Start Loc: Cape Flattery (14o 57.17'S, 145o 19.87'E)
Narrative: The swell started to come around the cape at about 6 o'clock this morning, and of course it was right on our beam. By 7 o'clock we had had enough of rolling and decided we would head off and have breakfast on the move. We raised the anchor at 7:45am and motored NNE until clear of the shoals running north off the cape, which also put us in clean air.
The wind was E at around 15kts and seas were about 1m. Our NNE heading had us sailing on a close reach, and under full sail we were generally making 5.5-6.5kts through the water and 7-8kts over ground. It was great sailing.
As Lizard Island grew larger, its satellite islands of South and Palfrey became distinguishable. These islands and surrounding coral form the lagoon anchorage on the south side of Lizard, which is where the Australian Museum research station is located. We sailed past them and the resort, dropped sail, and motored into Watson's Bay on the NW side of Lizard Island at 10:35am. We motored around the bay for a few minutes to select our anchorage amongst the 20 or so other boats in the bay, before dropping anchor at 10:43am in 3.5m of water. We were secure first time in good holding sand.
In a word, "spectacular". We all immediately agreed that the mix of reef, white sand and clear water make this an absolutely stunning place to stop. We swam and snorkeled the reef off the back of the boat, had lunch, then went ashore to have a quick look around. I found the start of the walks we want to do, and also found the "treasure chest" which has a visitors book and made an entry. We headed back to the boat to grab some snacks and drinks, then joined about 30 other people on the beach for sundowners.
Tomorrow we will do the walk up to Cook's Look (from where he confirmed his safe passage through the reef), and probably on Wednesday we will walk past the remains of Mrs Watson's house, past the airstrip and on to Blue Lagoon.
End Loc: Lizard Island (14o 39.79'S, 145o 27.08'E)
Distance run: 20nm (cumulative: 1835nm)
Engine hours: 1 hr, 23 min (cumulative: 19 hr, 58 min)