20:20.780S 148:57.016E - Whitsunday Islands
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Sun 7 Aug 2022 00:46
At 07:00 on 3rd August we weighed anchor. Travelling north from our
anchorage off Newry Island, with the wind on our nose, we motor sailed the
27 nautical miles to Hamilton Island, a member of the iconic Whitsunday
Islands group.
On Whit Sunday, Sunday, 3rd June 1770, Lieutenant James Cook first recorded
the Cumberland Islands on his initial voyage on the "Discovery".
"In the distance the islands rise majestically, their dark silhouettes like
pyramids on the shimmering horizon. Along their rocky shores, patches of
brilliant white sand merge with the sea, turning, at first aquamarine, then
emerald, their fringing coral reefs iridescent beneath the surface, their
voluptuous hills becoming yellow green in tropical sunlight." David Colfelt,
"100 Magic Miles"
The Cumberland Islands, long since known fondly as the Whitsundays, span 100
miles. They lie off the coast of Queensland, from Mackay in the south to
Bowen in the north. The islands are in point of fact submerged mountain
ranges, which are today about 100 meters deeper than when the indigenous
Aboriginal tribe, the Ngaro, first hunted and fished on this land.
The Whitsundays display a similar flora, fauna, and geology as the mainland,
so are often referred to as continental islands. The islands are fringed
with vibrant coral reefs. A mere 25 nautical miles further northeast is the
celebrated Great Barrier Reef, affectionately known locally as the "outer
reef".
The waters at this time of year are teeming with whales, mostly Humpback.
Just now, as I write from the Hamilton Island Marina, a call went up,
"Whales!" Just outside the mouth of the harbour 2 Humpbacks were blowing and
breaching. What a magnificent sight! Humpbacks migrate from their Antarctic
feeding grounds to breed and give birth in tropical and subtropical waters
between July and September. Their path leads them right past our doorstep.
Last night, 5th August, was the official halfway party. We have travelled
halfway around the world, over 2 great oceans and stepped foot on 14 lands.
Oyster threw us a fitting party, with fireworks and champagne, awards, and
accolades. Louis was asked to present a mock SSB radio net call to all the
boats between the main course and dessert. It was hilarious and allowed each
boat owner to have a voice and pay tribute to the wisdom they have gained,
the lessons and advice they might want to impart, and how this voyage has
changed them for better or worse thus far. John Mctigue, Big Mac, from Irish
Blessing was Louis' counter foil and the banter was mighty! Louis won an
award for his radio net talent, voted by rally participants. Congratulations
captain!
We are happy to welcome George's great friend Freddie and his father, Jed,
onboard. Jed is here a mere 7 days and Freddie will stay until the end of
the month. George is ecstatic!