Position: 27 27.54 S 153 13.68 E
At anchor off Green Island
Wind: E, F3 gentle breeze
Sea: rippled  Swell: nil
Weather: sunny, warm
Day’s Run: 9 nm

Yesterday I enjoyed a peaceful day at anchor with Coochiemudlo Island providing good shelter from the strong SE winds that picked up during the afternoon. Despite the fresh breeze I managed to get a bit of maintenance done on the upper deck, continuing touching up some ex-rust spots on deck.

This morning the wind had died to a near calm and I spent the forenoon putting the final coat of paint on some spots, though there remain some that need further attention. It has to be said that looking after a sixty-five year old steel boat is a significant commitment.

In the afternoon the sun was shining and a nice NE breeze was blowing. By 1400 the paint was dry so I decided to sail to another anchorage for the night, one that would provide better shelter with the wind forecast to swing into the North later this evening. Also, my current plan is to top up with fuel from the Manly boat harbour tomorrow morning, so I chose to anchor off Garden Island which provides good shelter from the NE and North and is less than three miles from Manly boat harbour. It was a pleasant and relatively fast sail, the moderate NE breeze making for a close reach for most of the way and, with the assistance of the ebb stream, Sylph generally kept up a smooth seven knots.

At 1600 we were in the lee of Green Island. I rounded Sylph up into the wind, handed sail, and let go the anchor in four meters of water. I was pleased to see that three other vessels were anchored nearby, two fishing boats and a motor yacht, which reassures me that the spot I have chosen has the endorsement of some experienced locals.

Now it is time for a cockpit wash while there is still have some warmth from the setting sun, and then dinner.

All is well.