A Sailor's Dream - Cape Bedford, Queensland, Australia
Harmonie
Don and Anne Myers
Sun 11 Jul 2010 23:17
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15:14.066S 145:19.439E
After two days at Low Island, on June 10th we
pressed on for points further north. Covering over 80 miles in the 12
hours between sunrise and sundown, we sailed every sailor's dream - downwind
fast on flat water. The downwind rig went up and down
again without mishap, and we experienced the full wonder of
sailing within the protection of the nearby barrier reef. Sailing downwind
fast on flat water means no tilt, no unexpected jolts, no toilet
sandwiches, no saltwater showers. Just a friendly breeze from behind
pushing us straight ahead. We had forgotten just how nice it can be.
Instead of moving around the boat crab-like grabbing every handhold
possible and sitting stiffly in the cockpit braced for impact, we walked
around like normal people and sat comfortably reading books without getting that
puke-ish feeling that usually comes when reading is mixed with sailing. It
was a very good day.
Oh, and to make it even better, we passed a few
sailboats along the way. Not that we were racing mind you, just that we
happened to be sailing faster than they were.
Picture 1 - Our view of the American boat
Baraka after we passed them. Note the lovely mountains in the
background.
Picture 2 - Cape Bedford. Not much to
look at, but certainly a distinctive landmark.
Picture 3 - There are lots of shrimp trawlers
in these parts. We shared the Cape Bedford anchorage with this one until
sundown when it pulled up anchor and went to work.
Picture 4 - Dusk approaching the
anchorage.
Pictures 2 and 3 courtesy of Helen.
Anne
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