Start Loc: Breakfast Bay, Gloucester Island (20o 03.19'S, 148o 27.67'E)
Narrative: I checked the latest weather forecast when I got up and it was good for a trip out to the reef. We got ready to sail, raised the anchor at 8:42am, and motored east out of Gloucester Passage. The winds were NNW at 12kts, so our course of 060 degrees magnetic had us on a close reach. Under full sail, we made 5.2kts through the water and 6.8kts over ground.
By 10:30am the wind had swung NW and weakened to 5-8kts, so we motor sailed for a couple of hours to keep speed up. Not only did we want to ensure the sun was still high enough to see the reef, but we wanted time to have a swim and a snorkel.
We switched the engine off about 12:20pm after the wind had strengthened to 10kts. On a close reach we had an apparent wind of 12kts, and under full sail we made 5kts through the water and 7kts over ground. Seas were less than 1m, the sun was shining, and it was great sailing.
We lowered sail half a mile off Bait Reef and motored into the Stepping Stones. As we motored inside a pair of Giant Trevally started shadowing us, following us to our mooring. There were no other boats there so we had our choice of mooring buoys, and we were moored at 2:20pm.
It didn't take long to do everything that needs to be done after a sail, and we were in for a swim to cool off. There were now six GTs, and the largest had staked his claim to any food we may offer by continually chasing off the rest. He did not get shy when we got in the water and would often swim within arm's reach. We were also soon joined by an inquisitive Humphead Maori Wrasse, who was also happy to swim right up to us.
It was another good day. The wind will strengthen to 15-20kts late tomorrow morning, then 20-25kts later in the afternoon. We will head off late morning and sail the 20 or so miles to Border Island. We didn't snorkel in Cateran Bay last time we were there and I am told it is well worth it.
End Loc: Bait Reef (20o 48.70'S, 149o 03.88'E)
Distance run: 38nm (cumulative: 2409nm)
Engine hours: 3 hr, 34 min (cumulative: 67 hr, 36 min)