Back in the blue and northbound again

Back in the water, nothing leaking and the weather is perfect to sail north, so we set sail to Shaw Island.  Only two power boats in the anchorage but a pod of dolphins for added company. 

Then on to Airlie Beach, a bit more provisioning and dinner at Banjo's with Toucan - Kurt and Lynette and friends.  hooked up a nice cobia along the way.

The SE winds were quite gusty, up to 30 knots but ok downwind, so we took shelter in Jonah Bay, alone again.

Attempted to go for lunch at Gloucester Resort the next day but it was too rolly to anchor or take a mooring, so we settled up at Round Hill Point on Gloucester Island, still alone.  The winds eased in the morning so it was off to Cape Upstart for the night.  With the full moon we were able to set sail again at 3 am, a long day to Townsville.  

The big tides would have been too much to stop at Bowling Green and it was another good downwind sail to reach the marina by 4 pm.

It’s always nerve-racking when the boat is lifted out, but when it’s blowing 25 knots in the morning it’s a bit more worrying...  

The guys at Mackay did a great job getting us set up on the hard stand and Richy’s Marine team were assessing our jobs straight away, ordering parts and antifoul paint. 

We were allocated the only site available as everyone is getting work done before the cruising season.