Gold Coast to Sydney (or bust) - Dec 2010

Most east coast cruisers agree that 2010 has been a hard year to sail south and after our great expectations of more northerlies once we got south of Brisbane this just hasn't eventuated. Just assume our 2 weeks from the Gold Coast to Sydney was wet and it was either windy from the south or calm from the north, so sadly we have motored a lot. The up side of this has been we have had to stop and visit more towns along the way which has shown us how green the east coast of Australia is now.

We now feel quite expert at crossing bar entrances which are very common on the North NSW Coast. Thanks to Say No More for a great shot of dear Erica climbing over some big swells to get out of Southport bar. After a final 22 hour leg we arrived in the calm of Pittwater and had a very well deserved sleep before waking up to Thunderstorm warnings. A quick decision to fill up with fuel before the storm was put on hold as Erica and crew were pelted with marble sized hail stones.

After a few days walking and relaxing with family and friends in Pittwater we again headed off quickly in a good weather window to Sydney. After over 1,000 nautical miles sailing from the Whitsundays it was a great feeling to get to Sydney Heads and turn right in to Australia's most beautiful harbour. The camera went made as we dodged Ferries and tried to work out were to go. Say No More had left us up the coast a few days earlier so it was great to catch up with them in Lavender Bay next to Luna Park. We then had some of the Super Maxi's training for the Sydney Hobart go by close and we felt now we are really here! Enjoy and have a safe and Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as team Erica are now in party town Sydney...

Erica not sinking but climbing Waves!









Say No More & Erica off Gold Coast









Fly Fish on Deck









South Solitary Island allot calmer than 2007









Say No More at Yamba Cafe!

Yamba and the rain keeps coming

Erica anchored in centre of Laurieton

Hail in Pittwater

Stretching legs at Palm Beach

North Head Sydney Harbour

Peta and North Head - A very long sail!

Peta relaxed and in Sydney Harbour

Sydney town and the Harbour Bridge

Peta and the Harbour Bridge

Phil and the Harbour Bridge

Erica under the Harbour Bridge

Say No More on a mooring in Lavender Bay

Wild Oats XI comes out to welcome Erica

Lahana also welcomes Erica to Sydney

Playing tourists and relaxing in Sydney

Mackay to the Goldcoast - Nov/Dec 2010

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












Leaving Mackay passing Bulk Carriers









Our 3rd visit to West Bay is recorded for all sailors









Coral spawning south of Gladstone









You can catch your dreams and dinner!









Fraser Island is in that rain somewhere!









The washing machine seas at Wide Bay Bar









Unhappy Crew on a very rough day










Happy Crew looking for "Big" Ships









That's a "Big" Ship going fast









Moreton Island Sand Crabs for dinner












Happy Farewells with family and friends









Overcast but spectacular North Stradbroke Island









1st Sunrise in about 3 weeks - Broadwater

Now travelling in company with Team "Say No More"

More clouds and the distant high rise

Sovereign Island Millionaires

Is this civilisation? The Gold Coast!

A 60th Anniversary, 21st, 23rd, 28th and another 21st - Melbourne October 2010

It's hard to imagine, but life isn't all about sailing - we all know family is very important too. So when the invitation came for James' 21st party (actually 4 days of parties) in Melbourne, we thought it was a great way to catch up with family and friends whom we hadn't seen for almost 5 months. As the rest of the family accepted their invitations, James' 21st also became a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mary's and Mac's 60th wedding anniversary. Truly an important occasion - even the Queen popped a card in the post to the lucky couple... The Melbourne Bash (hosted fabulously by Robyn and Denis) grew further to include: Tom's, Amy's and Kelsey's birthdays, with Kelsey's also being her 21st. And so below, there are a few shots of family and friends celebrating in Melbourne. Enjoy life as we certainly are...

It started quietly on Thursday with Robyn entertaining the early arriving guests!









Then Friday's 21st Bash got into full swing









Importantly, his Parents had a few words for young James









The girls do love dressing up for a party









This weekend's number one group - James with Mac and Mary









James loves speeches and gladly, Cup Cakes









The "Old Boys" even dressed up









The number 1 Son tells tales from 1950

Wedding Bliss after 60 Years - Congratulations

The Mother and her "Girls"

Time to remember Young Tom's Birthday

The dedicated parents at Tom's birthday dinner

So young and only 21