A change of plan

Well, that first trip didn't really go according to plan but we have at least progressed.

We left Deception Bay as planned on 27th July on the back of a southerly. Things were a bit more boisterous than we had hoped for so we set off with one reef in the main and no headsail. It was quite gusty which always makes sail choice difficult. As we headed up the coast of Queensland the wind got up to force 6 so we put a second reef in and carried on. 

Dressed for the Tropical Capricorn Coast!

All went well, and we were making good time until, just as the sun was setting and we were preparing for our first night at sea, Bob decided to disengage! He re-engaged again immediately but dropped out again on two further occasions in the next hour.  We really didn't relish the idea of spending our first night hand steering up the coast of Fraser Island so Debi quickly got out the cruising guide and looked at our options and decided that Noosa was a good anchorage for the night. This is an open anchorage off the beach, but is nicely sheltered from the southerly. By the time we approached the headland it was dark and we were completely reliant on our satellite navigation. There are no navigation lights heading into Noosa. Despite some nervousness, anchoring was straightforward and we were settled by 7pm and glad to have the bonus of a full nights sleep.

Keeping an eye on the shipping

We set off north again at 9am the next day with significantly lighter winds and so had to motor sail for a part of the way up the coast. Bob behaved perfectly and our first overnight sail went well, however, the wind dropped off completely so we had to motor which meant it was very slow and there was a lot of shipping and fishing boats about so we had to remain alert.  The swell was quite bad and it was a bit bumpy, particularly as we rounded the northern end of Fraser Island and Break Sea Spit.  Because of our overnight stop, we decided to change our plans and not head straight for the Keppel Island Group but explore some of the reefs near Bundaberg first.

Sunset on our approach to Burnett Heads

With the weather forecast looking a bit windy over the weekend we decided to shelter in the Burnett River at Burnett Heads, near Bundaberg while it blows over. After we rounded the cape, the wind picked up again and we had a great sail from Break Sea Spit into Burnett Heads, averaging 7 knots in a force 4 SE wind. Unfortunately we arrived about an hour after sunset but the entrance is well lit and we managed to anchor outside of the marina and just outside of the shipping channel. 

Today we have had a good rest and are going to shelter here again tomorrow before heading out to the islands on Monday if conditions allow.

Anchored in the Burnett River to shelter for the weekend.