I am Sailing

Trip Start Nov 15, 2003

Trip End Nov 14, 2004

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Flag of Australia Airlie Beach, Australia
Sunday, September 19, 2004

This has to be one of the places that has lived up to the hype. Choosing an 'upgrade' from the standard party boats and jumping on board an 83ft Whitbread Maxi yacht was one of the best decisions I have made this trip. "British Defender" run by Southern Cross is an boat used by the british armed forces in the Whitbread Round the world yacht race. She stands at 115ft tall and cruises through the water at about 20-30 degrees off the horizontal. With only 9 out of a potential 26 passengers on board we had loads of space and lots of fun with the crew. It turns out we had a relief skipper who is "The Gun" in racing around here so I learnt quite a bit.

The days were all pretty similar, sail to a few locations, anchor for a bit, relax then sail to a new location. The area you are sailing in is beautiful. The islanda providing a beautiful backdrop to the turquoise waters of the sea

1. Sailing Maxi Style

. On the first day managed a quick shore SCUBA dive around a bay, different corals and fish to the outer reefs. Was attacked by an extremely territorial Damsel Fish. Little Sod! We then cruised to Whitehaven Beach to plot up for the night. 7km of pure white sand. One of the best beaches I have seen. We sat up and had a few beers before heading to bed.

I woke up at about 6 before anyone else and went and sat on deck. Whilst there I witnessed a couple of turtles surfacing for air. Unfortunately my camera was below decks. We spent the morning on the beach and then set sail to take in some views from a lookout where we spotted rays and more turtles from our vantage point in the hills. After lunch we set off again. We managed to hoist the spinnacer on this leg. This beast of a sail almost triples your speed. The boat took off towards Blue Pearl Bay and some snorkelling.

The fish here swarm around you touching your body and in one case swimming up someones board shorts. Even the guy who broke his toe on the first day managed a smile inbetween all his whinging.

We anchored at Blue Pearl for the night. That night a dolphin went fishing around our boat for about 10 minutes only 5-10 metres from the rails. More snorkelling in the morning and then off to South Molle Island resort for some Pina Coladas and harrassment from drunk Rainbow Lorikeets before heading home.

This area is incredibly beautiful and I am glad I got the chance to experience it in the way I did. Better than Fraser Island if you are stuck for a choice.

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