Leaving Townsville

Tuesday 26th August

Monday 25th September is a date to remember on BlueFlyer- we got a new Raymarine VHF. What is more it was supplied and fitted under warranty! The Townsville agent arrived at mid morning and spent about an hour fitting it and testing it. As a result we all decided to get up early on Tuesday to leave for Hamilton Island where Peter and Mary get their flight to Brisbane and thence to Sydney. We also had the local Kohler generator agent in to order a new switch for the generator, but he later rang to say there was none available in Oz, so we arranged to have ordered by the Mackay dealer as we will leave the boat there for a month or so while we wait for the wind to go northerly in October.

Townsville is the largest town in tropical Australia, which really doesn't amount to a lot. A pleasant town, but we preferred Cairns to be honest, more buzz and life about it. However we all went to see "Mama Mia" in the local cinema, we all recommend it as viewing material, and the music's not bad either. We also visited the local aquarium and its spectacular. No need to visit the Barrier Reef at all, its all in the Aquarium and much more easily viewed. They also identify the fish for you.

This Tuesday morning we were all up to the showers at 0530, an awful shock to the system! Away from the dock at 0630 and out to the bay and on to Upstart Bay where we are anchored for the night. The journey reminded us all as to why beating and motoring into the wind is not for cruising people, it was horrible, but we covered 75 miles all the same and are well on the way to Hamilton Island. We are planning a 0530 start in the morning to get the remaining 85 odd miles covered in one day. We may anchor overnight so as to get to Hamilton during the morning. That would mean we get into the harbour while all the racers are out playing. I chose the anchorage in the lee of Upstart headland and when we arrived we found another dozen boats already anchored here, but there's plenty of room anyway.