Position: 34 46.47 S 138 29.41 E
Alongside RSAYS Marina
Wind: SW, F4 moderate breeze
Sea: slight Swell: SSW 0.5 m
Weather: partly cloudy, warm
Day’s run: 37 nm

Looking at the weather forecast last night, Ada and I decided that we would return to Adelaide today. The forecast was for fresh SW winds today which would have made going ashore in Stansbury difficult and there seemed little appeal in sitting on the boat all day. Also, tomorrow the wind is forecast to go more into the SE making for an uncomfortable tight reach across the Gulf. Consequently, after breakfast, at 0835 we hoisted the mainsail with a single reef, slipped the mooring, fell off the wind, set the jib and made a heading of NE to clear South Spit, which we did a half hour later and were able to alter course to the East to once more cross the Gulf.

As we gained the more open waters the waves picked up and Sylph started up a rhythmic roll which, regrettably, caused Ada a little disquietude. We maintained an E’ly heading until 1240 to pass clear of several ships at anchor that were riding high and clearly waiting to take on cargo. Once clear of them we bore away 20 degrees and poled the jib out to starboard, running wing-on-wing, making direct for Outer Harbor entrance. With the seas now more astern the ride also became a little more comfortable, as did Ada.

At 1415 we passed between the Outer Harbor breakwaters where we furled the jib and sailed further into the harbour to gain smooth water. We then started the engine, rounded into the wind and handed the main, then continued into the marina, where we came alongside at 1438.

It has been a pleasant sail on the Gulf over the last few days and a pleasure to be able to share Sylph with a friend for a short while.

All is well.