Day 5 - 13 April 2017 - We depart Nelson bay for Yamba/Iluka

The weather has improved slightly and the wind has dropped (often below 5knots and not above 17 knots). We logged out departure from Nelson Bay with Marine Rescue and a planned 48 hr trip to Yamba/Iluka. The weather report has 1.5 - 2m seas.

We saw a two pods of dolphins on the first day. The first was just north of Nelson Bay and the second was later in the afternoon. The day was beautiful and everyone is feeling a lot better than yesterday. Just a slight sea sickness in the afternoon, but the seas improved and we then took watches over night.

Light meals all day, bread and biscuits as we build our sea legs.

Day 4 - We are off

We departed the dock at 6.34am and left Barrenjoey Heads and past the light house at 7.20am after logging the passage for the first leg to Nelson Bay with Marine Rescue Sydney.

The weather is expected to be 10-20knots of wind with seas of 2m. Actual conditions were quite different. The wind was quite pleasant with gusts up to 25knots but the seas started at 4m with a lot of chop and we then struck ~5m seas with a large amount of chop off Stockton beach north of Newcastle. Everyone was sea sick to varying degrees which was extremely unpleasant.

The highlight was seeing a pod of dolphins just north of Newcastle which stayed with us for about 5 minutes, dancing around the front of the yacht, surfing waves and having a great time. We all throught it was wonderful and the kids were extremely excited.

We arrived in Nelson Bay entrance at 6pm and was on a berth for the night at 6.30pm. After a refreshing shower we all enjoyed a good dinner and off to an early bed. A very big journey tomorrow as we are likely to have to go day night and day non-stop to Yamba/Iluka. We will top off the fuel and water tomorrow morning as we are all extremely tired.

Day 2 - 10 April 2017 - Waiting for the weather to improve

The weather offshore is expected to improve on Wednesday, so we will wait it out here on the mooring in Pittwater. We have been using the opportunity to check gear and ensure everything is strapped down appropriately. The electrician from Barrenjoey Marine Electrics BME arrived and will try and set up our wireless modem on the yacht. They will be back tomorrow with the Sim card. This will really be helpful to keep this blog up to date and keep in touch with family and friends.

We tried to fill the 150L soft pack fuel tank on deck, but only managed to get 120L in it, this will reduce our range slightly but we should be fine. At a pinch with a reduced speed, we theoretically could motor the whole trip without refueling. Topping up the tanks on the way will however keep extending our range and keep a good buffer in case of bad weather or currents slowing us down.

Monday was William's birthday so we went to the Royal Motor Yacht Club for lunch. Kids watched the old T.V series BlackAdder during the day which they are hooked on. Everyone had a good relaxing time today and we followed up with a cake after dinner. Mummy had hidden the cake ready for the birthday. With no candles we used a lighter which we blew out. Nicholas couldn't help himself and blew the lighter out before Daddy had a chance. Daddy was a bit quicker the second time to beat Nicholas blowing it out. We all then watched a kiddies movie, Jumanji.

If the weather improves on Wed, we should be able to make Nelson Bay in 1 day and top off the fuel tanks, then after a quick refuel in Coffs Harbour, on day and night (taking watches) to Yamba which we should reach on Friday (most likely night). We can then head off after a rest to the Gold Coast on Saturday and arrive either Saturday night or early Sunday if the weather holds. We can then again top off the fuel and water and continue on to the top of Morton Bay off Brisbane/Redcliffe Queensland.

Day 1 - 9 April 2017 - final day loading gear

We loaded our remaining gear on the yacht with help from some friends. The yacht is filled to overflowing with gear and food. We are able to fill the water and fuel tanks and we are now ready to leave.  Or ... so we thought.

Weather report this morning, 10 April 2017 has a strong wind warning off the coast. Wind is expected to be strong today Monday and Tuesday. As a result we will have to postpone our departure until Wednesday when the weather is expected to improve. Fingers crossed. We will have to spend today strapping down the scuba tanks on the deck and celebrating William's birthday!

Preparations continue

House is again full of gear and packing materials as we get ready for the trip. We plan a trip out to the yacht tomorrow to load and store gear and food onboard and check the most recent repairs. During a recent trial run with some colleagues from work, one of the aerials was damaged and went over the side. It is unclear how this occurred. This was repaired and we now need to run final tests on all the systems.

We have also had a canvas bag made for the inflatable pool and two stainless steel cages to hold additional gas bottles from the stern arch/railings.

Aim is to head out on Sunday 9 April to do a final run of gear and then stay overnight for an early start on 10 April 2017 for the first leg to Nelson Bay (subject to suitable weather). Weather report is predicting large seas on Monday or Tuesday, so the proposed start on Monday 10 April could be delayed to avoid those estimated 6m seas.

Not long now and we are almost set to go!