We have been plotting our next offshore adventure. Time to share our plans!
You are probably thinking: “Gee, another offshore trip… they really are pushing the envelope this year!” Well, there is a bit of that, but it is mainly that we want to explore new regions. After our very rough start to 2024, we made a pact, Wade and I. We thought we would do something different. Instead of cruising the same old routes, we’d see new horizons and go further offshore, as long as we could secure a buddy boat to accompany us. We were happy to trade our reef exploration experience for the company and safety brought by another vessel. Boat buddies don’t always work out, but when they do, they are like family and make a huge difference.
We were keen to visit several atolls in the south of the Coral Sea, explore more of the Swain Reefs and return to the central part of the Coral Sea Marine Park to stop at a few more atolls there. If we could do three big trips to cover all this, we would be very happy. Well, we have done two and are now about to launch into our third.
This is a rough plan of where we would like to go on this offshore foray: starting from Mackay, stopping at a few of the outer reefs, then making the long passages to five separate atolls (Marion, Lihou, the Diamonds, the Herald Cays, Flinders Reefs) and returning back inshore at Magnetic Island, just off Townsville.
As usual this big loop of ours is totally dependent on the weather. We might be lucky, get a few weeks offshore and do it all, or have to be satisfied with ten days and be more selective. If on limited time, the Marion and Lihou Atolls would be new to us and are the destinations we really want to get to. We will see what is possible and navigate accordingly. It involves large distances, about 700nm from beginning to end. We would rather not let ourselves drift further north than Townsville because we intend to start meandering back south after this.
So now you have an idea of the itinerary, who is coming with us? We have new boat buddies: Will and Rochelle, on Havachat, a Privilege 515 catamaran. Here is a photo of their well-equipped boat under sail!
We have known Will and Rochelle for a few years, and we enjoy one another’s company. They are in their early 30s – OMG, half our age – live aboard and work from their boat. It is fair to say they have done more work than cruising but are very keen for a guided adventure and we are more than happy to shepherd them. We have been wanting to cruise as a team for a while and are delighted we are getting a chance to do some exploring together.
We have come into the Mackay Marina to prepare: provisions, fuel, mega laundry, a few minor repairs easier to handle in port, catching up with local friends, hiding from yet another blow. It was quite funny coming in… even Bengie was excited, sniffing the air as we were motoring into port.
We are now waiting for our weather window to take off! Wish us luck!
Sv-Anui 
Oh the excitement! It’s palpable, isn’t it? 👍🏻😎
You bet!
What a plan. Go for it! Hope the weather gods play ball as well.
Might make a start early next week but could be interrupted!
great plans and idea. Go for it, will be watching and reading with good interest. Hopefully see you in southern waters soon
Hey Darren, can’t wait to get going again. Enjoy your trip north!
Looks like a plan! Happy adventuring with your new compatriots!
Yes, looking good for a Monday or Tuesday departure!
I wish you the very best and hope you can make the hat-trick! I look forward to some great photos. I will do another perfect weather dance. I hope you don’t mind some north to west winds, I do need to deliver a boat south from Hamilton Island and my dance may involve banishing the southerlies!
Aha, thanks Colin, westerlies would work well to get away. But hold the northerlies till we have reached Lihou! Saw Aqualibrium coming in to Mackay today.
Great people, they are very happy with their extension! I hope you get a chance to catch up with them and get to revisit Aqualibrium 🙂
Ok, I’ll hold off on the Notherlies for as long as I can 😀
Go you good things!
Ta!
I think that Beng was just having a quiet word with the weather 🌦️ gods. 😊
May you be blessed with more of the magic weather, and some nicer reefs
Let‘s hope so, Bill! Looks like a Tuesday departure
You guys have opened our eyes to what is in our backyard. Look forward to reading your next adventure. It was great to catch up with you in Mackay. Take care.
Always great to catch up with you two. We’ll see how the weather develops. Hoping to head out on Tuesday afternoon.
Hope the weather gods deliver good conditions for your next adventure! More than a little jealous ❤️ We’re still sitting in Island Head Creek waiting for the weather to settle here…
Fingers and toes crossed for a lazy departure Tuesday to Scawfell, followed by a night run to get to the Outer Reef for a quick snorkel at Little Bugatti. Then we’ll see whether we hang or tackle the serious stuff to Marion. It is looking good! Not so good further south where you are, though… such odd weather!
The weather forecasts are ever changing at the moment so we’ll stay tucked up and see if this trough appears… much more settled north so we’ll keep our fingers crossed for you ❤️
Great trip you have planned. The great thing it there are always new places to explore. Fantstic story about seeing the whale earlier and I hope the reefs in your new destinations are full of colour.
You are right, Mick, plenty to explore, especially around these huge and remote atolls. Hopefully the coral will be okay, but our experience is that it often is not. You would think so far away from shore, it would be spared, but it suffers storms and bleaching and those reefs are too remote to recruit coral larvae from other healthy reefs as they can do along the GBR. Still, plenty to explore, lots of birdlife and fish.
Comment received from SUE MARLIN
I hope the trip went well. I have been ignoring my emails as I have been sick with bronchitis again, Lots of drugs and have an appointment at RPA tomorrow. Feeling somewhat better now. Also have had a melanoma taken off my back yesterday, not too much to worry about apparently.
Gee, Sue, you have had such a rough trot. Good that you are surfacing again. Please take care. We are thinking of you.