18 July 2011 | Port Douglas.
Photo: Now back up to three crew....
We've sailed to other side of the world and we've crossed vast empty oceans. Curiously, we've only had two really bad storm experiences and both times the coast was only a few miles away and clearly visible. The first was Bab Al Mandab and the massive gale at the southern end of the Red Sea which nearly saw the end of us. The second has been the relentless beat down the Coral Sea from the Torres Straights to Port Douglas. Well inside the barrier reef, we at least got some protection from the big seas, but not from the 30kt headwinds. We eventually made shelter in Lizard Island and a welcome rest having tacked ourselves into exhaustion. And the toggle fastener to our inner stay sail Furling gear sheared, it was only fitted in Darwin....
We're in Port Douglas and I've been carrying out running repairs. Marie has travelled back to the UK and returned with Bealy (Henry). We've got a new crew uniform, courtesy of some weird material Marie found on a local market. And my little best mate will now be with us onboard for the next few months....
Well worth getting all smashed up for.
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