February 2007 - Pt Stephens to Coffs Harbour

Yes you guessed it.  We motored to Coffs Harbour.  Not really ALL the way we had a few good hours sailing overnight the first night but since then, we have motored a lot of the time.  The first night out saw the poor skipper saying something into a bucket at about midnight, the thunder, lightning and rain increasing and the first mate keeping a watch until the poor captain was able to "feel a little more like a human".  The second night was spent on a mooring in Trial Bay (may as well have been out at sea - except you didn't have to keep watch) with the swell relentlessly pouring in.  Must say both of us slept very well until the early hours though.  Next day -- Coffs Harbour ('cause I have had enough of the roly poly thanks).  Unfortunately, a surfer went missing from the beach at Sawtell and we did our bit by keeping a watchful eye for any signs of life on the water while overhead helicopters and a search plane swept up and down.  By the time we reached Coffs there was still no word on survivor or body.  Poor bugger.  He floated up 3 days later right on the track we sailed, bit eerie.  

Mutton Island at Coffs Harbour

  

Skipper decided it might be nice to spend Valentine's Day in Coffs and walk into town.  (Thanks darling)  We walked home too!  However, I was treated to a lovely lunch at the Coffs Harbour Hotel while there.  (Don't you think I spoil the girl?).  So now onto Yamba/Iluka with a stopover at North Solitary Island (just for a sticky beak and to break the journey).  

Well, I'm really glad we stopped at North Solitary.  Although it was roly the weather was benign and what a magic place.  I don't know if it's because it gives you the feeling of being in the middle of the sea (unless you look west) or because it's a nature reserve, but we were really enthralled with the isolation, the birds, the fish jumping.  Very romantic.

Looking for a mooring at North Solitary Island

We realised here that we had come a whole ten degrees North on the chart (39 degrees 55 minutes south to 29 degrees 55 minutes south) - woo hoo - out with the champagne.  We actually didn't see Yamba - 'cause we anchored in Iluka Harbour (across the channel).  But had a nice day doing the washing and drinking beers in the local (waiting for the washing of course!) and talking to other visiting yachties.  We intend to come back at some stage to explore the Clarence River more.  Onwards to the Gold Coast. 

Arrived Gold Coast safe and sound 0915 hours Monday 19/01/2007.