Year 2 - Tuesday 15th April 2025 -Guest Blog.
After a cereal breakfast, I set about just checking the boat over when I got up. I notice the stern warp seemed longer than I remembered so adjusted it.. Overnight Id formulated the process of repairing the steps. I visited the local chandlery and fishing shop by the local yacht club to buy some hook oversteps as a temporary measure whilst repairing the timber steps. Neither had what I wanted so we got the shuttle bus to the marine superstore in town where I managed to get what I was looking for. I also got some timber glue. Then after returning with Paul, I again ran through the launching of the dingy and launched it without a problem. I was bothered that the wind was still a bit high for the days planned fishing and dingy cruise with the adjacent live aboard yacht owner around local channels and islands. Thankfully our boat neighbour cancelled the trip due to the high wind, I suspect he was worse for wear after last night’s BBQ where he was very very drunk. I was relieved I did not have to make excuses not to go due his condition. Maybe we will go tomorrow?
I borrowed some joinery clamps and undertook the step repair. I just need to now find some teak dowels to reinforce the repair. During the repair I noticed the steps had previously been repaired which made me feel better.Late afternoon I unsuccessfully tried fishing from the yacht. Then with Paul made dinner of flat head fish (from the freezer), veg and sweet potato wedges. The wedges took forever to cook and Paul did some sweet potato mash which saved the day.
The wind is definitely now dropping but Nick is back in a couple of days and we now need to clean the boat and provision for the trip to Mackay limiting any sailing opportunities. Typically, it looks like the wind will be so low when Nick arrives and we may have to motor to Mackay. That’s sailing for you
Paul has suggested we plot some tentative routes to Mackay via some islands. Paul is eager to visit Heron Island. So, we will do that tomorrow for training and Nick thoughts. I would like to see one more island before I leave too./
Also, I reluctantly finally booked my flight from Mackay to Brisbane and for the overnight hotel before flying back home to Heathrow next week. I have strange and mixed feelings as over the last 5 weeks I have loved my time here and on Stormbird, but also, I have terribly missed my wife and 17 year old daughter. And also, my own boat. I also can’t wait to return to Stormbird for the Indonesian rally.
Paul has just found a different Jack Johnson CD, so now chilling out to that and another glass of red wine.
David & Paul