27th Oct Mooloolaba to Tangalooma 37nm

I woke up a bit worse for wear after a long day and evening of festivities but it was time to continue our passage south. With new crew Robert we said our goodbyes to Maureen and Betty and others and departed Mooloolaba at 9am. Echo Beach left the marina about an hour ahead of us with the same destination in mind.

The forecast was right for us to head out. ESE winds around 10-15 knots moving NE later in the morning. We put a full main up before departing Mooloolaba and once we cleared Point Cartwright I nearly regretted the decision as it was blowing 20 knots. We persevered until we cleared the point and once on course Billabong settled down and handled it well. We unfurled the jib and we were reaching across the wind at 7 knots on a comfortable sea.

The further we went the wind abated and veered at different angles until we were well up the Spitfire Channel when the wind headed us. We put the motor on and motor sailed for a while and had lunch on the way. As we crossed the Spitfire Banks the line went off and we caught a nice spotted mackerel.  The fish arrived at the right time as I was discussing with Robert what to have for dinner. Problem solved.

On arrival at the wrecks off Tangalooma we dropped the anchor and launched the dinghy for a walk on shore. I was last at Tangalooma when I was 19, visiting the hotel after a fishing trip to Flinders Reef off Cape Moreton. It has all changed with many holiday units now erected. This is Brisbane’s holiday Island. Very nicely protected from the SE winds that blow in winter but very exposed to the northerlies you get in summer.

After launching the dinghy we dropped over to Echo Beach to invite them for dinner as we had fresh fish. We were greeted with the news that Graham’s father had a fall and was in a critical condition in a Perth hospital and were waiting for further reports. This was not good news. After walking the beach and inspecting the holiday village of Tangalooma we adjourned to the yacht for a swim and shower in preparation of 5 o’clock drinks.

Graham and Leanne came over for dinner and the news had not improved and they made the decision to head for Manly Marina in the morning and fly to Perth in the evening.

It was a sombre night knowing that this was probably the last supper between Billabong and Echo Beach for this cruise. Not knowing the full prognosis of Graham’s father the news, never the less was not good.

 The wrecks of Tangalooma at sunset. They are an eyesore. The wrecks were placed here many years ago as an artificial reef to protect boats at anchor from the swell of passing ships and westerly winds.