South from Cairns to Mackay

S 21 06.90’, E 149.13.48’ – check lat and long

 

Cairns to Mackay

We left Cairns and then dallied for a fun weekend of frolics at Fitzroy Island with friends Heidi and James and kids, and the Arjunians (Catherine David and kids) for time in the sun, chilling and supping the odd wine, on board and at Foxy’s bar. Great pizzas by James.

The tourists leave Fitzroy Is at 4pm and serenity descends

 

It’s a bit of an anti-climax now coming south, but the coast of FNQ (F stands for Far) is an excellent cruising ground. The winds have been mostly favourable E / NE and we headed south via Dunk Is and  then Zoe Bay on Hinchinbrook Island to Magnetic Is. just off Townsville, one of our favourite spots.

A tour of Maggie via the local bus, and brunch back at Horseshoe bay before sailing south on a lovely NE’er down to Cape Bowling Green. Then a good days sail to Gloucester Passage, location of Shag Islet  and home port of the Shaggers CYC (just google it if interested),  and a further days relaxing sail down to Macona Inlet where we met up with Robina and Brenton from RBYC.

Gaff rigged ketch off Maggie Is.

Black Bastard the feared pirate of Gloucester Passage.
Rumoured to have a huge motor and capable of 40Kts in pursuit of victims
 

Then into Airlie to do the mundane chores  - won't bore you with the details of boat washing and polishing and laundry. Worth a mention was the superb paella at Café Barcelona washed down with a white rioja.  Then a good fast sail to Tongue Bay, just around the corner from the famed Whitehaven Beach, (as featured in any tourist photo of the Whitsundays) and then some gentle day sails through the southerly Whitsunday Islands down to Mackay – we love  Shaw and Thomas islands.

Yachtie built cairns on Shaw Island.
Ours is the one in the middle.

At these islands the tranquil still of the evening is broken only by the whooshing sound of surfacing turtles and the occasional dolphin to pass wind – (ie breathe).

Some good day sails, and fish!! Yes changing the trolling lure set up (thanks Graham and others) has reaped rewards of some nice eating fish plus plenty of fun.

Shark on soft lure on hand line

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I catch and release all sharks
 so hopefully it will live to bite another day.

 

Frigate mackerel -
Unfortunately not a top table fish

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The prized Spanish mackerel - very fine eating fish

Highlights of the past 2 weeks:

·         Fishing - succesfully

·        Nice leisurely sails south in 12-15Kt NE’ers. Makes a relaxed change from bashing south through the brisk 20Kt+ breezes up round Lizard Is. and Cooktown.

·        Revisiting our favourite old haunts – like Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Is.

·        Catching up with cruising buddies, like the Shining Stars / Wet Bars, Chakanians, Arjunians.

The Chakanians and Kirra Kirrians