Sailing Erica: Mackay to the Goldcoast

We arrived back in Mackay after our busy but very enjoyable Melbourne trip and planned to set off for Brisbane. Unfortunately, the weather closed in with strong wind warnings and torrential rain, delaying our departure for a few days - we have to say that this year in Queensland (and the rest of Australia) it has been very challenging for yachting cruisers. Finally, after 500 nautical miles, 4 weeks and a lot of challenging weather, we are now moored next to the high rise buildings of the Gold Coast with more rain falling (non-stop for the last 5 hours) and strong wind warnings yet again.
Even though this has been the most challenging trip southwards for us, it has been filled with some memorable moments, both good and bad. Along the way, we have been catching up with and farewelling friends whom we have met since commencing this odyssey in 2008. We have also come through some very challenging weather conditions, showing us that Erica is a very capable vessel, but her crew really do prefer fair weather sailing. Now, we are sailing in company with our dear friends from Adelaide who are on their yacht "Say No More", and we plan to sail together all the way to Sydney.

In reviewing the photo's below, we have realised that we generally don't take any photo's when the weather is bad and sailing conditions are particularly challenging!! Enjoy as we think we still are...

Mackay Orchids