Herald and Rattlesnake Islands

With light northerlies forecast for a few days we set sail for Herald and Rattlesnake Islands, in the RAAF Halifax Bombing Range, checking that there was no bombing today, it could have been untidy. We were also warned not to look at any planes with our binoculars as their lasers can burn our eyes. It was an easy cruise of five hours.

A few fishing trawlers were resting on Herald Island, with their big nets out, so we rounded the point onto Rattlesnake Island.  Just us and a sea-eagle to share the island – perfect!  Always nice to see a pod of whales leaping, this time near Big Palm Island, just north of us.  Peter caught a mackerel and a large tuna so it was time to try some new recipes. 

Citrus Marinated Tuna Steaks were delicious! 

Ingredients:  Serves: 4 

3 tablespoons (60ml) orange juice,  3 tablespoons (60ml) soy sauce,  1 tablespoon lemon juice,

2 tablespoons olive oil,  1 teaspon sesame oil,

1 clove garlic, crushed,  2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano  (or ¼ tsp dried),  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

500g tuna steaks

Method:  In a large non-reactive dish, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, sesame oil, parsley, garlic, oregano and pepper.  Place the tuna steaks in the marinade and turn to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (we left them an hour). 

Cook on hot BBQ plate for 2 – 3 minutes, turn steaks and cook a further 2 -3 minutes, keeping steaks rare (pink on the inside). Serve and eat immediately.  (thanks to Sydney Fish Markets for the recipe)

Watching the forecast for some south winds to take us back to Magnetic Island, Friday looked good with 9 knots S turning E around noon.  We thought the screecher and main would be best fit, so hoisted the main on anchor and left the bay expecting some S wind after clearing the lee of the islands.  Soon it became 15 knots, so we opted for the genoa.  Suddenly it was 25 knots and increasing and we were reaching 8.5 knots under full sail.  We turned upwind into the swell and reefed the main, then set back on course to Horseshoe Bay.  Somehow, during the reefing, the boom bag end became jammed in the reef line and we only noticed it when the bag sides didn’t line up.  Up with the main again and trying all sorts of pulling and releasing, to no avail.  Then Peter realized it was the metal eyelet stuck in the reef roller and stuck fast.  Some lateral thinking and innovation by Peter eventually freed the little blighter.  Another repair job on the list!