We're off

We then reprovisioned, filled the water and fuel tanks and departed Mackay a week later on Tuesday, 15 July on a cool day with 12 knots of breeze from the SSW and sailed to Brampton Island for what eventuated as an overnight stay only.  A very rolly night in Pelican Bay with winds gusting to 23 kts.  Brampton Resort does not allow visitors into the resort area but the rest of the island is National Park with a number of walking tracks giving superb views over the surrounding islands.  These we had enjoyed five years ago but this time we decided to press on as the weather turned overcast and cold.  Rain began falling as we raised the anchor and a wet passage to Shaw Island ensued with wind SSW at 22 kts but thankfully the swell was only 1.7m.  Rounding Burning Point of Shaw Island was a relief and we anchored in calm waters in the southeast corner of the island.  Too wet and windy to go ashore with bullets of wind gusting to 30 kts so next morning, Thursday 17^th July, we motor sailed under overcast skies and southerly winds of 18 kts and berthed at Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach, at 1300 hrs.  We were given a berth on the super yacht arm and felt like a sardine amongst these biggies, nearly all with only crew on board.  In that respect, we on Breakaway felt quite superior.