I cleared and stowed any final loose items after a light breakfast, put on wet weather gear and lifejackets. Called marine rescue and logged the trip and ETA at Yamba/Iluka (NSW). It was estimated at about 7-9pm depending on wind, waves, currents.
There was only light wind of about 10 knots as I headed out the Gold Coast seaway with the glow of the sun on the horizon. As soon as I exited the seaway I headed south and into the wind and waves. The seas were big, larger than 4m and stayed this way through the entire trip. The wave frequency however wasn’t too bad, so although it was large, there was enough time between the wave crests to roll over each wave without too much crashing and spray over the back of the waves. The wind picked up during the day to over 25knots with occasional gusts over 30knots.
Even so, it was quite a reasonable journey and the waves were not too messy so it was a steady pattern and not a corkscrew motion that makes life really difficult. I enjoyed the trip and wonderful sun rise over the Gold Coast. I had to head further offshore (about 10-15 NM) to try and catch the East Australian Current (EAC) which added 1-2 knots south and I was able to get a good pace south. Sky was overcast most of the day but visibility was good. It felt good to be making good progress. I made some soup and sandwiches for lunch and a late afternoon snack as I was getting cold. I had plenty of good snacks although I’ve found I don’t usually have a large appetite while off shore, and going below is often a cause of sea sickness so to be avoided. I usually feel hungry once anchored or tied up after the leg of the trip is completed.
Birds regularly flew around the boat, even in the strong winds which is amazing to watch them hover to keep me company and I saw some dolphins and quite a few whales.
As darkness fell, I could see the lights and dark shadow outline of the entrance to Yamba/Iluka seaway on the horizon through my binoculars. I entered through the seaway at night and headed up river into the Iluka marina area (which is on the north side of the river entrance) and anchored behind the break wall. It was dark and difficult to see however with a torch and care I was able to find a good spot to anchor, close to the western entrance and about 50m from the sea wall. Some hot spaghetti mince with peas and rice for dinner and early to bed.
Here I was, back in NSW and could relax. I gave Sally and the kids a call with the good news (something I forgot to mention -I was keeping them up to date throughout the journey).
Now I could wait and relax for several days and my other brother Mark was going to join me for the next long leg of the trip - Yamba/Iluka to Sydney.