Killing Time
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1400 Position: 20 10.6 S 148 45.9
E I have been in Airlie Beach for almost a week sorting out insurance for Sylph so as to be able to achieve this year's mission, namely to visit my brother Michael in Townsville. The other thing I have been attending to is having some health checks done. I am pleased to be able to report that I have made some headway on both counts. On the insurance issue, after much online searching and many phone calls I have at last been able to obtain third party cover from Coastal Insurance, a marine insurance company based out of WA. In particular, the underwriter, Jack, was patient, helpful and replied to my emails promptly. I would also put a plug in for Anchorage Insurance based in Sydney. While they were unable to offer me insurance because Sylph's home base in Adelaide, the broker, Greg, was very helpful. He put me on to Coastal Insurance and gave me a better understanding of the problems with Edward William operating in Australia. For those interested, EW is not registered with the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority and therefore, according to Greg, is not legal to sell insurance in Australia. Furthermore, EW, while having offices in Spain and Florida, is based in Costa Rica and apparently only recognises Costa Rican law. Consequently, if someone wants to take them to court they have to do so in Costa Rica - not a very practical situation for most people or companies not based in Costa Rica if they have a contested claim. So, Sylph's insurance is no longer an obstacle for us to continue on to Townsville; however, on the health front, while I am making progress, I will need to stay here in the Airlie Beach area until Thursday next week when I have some tests scheduled (nothing to worry about, I hasten to add). With some time to kill between now and Thursday, this morning I weighed anchor, proceeded to the public pontoon where I topped up Sylph's water tanks, then alongside the fuel dock to top up her fuel tanks, then, once those chores were done, we motored out into Pioneer Bay and set sail. Initially the wind was behind us and as the wind was light and it was such a pleasant day I chose to set the spinnaker. Unfortunately, it was not up for long. As we approached Pioneer Point the wind shifted 180 degrees leaving the large yellow and orange sail draped over the fore stay. Down it came and out rolled the jib. We have continued to make the best use of what little wind there is, currently we have the code zero set which has kept Sylph moving at two to three knots. But now the wind is fading out completely and we are all but drifting. My plan is to anchor in Homestead Bay on the west side of Cid Island for the night, where tomorrow I hope to be able to go over the side and give Sylph's bottom a much needed scrub. It looks like we will have to resort to the BRM soon if we are to get there before sunset. All is well. |