time Nivi was up the mast guiding the way and Guido at the helm as we went into the bay. We found that it isn’t as protected from the swell as Shaw Island. Nivi made a yummy Danish dish for lunch using Guido’s fish.
After we had been ashore and had a swim Andrew thought it may help if we set a stern anchor to point us into the swell. It only helped a little.
Just before dinner it was pass the pigs time. The competition is on! Once again Andrew blitzed everyone in the first game. Guido took out the second game, what a come back.
Sue is in the galley making her cottage pie for dinner.
Side note: this is Guido. Sue’s pie is amazing!!!

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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!