16:55:0S 145:46:9E

Monday 6th July 2015
Having anchored off last night we called customs and quarantine and made our way into Marlin Marina. This will be my home for the next few weeks while I get WD back into shape ready for the other half of the world. David left within hours of arrival. Simon is staying on for about a week to explore.

It is now Wednesday, the rigger has been, condemned two of the new lower shrouds. "There are wire broken inside," he said. On close inspection you could see the rippling on the outside strands. He will replace them next week. The Raymarine Engineer has been, he seemed fairly positive that it should be a straight forward job to replace the autopilot and repair the seatalk. Saturday the sail make comes to assess repair of sails, Bimini and spray hood. Indian Ocean chart and pilots have been ordered. Progress is being made. Tomorrow bikes out and a cycle to the chandlers.

Cairns is beautifully developed, spotless and well maintained. It is full of holidaymakers. Early morning activities include free aqua aerobics, Pilates, tai chi, bouldering, running workshops etc. Masses of back packers throng the beach and on every corner is an office trying to get you to do their Great Barrier Reef tour, diving, or other extreme sport. Huge Asian food halls with amazing varieties of food to choose from. Bars abound, but the beer is not great, I am sure Crocodile Dundee would say "Yes you can drink it, but it tastes like P**s!"