1st trip continued......

Misty Morn

G'day All,
                 I said I'd update as this new puter became more active and useable.Well I've now managed to get it to accept photo's.After convincing the old computer to run for 2 minutes I managed to transfer the photo files into my portable hardrive and then into the new puter.
As is plainly visable the mornings are a little foggy at the moment as the weather cycles change. Didn't stop us casting off and heading out to sea once the YOT floated on high tide at about 8.30am. We set off through the mist and made our way outside the harbour.During the passage over to Cape Clevland I managed to cook  breakfast for the 3 of us. Bacon,scrambled

Cast off!

eggs and french toast. Served with a celebratory bourbon (itz not every day you set sail for the first major trip) The motors were up first and pushed theYOT nicely at a blisteringly fast pace of 7 knots (wow!,this is going to take some adjustment) They do however give that sense of security just knowing I can fire the Donk's and move any direction, as against the wind powered versions which are a little more unpredictable in direction and strength (as we found out later)

hyrdoponics room

The trip to the Cape was a whole new experience with the raymarine autopilot handling the steering, Matt and I were free to sit out the back and marvel at the serenity and scenery.Mah wasn't as happy though! Something she will have to get used to though as Matt's yacht is rapidly taking shape back at the yard. The hydroponic vegie garden is a definate success with the planters mounted up on the front deck(foredeck) then I move them into the growroom for ocean voyages. Giving the best of both conditions with plenty of sunlight and also protection from the effects of salt water while moving the Yot from bay to bay.

Leaving harbour

Galleycat Afloat

We made it to Clevland and Matt took Mah ashore for a much needed romp on the beach and a patch of fresh grass! He took the camera with him to get a few shots of the YOT from afar. After they returned a quick dip was the order of business before we pulled the White Flappy Things up for a trial sail out on the bay. Once all 3 WFT's were up and trimmed out we managed about 4-5 knots but the wind was basically non existant. It did give a positive example of the basic fact that I can use the wind to get to a place to go fishing (which is the whole idea of this venture) as we arrived about an hour later at Salamander Reef for a spot of reef fishing. The tide was as low as can be by this time leaving the fish fairly unresponsive but we did catch a fish, so  job done!" Up anchor" with the flash new anchor winch, then it was thyme to head back to the Cape and towards Townsville.

Anchored at Cape Clevland

All 3 WFT's at work

A small bite to eat "Lasagna" and with both motor and sail power we ticked along nicely at about 8 knots before the wind died completely and the WFT's were packed away and we motored back to town arriving just on dusk.
A truely fantastic first trip and example of what life now holds for me, with the construction of the shade cover out the back the YOT will become even more enjoyable and it won't be long before the major trials to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef are underway.
Here's to a new lifestyle! Far removed from the hustle and bustle of my previous "existence".

White Flappy Things in Action

Before I close off I must mention "THE GREAT RACE" WOW what a weekend! Fantastic Racing,Fantastic Food in a perfect surrounding.
Brother Mark rang to let me know he was standing at the top of Mount Panorama watching the race evolve infront of him."lucky Bastrard" We've made a deal to both be there next year for the 50th celebrations and the last year the the race will be just Ford/Holden. The Yot will be moored at the closest available safe anchorage and we'll head to the mountain for a once in a lifetime experience! I seem to be racking up a few of these lately.
 With the really enjoyable stage of this journey now tantalisingly close the urge to get the YOT finished is now stronger than ever. Several purely sailing trips are now planned with Ken aboard to learn how to use the WFT's properly. That'll be really interesting! Once I've got a handle on operating the sails,we'll head  out to the Great Barrier Reef for a well earned spot of fishing.
Any how that'll do 4 now.
Captain Felix