The alarm was set for 4.30am as we had to depart at first
light to have enough water to get over the inner rocks of Pancake Creek. High
tide was at 3.48am and first light is about 4.45am and by the time we get to
the bar crossing it will be 5.30am which is one and a half hours after the high
tide. That means there will be run out water into a north east wind which will
create overfalls and a very uncomfortable crossing.
As soon as we were up we were pulling the anchor up and were
being guided by our GPS and the track that I had saved on the way in. Luckily
we managed to get across the inner rocks just as the light of the morning was
appearing. We crossed the bar and the overfalls were just starting to get
bigger as the momentum of the tide increased. It was rough but not dangerous.
If we left later it may have been a different story. We had heard radio reports
from yachts that crossed a day earlier when the tide was over two hours into
the run out with stronger winds that they would not want to go through that
again.
Another 5 yachts left in the next hour.
Leaving Pancake Creek
The run down to Bundaberg was great. We had sufficient wind
for a full main and a head sail and we did not have to motor for a change. It
was fantastic to sail for 9 hours without the motor. The wind increased to
about 25 knots as we neared Bundaberg and we were happy to reach the sanctuary of
the Burnett River. The tide was running in strongly at about 2 knots and with
the wind strength the marina staff organised about 7 people to catch the ropes
as it is not an easy place to drive a yacht into when conditions are calm let
alone with this wind. We managed a perfect landing which was a relief and the
extra help was appreciated.
Another of the RPAYC cruising yachts was moored there.
Nirvana’s Kitchen. Leon and Nirvana had guests on board Marius and Joy. As we
had so much fish in the fridge that required to be eaten we invited them to
dinner. We had a great evening of chatter and I cooked the Cobia on the BBQ with
some spices which was a real treat and enjoyed by all.
When the guests left at 9pm and as soon as the dishes were
done the lights were out and the thought of a sleep in was a luxury. We intend
to stay a few days while the forecast SE wind passes through.
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