We made so many friends in Manly at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron who worked on Aqualuna sorting her out it was sad to say 'Goodbye' to them.  We also had a lovely time with the Laws and stayed with them in their house in Noosa a great place to visit by car, not so good for a yacht because of the sandbar.  Jonathan's Goddaughter Tessa and her boyfriend came on board for pre-lunch drinks and then lunch at the yacht club, it was lovely seeing her again.  Between getting the yacht sorted we did a few touristy things in Brisbane and visited our favourite restaurant 'The Jelly Fish' on the river front.

All we need now is for the sun to come out, it has been pretty grey and squally hopefully things will improve as we head north.

I will now endeavour to write more frequent blogs now we are at last underway.  

We did have a false start on Monday as we left the marina having refilled with fuel at 5.30 a.m. got thirty minutes out and Jonathan noticed the battery was not charging, went below to check the alternator and got sparks flying out from a wire, so engine off quickly, turned around and sailed back through the flats to the marina  Chris who looked after us so well with all our electrics at the RQYS got hold of a new alternator within 24 hours and fitted it for us, but we also discovered the anchor winch had ceased at the main shaft in its bearings due to water leakage through a seal, so a new one of those also was ordered and replaced.  Just a few of the niggles that come along with the joys of sailing.

Phoenix Crown worn by Empress Xiaoduan from the Wanli Period 1573 -1620

Antonia and friends, Beijing.