Heatwave: The Last Post

 In December 2016 our adventures on Heatwave began.  This catamaran suited us well with plenty of space inside, a comfy cabin for visitors and room for a crowd in the cockpit for sundowners (which soon became a regular event, along with guitar and ukelele singalongs).  It was a big step up from our Sonata 7 trailer yacht which we had enjoyed sailing around Lake Macquarie.

We soon discovered that life on board was ruled by the winds and tides and there was no room for a calendar. The itinerary had to remain flexible and safe.

Heatwave took us to many wonderful places from Sydney Harbour to The Kimberley via several of our old favourite haunts:  Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour and the amazing Clarence River.

The Kimberley trip was a special adventure as we were able to visit Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala where we had previously worked, then see friends in Darwin, cross another gulf and revisit ancient rock art in the many massive river gorges.

We explored from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, Whitsundays, Townsville, Cairns, Lizard Island and many islands and remote anchorages along the way, kayaking to the beach for walks and swims.  Everywhere we met amazing people who shared yarns, helped with repairs and swapped ideas on how to improve everything from sailing to navigation to communications.