Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Early this morning wind died from 30 knots to 15. Decided to put up my working Genoa.
Got it all set and rigged up and hauled it up on its halyard up the mast into the most violent
squall I've had in a long time! Blasted me right over to the gunnels. I thought the mast
would break. I let fly the jib sheet, and it flogged very badly. By the time I got it down,
several large rips appeared along the leech seam. Just then the squall died. Christ, I was
furious with Murphy; there really must be an evil spirit out there, stalking me, waiting for
a slip.
At sea with low and falling glass,
The greenhorn sleeps like a careless ass,
But when the glass is high and rising
May soundly sleep the careful wise one.
Saw a few dolphins for a split second before they disappeared. Very little fish action, just
the usual suspect seabirds. Bless 'em anyway.
Sailed up to the Coolangatta Gold Coast City. Yuk! Bright colored sky scrapers had a
crappy vibe [but it was there that I discovered my date error, so I called it Error Coast].
Saddam Hussein is being stormed by the Americans. Almost feel sorry for the bastard. Al-
most. Not quite.
1
st
March: Caught a fish last night while sleeping. Tuna, chicken of the sea, very nice,
herbs, tin foil, steamed in boiling rice water (cooked together to save time and gas and wa-
ter) rough sailing, so couldn't relax too much.
Making good progress, about forty miles to go to Coffs Harbor. Tropical cyclone five hun-
dred miles east of Cairns, moving southeast, ten knots.
Picking up local radio station, love the company and music. Have fallen in love with the
song by London Beat, Thinkin' About You.
2
nd
March: Have been trying to get into close proximity of Coffs Harbor. Sailed past
split solitary lighthouse and lined up with two green lead lights, but could not keep them
straight; kept very off to the left, of course it was a tight beat. The tide or a strong current
was forcing my hand. It was late, about two in the morning; I was tired and threw in the
towel. I hove to for the night and slept like a log but drifted quite a bit with the current.
(One knot north an hour!)
So, I was up early with a fresh southeaster beating towards Coffs. Just as well I did not
go in so tired as there were many hazards only seen in daylight. Once again my guardian
angel saved me! I guess there are good spirits out there too….
