Noon position: 17 37.2 S 146 13.5 E
Course: NNW Speed 6 knots
Wind: SE F3-4 - gentle to moderate breeze
Sea: slight Swell: SE 0.5 m
Weather sunny, warm
Day's run (since 1500): 60 nm

Yesterday afternoon the first mate suggested a change of plan, that we anchor behind Cape Richards at the northern end of Hinchinbrook Island for the night rather than continue sailing. After some deliberation the skipper and ship's cat agreed and we altered course accordingly. We duly came to anchor at 1918 behind the point by the light of a half moon in five meters of water over a muddy bottom.

This morning we arose with the sun at 0600 and were under way by 0635 with the aim of making for Franklin Island tonight, some sixteen miles short of Cairns. This plan should allow us to get another good night's sleep and, with an early start on Friday morning, still be able to get into Cairns to pick up a mooring in Trinity Inlet around midday on Friday, allowing time for some shopping and for Ada to catch up with some relatives ashore before the birthday celebrations on Saturday evening.

Thus far we have made good progress (helped by having a nice clean bottom), averaging six knots before the steady SE trade wind.

All is well.