I did Eden to Airlie beach solo a few years back. From there on I sailed with mates and backpackers/girlfriends and it was great. Marina's aren't for lazy people it's actualy nice to berth up and leave your yacht and not have to worry about it as well as getting a good night sleep(most of the time).
Everyone told me just keep going North it gets better the further you go and they where right!
Maggi island great hanging out for a week or so easy to get supplies on the island.
Palm islands are also good not far from Maggi island.
i gave all those muddy places like bundy etc a wide berth.
once you get to Cairns you can anchor in the inlet and row across to the city. Port Douglass , low islands, Cooktown and lizard island are also nice and relaxing places to hangout.
Northerlys don't last for ever. Go as far north now as you can while you have the chance!
Stop blaming your other half for being stuck in the mud , create and follow your dreams.
Hey Steve, The offer of logistical support in Bundaberg is there. You can pick my brain too if you want. I have been Brisbane to Cairns and back more than a few times.
I will not enter into the Mrs thing as I have similar issues.
If you want to sail south to Sydney I can advise on that too having done it once non-stop, Southport to Sydney.
Up to you mate. It sounds like it is "decision time".
@ shaggybaxter, Thanks for that little rub. 
Steve,
If you are determined to anchor off...
I carried a small inflatable and 2 hp plus a small fibreglass dinghy. If you settle in on anchor somewhere they both get launched.
It allows for choice going ashore. It changes the dynamics for the better.
Gday Steve
I am with those who say keep going - The Keppels are fabulous, swimming, walking etc. It is only a few sails away. Turn around after that if you want but the Keppels would be a good turn around point as it is a pretty long sail through some big tides to get to the Whitsundays.
Get a little 2- 3.3hp to put on the dinghy. Then you can anchor out. We only ever wanted to go into a marina once (at Coffs) once on our last cruise, but we can carry more food than you probably can and I have a nice big dinghy that can do 8 knots with just me in it. If you are stuck on the boat together it will make things harder so. This Yammie is at Burrum Headshttps://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/burrum-heads/boat-accessories-parts/yamaha-3hp-outboard-as-new-never-been-used-/1157062988
Remember - there is no perfect place and heading south won't solve your issues.
cheers
Phil
Im also in the keep going camp,i have to end my trip here at bundaberg. I didnt get to go further and all the cruisers here cant believe im not going on even if just to musgrave. Sent you email
We have just used our tiny (1.65m) fibre glass tender with oars all the way and it's been fine - gives everyone else a laugh when we are both in it. It fits well on the foredeck of the Compass 28. A kind group towed us out to the boat on Peel Island when we'd had a particularly long row in.
Our compromise has been the odd marina - so much easier on resupply etc. We don't have a shower or fridge. We also like getting a good walk.
Our fully comp insurance with Club Marine is only $400. Should be less (?) for a Top Hat.
Cheers
Bristle
We have just used our tiny (1.65m) fibre glass tender with oars all the way and it's been fine - gives everyone else a laugh when we are both in it. It fits well on the foredeck of the Compass 28. A kind group towed us out to the boat on Peel Island when we'd had a particularly long row in.
Our compromise has been the odd marina - so much easier on resupply etc. We don't have a shower or fridge. We also like getting a good walk.
Our fully comp insurance with Club Marine is only $400. Should be less (?) for a Top Hat.
Cheers
Bristle
Thank you all so much. I awoke at 3am and before i could think too much set off. North. About 30 nm from 1770. Ive decided to use our outboard if needed on dinghy. Just need some ply to reinforce dinghy stern. Ive done it before at mooring and it workd ok. Will try.
We have ample stores of food throughout all bilges and keel section. 200l water. 73l of fuel. Can go weeks withouta shop.
Been catching tuna too. Still got that dodgy pie in a tin m keen to try!
Im sorry old boy youve stopped there. Its not a good feeling. I had no excuse to stop really.
Amazing what a sleep will do
Cisco let's have a beer in a few weeks if you can.
I really liked bundy. Convenient as in town. Everything you want a short walk away. Used my skateboard for fuel transport a few kms away.
Nice anchorage last night on that bend near the big trees.
Select to expand quotesouthace said..
I did Eden to Airlie beach solo a few years back. From there on I sailed with mates and backpackers/girlfriends and it was great. Marina's aren't for lazy people it's actualy nice to berth up and leave your yacht and not have to worry about it as well as getting a good night sleep(most of the time).
Everyone told me just keep going North it gets better the further you go and they where right!
Maggi island great hanging out for a week or so easy to get supplies on the island.
Palm islands are also good not far from Maggi island.
i gave all those muddy places like bundy etc a wide berth.
once you get to Cairns you can anchor in the inlet and row across to the city. Port Douglass , low islands, Cooktown and lizard island are also nice and relaxing places to hangout.
Northerlys don't last for ever. Go as far north now as you can while you have the chance!
Stop blaming your other half for being stuck in the mud , create and follow your dreams.
Seriously bro how many times you gonna post that pic!
Select to expand quoteSectorsteve said..
Thank you all so much. I awoke at 3am and before i could think too much set off. North. About 30 nm from 1770. Ive decided to use our outboard if needed on dinghy. Just need some ply to reinforce dinghy stern. Ive done it before at mooring and it workd ok. Will try.
We have ample stores of food throughout all bilges and keel section. 200l water. 73l of fuel. Can go weeks withouta shop.
Been catching tuna too. Still got that dodgy pie in a tin m keen to try!
Im sorry old boy youve stopped there. Its not a good feeling. I had no excuse to stop really.
Amazing what a sleep will do
Cisco let's have a beer in a few weeks if you can.
I really liked bundy. Convenient as in town. Everything you want a short walk away. Used my skateboard for fuel transport a few kms away.
Nice anchorage last night on that bend near the big trees.
Yeah sounds tricky...the main outboard I mean.
A small outboard with a gear lever can be started by a 9 year old and the transom doesn't go under.... yeah yeah, I know. It's another cost.
BTW Does your partner read this forum?
Select to expand quoteBristolfashion said..
We have just used our tiny (1.65m) fibre glass tender with oars all the way and it's been fine - gives everyone else a laugh when we are both in it. It fits well on the foredeck of the Compass 28. A kind group towed us out to the boat on Peel Island when we'd had a particularly long row in.
Our compromise has been the odd marina - so much easier on resupply etc. We don't have a shower or fridge. We also like getting a good walk.
Our fully comp insurance with Club Marine is only $400. Should be less (?) for a Top Hat.
Cheers
Bristle
Two questions Bristle:
Did Club marine ask for a survey, and
is your rigging less than 10 years old?
I know some years ago insurers also would not offer if the purchase price was less than $10k.
Select to expand quoteSectorsteve said..southace said..
I did Eden to Airlie beach solo a few years back. From there on I sailed with mates and backpackers/girlfriends and it was great. Marina's aren't for lazy people it's actualy nice to berth up and leave your yacht and not have to worry about it as well as getting a good night sleep(most of the time).
Everyone told me just keep going North it gets better the further you go and they where right!
Maggi island great hanging out for a week or so easy to get supplies on the island.
Palm islands are also good not far from Maggi island.
i gave all those muddy places like bundy etc a wide berth.
once you get to Cairns you can anchor in the inlet and row across to the city. Port Douglass , low islands, Cooktown and lizard island are also nice and relaxing places to hangout.
Northerlys don't last for ever. Go as far north now as you can while you have the chance!
Stop blaming your other half for being stuck in the mud , create and follow your dreams.
Seriously bro how many times you gonna post that pic!
Question is, is it the girl, or the view which has the attraction?
I keep wondering whether she did the climb barefoot, or did she just hop out of a car/helicopter? Yes, I am getting old.
Select to expand quoteDonk107 said..Sectorsteve said.
Need fully comp insurance to go to qld marinas. .
I wonder if anyone who is only staying for a couple of days in a marina ever gets asked to show their insurance documents
All of them want a copy, which they keep on your file. If you are getting in late, they want you to e-mail a copy to them before you arrive. No insurance papers, no berth. And no anchoring in the marinas. They are Nazis about it up here.
Steve, I know your pain. I just did Yeppoon to Urangan single handed over 4 days going south with the NE behind me most days. Think I passed you in Bundaberg, I got in at dark and was out at first light the next morning. Glad to get off the boat for a day and sit in a club. By far the hardest and longest leg was Pancake Creek to Bundaberg. No bolt holes for me, cant get into 1770 and Agnes Waters is open roadstead. That leg is hard, very hard and to do it is a decision that is yours and yours alone.
I am just motor sailing now to get back to Sydney in a reasonable time frame. But I have different people with me for 4 days at a time. I understand that is not an option for you, but some time away from each other may be a circuit breaker. Otherwise, sell it, and buy something bigger and faster so you can do it again at a later date. It is lovely in the Keppels, but no better than Cowan Creek / Hawksebury IMO.
It sounds like it has been a great adventure for you both. There is no shame in saying enough! And Bundaberg is great place to sit and stare at your navel with a cool drink in your hand while you make a decision.
Just spoke to Steve who is now approaching Pancake Creek. Should be in before dark.
Sounds a lot better than a couple of days ago and he is now determined to get to the Keppels.
Planning to go through Narrows, Northerleys for the next week, and I have suggested he return south outside to Bundy.
He has my book on my 2011 trip and will read up on the next section to the Keppels.
Select to expand quotesouthace said..
I did Eden to Airlie beach solo a few years back. From there on I sailed with mates and backpackers/girlfriends and it was great. Marina's aren't for lazy people it's actualy nice to berth up and leave your yacht and not have to worry about it as well as getting a good night sleep(most of the time).
Everyone told me just keep going North it gets better the further you go and they where right!
Maggi island great hanging out for a week or so easy to get supplies on the island.
Palm islands are also good not far from Maggi island.
i gave all those muddy places like bundy etc a wide berth.
once you get to Cairns you can anchor in the inlet and row across to the city. Port Douglass , low islands, Cooktown and lizard island are also nice and relaxing places to hangout.
Northerlys don't last for ever. Go as far north now as you can while you have the chance!
Stop blaming your other half for being stuck in the mud , create and follow your dreams.
Until I get a better one!
Picture that is!
In fact she took it on a timer I was back floating in the bay drinking coldies thank god! as I thought that was a slightly better offer than climbing Cooks hill!
Select to expand quoteYara said..Sectorsteve said..southace said..
I did Eden to Airlie beach solo a few years back. From there on I sailed with mates and backpackers/girlfriends and it was great. Marina's aren't for lazy people it's actualy nice to berth up and leave your yacht and not have to worry about it as well as getting a good night sleep(most of the time).
Everyone told me just keep going North it gets better the further you go and they where right!
Maggi island great hanging out for a week or so easy to get supplies on the island.
Palm islands are also good not far from Maggi island.
i gave all those muddy places like bundy etc a wide berth.
once you get to Cairns you can anchor in the inlet and row across to the city. Port Douglass , low islands, Cooktown and lizard island are also nice and relaxing places to hangout.
Northerlys don't last for ever. Go as far north now as you can while you have the chance!
Stop blaming your other half for being stuck in the mud , create and follow your dreams.
Seriously bro how many times you gonna post that pic!
Question is, is it the girl, or the view which has the attraction?
I keep wondering whether she did the climb barefoot, or did she just hop out of a car/helicopter? Yes, I am getting old.
No Yarra it's the view I also have a few other pics that she took apart from the one I took looking down onto deck. I just love the one she took of her self !
To reply to Yara.
I'm not sure if Club Marine would have asked for a survey - I did send them my purchase survey.
I don't remember any questions about the rigging, but it was redone 2011.
The purchase price was 9k and that's what it is insured for.
Qld marinas do seem very keen on seeing insurance.
Cheers
Bristle
Cairns Marlin Marina want $10m in public liability insurance.
It seems pretty reasonable and common sense to have it regardless of the marinas.
Some big toys out there that could easily bankrupt you if it's your fault.
Select to expand quoteslammin said..
Cairns Marlin Marina want $10m in public liability insurance.
It seems pretty reasonable and common sense to have it regardless of the marinas.
Some big toys out there that could easily bankrupt you if it's your fault.
Common sense and insurance shouldn't be in the same sentence.
The amount of people ive seen in big expensive toys with 0 clue is amazing. Just watched someone the other day in a lagoon 500 bouncing off sand bars while staring at chart plotter when the bars were clearly visible. I hope these guys have insurance when the damage my boat.
True, but I watched a 26' boat bouncing of the pontoons and other boats a few days ago. Everyone starts somewhere, it's the learning that counts.
Mind, weight and speed count when totting up the resultant bill!
Cheers
Bristle
Not having insurance is like gambling it's all great while you are winning what about if something goes wrong ?
I have previously stated about my large claim. Boat sitting on a mooring other boat drags his and insurance class it as a no fault claim and each party had to claim on their own insurance. At $25000 repairs to my boat I am glad it was insured fully.
But I am also not a gambler!!!!!!
Sorry Steve I should have been more explicit. Third party property is I believe common sense.
The boat you saw bouncing on the sand bars is the same one who has a great chance of ruining your night. They'll also have insurance paid lawyers denying any responsibility.
As with everything whatever floats your boat, to each his own. : )
Fwiw 3rd party would likely be$200. Comprehensive for my boat 26ft and trailer$30k combined is $300, $10m public liability.
I do agree private property insurance it's a gamble.
QBE $350...full comprehensive, not requiring a survey and that covers me to race.
Less than pretty much any piece of equipment you put on a boat.
Personally, I consider insurance a no-brainer.
Anchored in the Susan River, tested the anchor in reverse and all was well so I went ashore for supplies. The anchor was in a crack in some coffee rock so when the tide turned the boat went on a journey by itself, demolished a beacon and was holed. I was so glad I had insurance. Point is, insurance is to cope with accidents which are by definition unexpected unplanned events.
All the cunning and experience and luck in the world won't save you every time. You are hoping that the boat that damages you has insurance. Huge worry is that your boat might do something without your permission and try to demolish a big new Beneteau or some government infrastructure. $330 will look like very small chips.
Select to expand quotePhoenixStar said..
Huge worry is that your boat might do something without your permission and try to demolish a big new Beneteau or some government infrastructure. $330 will look like very small chips.
With that kind of premium, I am in!! Which company and what is the excess??
I have a recognized survey and brand new rigging and want to insure for $45,000 value of yacht.
Steve: I would be disappointed if you had turned and ran!
Cisco: look at thread:
'Insurance youi 0 QVB 10'
Select to expand quoteQLDCruiser said..
Steve,
Here's my perspective. Firstly, on sailing with your partner: stick with it! I'm very rarely onboard without my wife, and all our cruising is together. Wouldn't have it any other way. Sure there are disagreements - she is much more conservative than I am - but being able to share these wonderful experiences makes up for it all.
Now, I acknowledge some of the points you've made, but there are two big positives about cruising in QLD vs NSW:
Firstly, no worries about ocean swell. Once you're north of Mooloolaba, you're sheltered either by Frazer Island or the outer reef. If you've made it as far as Bundaberg, you've done the hard bit! And secondly, there's no need for night sailing. Everything is a day-sail. Your Bundaberg to Pancake is a big one, but still should be doable if you start early. You can shorten it a bit by stopping overnight at 1770 - if the weather is from the south, you can anchor off the entrance quite comfortably, you don't need to enter the main anchorage (which has problems with both depth at the entrance, and available room once you're inside).
Now a few other comments.
There's no doubt your need to keep out of marinas is limiting. And that combined with a lack of a decent dinghy/outboard is a killer combination. Ideally you need to fix one or both of these - either get the insurance so that you can get into marinas, or get an outboard for your dinghy so you can get to dry land while anchored off. Sorry mate, but doing it the way you are is REALLY roughing it, and does preclude cruising in much of Queensland. North of Bundaberg, the ports where you can anchor off, then row to shore for supplies would be very limited. I can only think of Airlie and maybe Mackay, but others may have a different opinion.
If a big objective is sandy beaches and swimming, the Keppels are your best bet and only two or three days from where you are at Bundaberg. Fantastic clear water, and half a dozen or more beaches - you'll find a sheltered one no matter what wind is blowing. If you're interested in snorkeling, then again the Keppels have amazing coral reefs, and of course the offshore islands (Lady Musgrave to North West) are probably the best snorkeling on the whole Barrier Reef - although a bit challenging to get to.
Yes, the anchorages are very different to NSW. Shallow entrances are only really a problem in 1770 and Yellowpatch - most of the rest of the common anchorages are accessible all tide and are well charted. Lucas is useful, also Patrick's Curtis Coast guide. The big tides take some getting used to - especially in spring tides, they can keep you well offshore. And north of Bundaberg, anchorages are often somewhat exposed and a bit roll-prone (Yellowpatch, where we are right now, is an exception!) You could also find lots of sheltered places around Gladstone. You'll often find yourself in a narrow waterway that has significant tidal flows, and finding the right spot to drop the pick, taking into account depth and swinging room, might take a few tries if there are other boats.
And yes, with all the northerlies this has been a trying year. There are not nearly as many northerly-sheltered anchorages as there are from the south. And of course it's been much more difficult than usual to make headway when going north.
I hope you can find your way to travel a bit further north - you've done the hard bit, and there are some fantastic places not far from you now. We're now heading south, and should be in Gladstone tomorrow - if you see us somewhere (Allons-y), drop in and say hello!
I was the one frantically waving from the lil black hulled top hat just near auckland river. Travelled from rodds peninsula (turkey beach) in gusty on the nose 25 kn.
Ive never seen a sea like yesterday.totally confused.
How did you go in the gladstone channel? Gusty and choppy as. We were travelling with the current full sails doing average 7 knots sometimes 8.
The wind seemed to get stronger once getting into gladstone.
Happy we got some shelter from that wind last night as there was nowhere to hide from it at pancakes or turkey beach. On a map it looked possible but shallows hinder that again.
I hope you had a good passage.
Select to expand quotetheselkie said..
QBE $350...full comprehensive, not requiring a survey and that covers me to race.
Less than pretty much any piece of equipment you put on a boat.
Personally, I consider insurance a no-brainer.
I'll be ringing them 1st thing, a year ago I couldn't get any interest in insuring us. Maybe things are different this year ?
