The Gold Coast

After a week in Brisbane, having completed official duties (no problems there, they even allowed to keep our favorite French cheese Reblochon), having rested and later received friends Tortuguita and Crisaloha, Oscar is today on the move again, solo sailor, but behind Tortuguita towards the Gold Coast. The idea is to stay in the Gold Coast marina that host the Gold Coast boat show next week. I'm planning to fly there for the weekend, and together we'll decide if Zenitude stays there for the Summer or if we sail back to Sydney. A busy 'boat show' weekend ahead.

G.  

Back in Australia

It was a good window after all and with forecast and route advice from Roger Badham all went well. Zenitude arrived in Brisbane quarantine docks at about 1:00 AM on Friday ahead of a southerly change forecast for Friday noon. Moreton Bay was the most stressful part of the trip with 30 kn winds inside the bay and many big ships to avoid along the way. It didn't help to do that part of the trip at night. George was a fantastic crew to have on board, with always working to have the best possible set for our sails and flying in light winds. A lot to learn from him. The bad news is our sails are finally too worn out and need replacing, but we already suspected that.

A lot of work lays ahead to prepare for next season, but for now it is just rest time for the tired crew.
G.

Underway - Noumea to Sydney

After hectic preparations and wondering if this is indeed a good window, as per usual before a passage, Oscar and Georges left Noumea yesterday afternoon and are underway to Brisbane, with light winds and perfect weather yesterday and motor sailing in light winds again today. If all goes as planned ETA is Friday morning. All is well on board.

Coming back home

G.

And the season is almost over .....

It's been a while since our last post. Things have happened fast and suddenly I found myself on a plane coming back to Sydney. Oscar in Noumea getting ready to sail back to Australia as soon as the weather clears and Georges, his crew for the trip, is free from his very busy working schedule. It all seems good for next Saturday. In the meantime, Tortuguita with our dear friends Dave and Booker have arrived to Noumea from their Pacific crossing trip and are ready for the last leg coming to Australia as well. It appears that Crisaloha has also arrived today to the marina, planning to come to Sydney this season and I'm missing all the fun.

But all is well here and there. Will send more news when Zenitude starts her trip back.
G.