When the new sounder and cable arrived on 16 May at 2.30pm it took only half an hour for us to test it, confirm it all worked, pay the nasty bill for it, and get out of Paynesville! You have never seen a crew moving that quickly!
That evening we went to Flagstaff Jetty at Lakes Entrance, and crossed the bar the next morning, bright and early to start our north bound voyage at long last.
For this part of the trip ‘around the corner’, we have a passenger. Doug Haynes, a follower of our adventures, local to the Gippsland Lakes and occasional yacht deliverer, is coming along for the ride to the fishing harbour of Bermagui. The passage from Lakes Entrance is interesting for Doug who has never stopped at The Skerries, where we intend to anchor for the night, nor has he come to Bermagui by sea. So two new things for this experienced sailor, and company for us!
Although there is a strong wind warning with 25-30 westerlies and 2 to 3m swell, the following wind and seas make for a fast, manageable sail over the next two days. And with these conditions, the birdlife is amazing. Albatrosses are out soaring, looking magnificent, little Fairy Prions flutter along the surface, a first sighting for us. Dolphins come and play with us also and despite us sailing at over 10 knots at the time, they still accelerate past us with ease!
Shy Albatross
Fairy Prion pattering on the surface
The passage from Lakes Entrance to Eden is a 135 miles run, typically requiring an overnight sail. But we are specialists at avoiding these. Having averaged 8 knots speed on the first day, we cover the 78 miles to The Skerries in daylight, and anchor there for the night. This is a little frequented shelter behind a bunch of rocks, which also happens to be a rookery for seals. There is a bit of movement and chop, and noise from the beasties, but it is acceptable.
The Skerries, a rookery for seals, provide shelter in SW or W conditions
Our next day is a fast downwind sail to Cape Howe, then we turn the corner into NSW and start heading north to Eden on a beam run. We are there by 4pm with time to take a dip at the back of the boat before sunset.
Morning departure from Eden
Today, as we post this, we are sailing to the fishing harbour of Bermagui, where Doug will leave us and we will meet up with friends.
It feels so good to be underway again and the sailing has been really pleasant! No stress, plenty of speed, sunny although chilly weather! Here is a gallery of the sights we enjoyed:
Sv-Anui 
I am glad to hear that you are back in action, Chris, after your newest equipment issue.Your seascapes are awesome–I especially love the panoramic shot of The Skerries.
Hi Mike, thanks for the kind feedback! Yes it feels good to have put all this behind us!
That water looks mighty choppy! Fabulous photos as always! 😎❤️
Thanks John! It was a bit but with both wind and swell up our clacker, it was all good! ⛵️😘
What a great way to finally make your escape. Looks wonderful and there must have been lots of big smiles along the way.
Hi Ann! You bet! Take It Easy was going great guns and yet it felt easy – just as we like it!
So glad to hear you are on your way. Hopefully, you will be very warm soon.
Hope so – the water is already warmer! So nice out in the big briny!
Fantastic photos Chris! I’m glad that your problems with some of the equipment were solved. Now you must have the impression that your sailing is so easy…like a piece of cake! No? I’m happy for you! 🙂
Hi HJ – it feels easy going, even in the strong conditions. Must be because we waited for so long!
On your way at last heading for warmer climes. Enjoy the ride north. Likes the photos. Wow those prions look brilliant. I wonder if Point Hicks is named after my relative? Where is it?
According to Doug who is on board with us, Point Hicks is named after a seaman who was on the Endeavour when James Cook first sighted Australia. It is on the Victorian East Gippsland coast.
Yes that’s right, family info indicates they were one and same man. Who Knows. He definitely was with Flinders though.
Just keep heading north till it warms up!
Yap, that’s the plan!
Well done! We saw you were doing over 10 knots at one stage. What is the depth like at the Skerries…i.e. could we take shelter there as well?
Ah ah, nothing secret with Marine Traffic! Yes it was a great run for two days. Today it’s all calm inshore and we are motor-sailing to Bermagui!
Absolutely you can anchor Sengo at the Skerries! We dropped the pick in 5m at low tide. It never is totally calm there, especially on a strong wind day like we had, but it beats having to do an overnighter to Eden. It provides shelter in anything with West in it, which is what you need when coming from The Lakes.
Hooray! So glad for you that it’s all sorted. Happy travels Take it Easy crew.
Thanks Jim! Made it to Bermagui this afternoon. Here for a couple of days to sit out a gale warning!
Glad you’re on your way. Enjoy the warmer weather. 💖
We eventually will, Maree, although right now we are snuggling under blankets with the pussycat! It’s really cccold!
Hi TIE
Have been enjoying your blogs & the 10 knot speeds. I had Medina surfing @ 12 knots off Trial Bay last month in a 25 knot SW she handled it beautifully!
Hi Mick! So nice to hear from you and hear Medina is sailing well. We still have a soft spot for her. Where are you? We’d love to catch up!
I am back in Mackay & Medina in Yamba planning next leg north.
We might have a sticky beak if she is still there when we come up!
Many thanks for the opportunity to share a part of your voyage northwards, your friendly company, your hospitality, and of course the great experience of travelling on your lovely craft ; “TAKE IT EASY”!! All the best, Doug H.
Pleasure Doug, glad you enjoyed it.
Great to hear about some real sailing with no need to motor! Wishing you even more fair winds and following seas!
Thanks Craig – we’d love a lot more of that!