We were just about ready to leave Queensland and start our journey south but got delayed again! It has been one thing after another. This time it is ships not passing, but rather hitting in the night!
Between appointments for the physio, GP, hand therapist, COvid booster jab and lining up a rheumatologist in both Melbourne and Southport, we thought we had things covered. But Murphy was up to his usual tricks!
We were anchored at Wave Break Island. It is reasonably sheltered in SE conditions however on windy days you do the dance : wind against strong tidal current means the conditions can get lively with all anchored boats moving around a lot. The anchors reset as the tide changes, but if one boat does not play nice, you have problems and of course bad things always happen at night!
The boat of ones of our friends, unoccupied at the time, was anchored originally in the shallows a good distance away from us but with insufficient chain. We happened to be out on deck, checking what was going on around us. In the fresh conditions, our mate’s anchor did not hold and his boat came charging towards Anui. We fended it off at first but then it had another go in the howling wind, this time with too much momentum for us to push it off. We heard this sickening crack as its bow hit us on the starboard hull. It then drifted along our side, hitting again but this time in a glancing blow as we ran around with fenders pushing it off. The offending boat reached the back of Anui and careered forward again, coming very close to ramming us in the stern, but we managed to shove it off and it headed away toward another boat, coming awfully close to it.
We are now at The Boat Works keeping our shipwrights at 143 Boat Building busy. Our friend is picking up the marina and repair tab.
It is not a big job, just a time consuming process because the blows have to be grinded, bogged, undercoated and painted. It will take a few days for the repairs to be done. We are so grateful Ryan is fitting us in at short notice … again! Last time was only a few weeks ago when we damaged a daggerboard at Wave Break (the place is a menace). We had them down to keep us from spinning in the current and ended up with the chain wrapped around the starboard daggerboard. We can’t thank the team at 143 Boat Building enough for accommodating us.
We are hoping to leave Queensland by Christmas Eve, repairs, Covid border rules and weather allowing. By now you can guess we are well and truly over our stay on the Gold Coast and can’t wait to leave. The prospect of visiting friends along the way in Port Macquarie, Sydney, the Gippsland Lakes and Melbourne is really exciting after nearly two years of isolation.
Sv-Anui 
Oh no!!! Here’s hoping that new covid travel restrictions don’t hit you next!
Yes, that would be the dreaded trio!
Wow, I’m sorry about the hull damage, so sad! At least it’s not a major repair job. I hope the captain of the other boat will set the anchor better. Be safe and well, guys! 🇦🇺
Mmm, he has a bit of a reputation as this is not the first time!
Well that’s not good! I’d be sure to move well away from that boat then!
We personally know about ships hitting in the night in the Gold Coast area. Fortunately our damage wasnt as bad and we didnt bother chasing for money, the captain looked like he prob wouldnt have insurance anyway. Now we know two boats to avoid at this end of town. Still hope we cam catch up before you leave. Cheers Trish
He is a friend – makes it easier. Lots of current at Wave Break. We now know it is an anchorage to avoid in strong SE.
Not good at all guys. I hope the repairs go smoothly and you are soon on your way again. MYbe when at anchor in the Gold Coast , putting the fenders out from the off may be something to think about. 🤬😡😚
Or just don’t anchor at Wave Break… Fenders aren’t much use when you get T boned!
So sorry to hear of this news. At least no injury to humans or Benji.
Hello Mary… all OK! And Bengie would not have known what hit us: too sleepy for that!
Bloody hell, not at all what you need right now. Happy to hear it isn’t too major.
All under control, Leanne! The repairs are underway. Lucky our shipwright has got our back!
So Sad. Feeling the pain of the impact even though I wasn’t there. Hopefully the repairs are quick.
Hey Graham – Repairs underway. We did not need the aggravation but feeling a bit more positive now. Fingers crossed the borders stay open so we can sail away!
Crickey!!!! Or maybe… very cranky!!!
So sorry this has happened Chris & Wade. Perhaps a halt on progress south for a reason. We are a bit worried re increase in cases in NSW. Safe trip x
Hi Lindy, yes the fast increase in COVID cases is concerning. We have a few more days before we can move, so we will assess on Christmas Eve and decide what we do. With a very compromised immune system I am particularly worried; we are strict as to who we see and who gets on board Anui (if not double vaccinated we don’t want to know) and we wear masks in shops but our Queensland safe heaven will soon disappear. We hope to see you and Phil and will keep you posted.
I’m sorry you have to go through this, Chris. 🙂
Thanks HJ
Ouch. It is dangerous enough to drive on the crowded roads where I live–it seems like road accidents are a daily occurrence here. I never imagined that you would have to worry about runaway boats. I am happy to hear that the damage is relatively minor, because it certainly could have been a whole lot worse. The Anui is such a pretty boat that it breaks my heart (and certainly yours) to see her damaged.
Hi Mike, wayward boats in a busy anchorage are a menace and collisions do happen. A week after coming in for repairs Anui is nearly back to her old self.