Nine Day offshore
Final chapter of Flying Fish Australia stage.
For our nine days offshore we were split into three boats:
| Boat | Crew | Instructor |
| Panacea | James, Daniel, Jim, Jess, David and me | Roger |
| Let Loose | Rachel, Fiona, Lucy, Robin and Guy | Chris |
| First Fish | Sally, Huw, Mark, Tania, Trevor and Geoff | Stuart |
Sydney - Newcastle (65 miles)
The skipper for this passage was David. At 16:30 all three boats headed out of Middle Harbour Yacht club on the first leg of our passage north. Panacea and the rest of the 'fleet' arrived in Newcastle at 06:30 the next morning.
Newcastle - Pittwater (60 miles)
This was my skippered passage. We left the Marina at around 07:30 with the leg predicted to take 9 hours. At 16:00 we arrvied in Refuge Bay where all three boats rafted up and stayed overnight.
Pittwater - Port Stephens (85 miles)
For this leg our skipper was James. We left Pittwater at 06:00 heading north again. This leg was due to take us 11 hours and we arrived at 17:30 where we again rafted up to make a quick turn around for the next leg which was going to take us to Coff's Harbour. We were due to leave at 22:00 however there was a storm hanging around and we decided to stay where we were and head out in the morning instead.
Port Stephens - Coff's Harbour(160 miles)
This time our skipper was Jim. We left at 04:00 and were looking forward to a 30 hour non stop sail into Coff's Harbour. As we headed out of the harbour there were storms all around us, the lightning was amazing. When the sun came up the storms were still around us and we even witnessed a water spout, right next to First Fish. After a long sail, we made it to Coff's Harbour at 11:00 and following a quick clean of the boat, it was time to explore the town.
Coff's Harbour
After a very welcome, and enjoyable, shower we went to 'Angie's A La Carte' bar and had lentil burgers! At precisely 15:00 we hit the yacth club bar and at 15:05 the first round of Tequillas was consumed whilst the ultimate pool contest got underway. Sally and I won, but Trev's spectacular performance most be noted! Sally was complemented on her 'puss in Dubarry boots' impression and Donald was much laughed at for doing the same. Donald - it just doesn't work without a mini skirt! At around 19:35 we were all so drunk we thought we should have some food at the bar and then ... carried on drinking. Jess and Rach met a dirty old Dutch man called Hank who they drunk some more Tequilla with. Eventually, at 00:08, we left - but even the trip back to the boat was eventful, as Rachel stole a blind man's sunglasses! Our instructors disappeared into the nightlife of Coff's town and were later spotted passed out on the pontoon. The next day we were inevitably hungover and decided a swim was in order. For some it was fantastic but Rach and Sal unfortunately got eaten by sea lice. We all visited the supermarket to stock up for the last few days and after an ice cream Fiona took Rach and I on a guided tour of Mutton Bird Island.
Coff's Harbour to Port Stephens (160 miles)
Daniel was the skipper for this leg. We left Coff's Harbour at 21:00 heading south. Port Stephens was reached at 22:00 where we anchored and a effected quick turn around.
Port Stephens - Pittwater (80 miles)
It was David's turn to take command after we slipped mooring at 23:30. We arrived in Pittwater at 12:00 and all boats rafted up again. The sun was shining and everyone decided it was time to swim. Not far from the boats was a beautiful little beach which was beckoning. We all decided to swim for it, the only problem was the infestation of jelly fish! Our Aussie skipper confirmed that they were harmless so we went for it. Some jumped, some dived, some belly flopped and some were pushed. We all arrived safely on the golden sand and stretched out. Time for lunch so back into the water to dodge the jellies! No-one was stung so it seems that our skipper was right. Lunch consisted of salad wraps, bacon and eggs and Sally even baked a cake! We all did some sunbathing then went out into Pittwater bay for a quick sail before mooring up in the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for another well earned shower. After that it was off to the Newport Arms for food and a few drinks.
Pittwater - Sydney (20 miles)
Up early and ready to head back to Sydney. It was a still day with no wind in evidence, so we spent the 3 hours motoring to some tunes blaring out of the cockpit.
Well that's all folks - this part of the course is over. It's been a fantastic experience with a great bunch of people. To all of you I wish the very best in whatever your future brings.
