Townsville
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Position: 19 15.15 S 146 49.39
E My calculation that we would not be able to get to Townsville before Saturday even if we sailed non-stop has in fact proven incorrect, for here we are. Last night conditions again proved too pleasant not to keep on sailing, with a gentle breeze from the ESE and a big full moon lighting the way. We continued into the night, mostly close hauled on the port tack with just the occasional short board to the ENE to make good our desired course. Initially I did not give much thought to the idea of getting to Townsville in time to catch up with my brother, but as the night wore on the breeze backed into the east, remaining light but sufficient to keep Sylph moving at a steady four knots, and it became a clear that there was a distinct possibility that we might well make it to Townsville by this afternoon. By sunrise we had passed the Palm Isle Group and I was now confident to predict an ETA of not much later than 1300. So I booked a marina berth then sent a text message to Michael to let him know of our impending arrival. We had to put in a short tack to get around Rattlesnake Island and as we approached West Channel, the passage between Magnetic Island and the mainland, the wind fell light and variable. By this time I was starting to feel a little fatigued after two nights with nothing more than fifteen minute naps. Also, I wanted to get to the marina so that I could have time to clean up and perhaps have a short rest before meeting Michael in the evening. With that end in mind, I flashed up the BRM and motor-sailed through the channel and the remaining five miles to the Breakwater Marina, where we came alongside at 1135. Since then, Sylph has had a wash-down, I have checked in at the office and had a shower, and now the daily blog is written ... 'tis time for a little snooze. All is well. |