16th, 17th, 18th May Port Stephens to Southport 342 nm

Billabong departed Nelson Bay Marina at 6am and sailed through the heads at 7am. The wind was 15 to 20 knots from the south west turning more south as the day progressed.

Departing the marina at 6am

Leaving Port Stephens 6.30am

We sailed for the first 18 hours but the wind died at 2 am in the morning and unfortunately we had to start the motor.
It is not uncommon when navigating the East Coast of Australia to motor a fair distance as we try and pick a good weather window which usually contains less wind before another major change come through.

We had many schools of dolphins visit us through out the day but never sighted any whales.

Many playful dolphins

More Dolphins

After 24 hours we were just short of Coffs Harbour. We intended to stay a night there but because we

lost a day waiting for the storm to pass we decided to get the pain over with and do 2 nights at sea and travel through to Southport.

Smokey Cape Light House

Sunset First night at sea

Sleeping after a heavy night of sailing.

A bit tired in the morning

Hot shower off the back but wind was very icy

More Dolphins in the morning

The first night at sea was bitterly cold. The wind was a south westerly off the land and with the chill factor of the wind I reckon it was 5 degrees between 3am and 6am. The sunrise was very welcome and things warmed a little.  We had very little wind all day so proceeded to motor sail up the coast.

At night we picked up some decent wind and was able to sail for 5 hours.

The second night at sea was much warmer as the wind went around to the East and the sea temperature rose to 20 degrees.

Billabong rounded Cape Byron (the most eastern part of Australia) pushing a 1.5 knot current at 1.45am. We had been sailing very nicely but the wind died just after rounding the cape so we had to start the motor again.

About 3 am the wind picked up from the South East and we sailed most of the way to Southport.

Approaching the Gold Coast early morning

Sailing along the Gold Coast we spotted about 5 hot air balloons rising in the hinterland. They were a spectacular sight but the light was too dim to get any decent photos from the distance we were out at sea.

We crossed the South port bar at 8.45am and motored into Bums bay and had a sleep before taking a pen at Southport Yacht Club in the afternoon.

Peter has a cousin on the Gold Coast and we were picked up and entertained very nicely at their house in Robina. We had the most wonderful curry with South African origins.( Called Booti Booti in South Africa.

It was a very pleasant evening but we were keen to get back to the yacht and slumber away in our bunks.

2 days at sea is very tiring. The weather was kind but lack of sleep makes it tough.

Bums Bay