Over the Top

14/07/13 We sailed from Magnetic Island in choppy 1.5m seas and 17kts of wind under reefed main and jib. It was pretty uncomfortable but Rattlesnake was only 2-3 hours away. The bay which was recommended by a local was very uncomfortable with rolling swell but we made the best of it and had an early night after a few games of Rummy and rolled into bed.
15/07/13 After a late start, we headed off for Orpheus Island. It was cold and windy and the seas were only slightly less choppy. Just a jib for the short hop across at about 5kts in 18kts of wind. We latched on to a public buoy for the night which was a blessing as there was little difference from Rattlesnake’s rolling on the previous night. The evening was cold and a promise of rain loomed so we set up the containers to catch as much water as we could.
16/07/13 Sure enough the next day, it started to rain and as we entered the Hinchinbrook channel under spinnaker it really set in and the whole scene at Hinchinbrook became eerie and full of gloom and mist. I felt like I was on the set of the Lord of the Rings and expected that frightful emaciated creature that always lusted after the ring to appear along the thick muddy banks. A crocodile would have been less scary but of course I saw neither, as the rain continued to pour. Mal was still coughing and Greg was also not feeling great so we decided to head into Cardwell to get them both to a doctor. But the wind dropped and sails were useless so under motor we tried to get to Cardwell before the 4pm appointment time. We couldn’t make it so rebooked for the next day and the “sickies” went out in the pouring rain to “set the pots”- clearly the most advisable and beneficial treatment for chest colds!
17/07/13 Unable to check the pots the next morning due to positioning and tides, they returned empty handed and soaked with the plan to go to Cardwell and return to retrieve the pots thereafter. We had been told by the doctor’s staff that we should book a taxi to get from the marina to the surgery so we rang and Glenice who operated the taxi invited us to berth on a private pontoon next to her house. We had to wait for a rising tide to get into what was left of the beautiful marina we had remembered from our houseboat holiday 10years ago. It was sad to see that little had been done to restore the pontoons and the pylons stood like gravestones jutting out from the water with some lifeless boats clinging on with makeshift pontoons between. There were a number of replaced pontoons attached to private houses and we berthed at one of these making our way through Glenice’s garden and then into her limo to get to the doctors. The boys all sorted we headed back to the boat and decided to stay another day to make use of the water on the pontoon to do the washing which was building up.
18/07/13 As is always the case when planning to wash, the rain came down even harder so washing done we taxied to the laundromat on the other side of town to use the dryers. The round trip plus the drying cost about $60+ so it turned out to be a very expensive decision. Mal and Greg explored the town in drying time, and we could see that although most of the rebuilding or clearing had been completed, there was little heart left in the town and we were not surprised to hear that more than 50% of population were on welfare and that number again had chosen to leave altogether. It is such a beautiful area with the backdrop of those magnificent mountains always misty at their peaks and then the majestic Hinchinbrook Island across the water from the esplanade that runs the length of the town. All very sad.
19/07/13 The next day we headed back to the Hinchinbrook channel under motor as no wind only continuous rain. The boys confidently set out to retrieve their pots but they were still empty. We had canned crab meat in the prepared pumpkin and crab soup and sat out the rain feeling mouldy and hard done by.
20/07/13 Next day, although the rain had stopped we still had no wind so motored to Goold Island, a gorgeous spot with good anchorage and again the boys set out in the dinghy to a recommended fishing spot. After a patient 3 hours, they returned with 3 decent 35cm reef fish caught by Mal.
21/07/13 Despite the lure of big game fishing at the site, we upped anchor and headed to Dunk Island- another of the resorts now closed since cyclone Yasi. The most stunning of spots with lovely sand bar and clear crystal blue waters and virtually deserted- unbelievable. Unfortunately it is a National park so again Roxy unable to have a run around but those sandy shores were very inviting. More thrashing at euchre and bunkered down under the largest yellow moon, still a promise to become full. Beautiful calm and well worth returning to.

03/07/13 The night was unbelievably rocking/rolling and with little sleep, we agreed to check out Cape Cleveland before deciding whether to stop or keep going. We got there under full main and jib and after noting the anchoring was again way out and unprotected, we kept going. Having decided to anchor in Townsville harbour, the wind dropped to zero and we had to maintain our patience as we inched our way at about 2kts to what was a lovely spot in front of the esplanade behind the breakwater.
04/07/13 to 06/07/13 Berthed at Breakwater Marina next to the most rundown floating shell of what was once a wooden boat, I had ever seen. How it stayed afloat was miraculous as the bilge pumps ran continuously and water even spewed from between the cracks of the remnants of the wooden hull. But what was more surprising was that at night it was lit up like a city night club and through the window (there was only one as the others were just painted black squares), it was equipped with TV and even aircon and automatic security lights! Needless to say with our bedroom cabin abreast of “Boat Vegas”, we did not sleep well as it was bright enough to read when security lights flashed on. The following day the owner apologised and said he would tone it down which really just meant that the flood lights were turned off.
Our stay in Townsville coincided with some lovely warm weather and the V8 Super Car Series. We toured The Strand, had a grill at the pub and our reprovisioning was easily achieved at the Woollies nearby. On our final day, I forked out approx. $100 to get to the Townsville Hospital by taxi to be bled and Greg picked up Mal his brother, at the station all hampered by lengthy detours as the V8’s took precedence on the roads- bad timing for our needs. After our new passenger, was fully briefed regarding onboard regulations, happy hour times and comfortably settled into his “state room”, we headed back out to anchor just off shore so we could watch the Wallabies thrash the poms. Miserable outcome but hopefully will ensure a new coach will be appointed.
07/07/13 We headed off to Magnetic Island after lengthy post mortems over breakfast on Wallabies disgrace. The forecast was unsettling as a wind warning was posted of over 30Kts for the following day and the waters between Magnetic and Townsville were choppy with 15-20kt winds. Glad to find a spot with about 20 other boats looking for shelter in Horseshoe Bay. Another check of the forecast later in the day, revealed a warning until at least Thursday so glad we left Townsville when we did.
08/07/13 to 13/07/13 Magnetic Island proved to be a beautiful bolt hole and we went ashore every day much to Roxy’s joy, toured the island by bus, went on some nature walks and visited the local pubs although rarely for more than one drink, as prices were at resort rates. I caught up with the lovely Carla, daughter of good friend Jan, who lives on the Island where she works as a marine biologist. We optimistically left the fresh water buckets out in the hope of rain but gave up and took the containers to shore to fill instead. Washing and other maintenance was caught up on as we waited out the wind warnings. All in all, it was a very quiet week as we plan our next leg to Rattlesnake, Havana and Orpheus Islands.

26/06/13 We had to motor to Monte’s Resort just around the corner from Dingo Beach as there was no wind at all- fortunately a short hour plus trip. Found anchoring an issue as bommies and shallow water with big tides all around the resort area but finally dropped just neat the channel marker. I was excited to go ashore as thought there might be something as enticing as a shop ashore but apart from a very full restaurant and bar there was nothing on offer. To make up for my disappointment and seeing as how I dressed in anticipation, Greg took me to lunch and we feasted on barramundi and company. After a leisurely lunch, we upped anchor and headed around the point as the depth was inadequate for the night. We hardly moved until bunk time after such a banquet and I nearly got over my disappointment re the shops!
27/06/13 Gorgeous sunny but cold day around 22 degrees so Greg decided to tackle the not performing wind generator. I must say, he is persistent and patient and having tried a number of different things which included some pretty fancy contortionist work inside the back lower hatch using bluetac to hold screws on screw he finally got it sorted. I am never really surprised about this anymore as he is stubbornly determined about these tasks until complete. Needless to say the generator now provides enough power for us to make the daily water supply without always turning on the engines - pretty impressive! I thanked him by putting on a blood red sunset and an edible dinner!
28/06/13 My thoughts are with Pat today but under spinnaker doing 7-8kts we headed off in sunny 23 degrees to Queens Bay. Bit disappointing as we rocked and rolled all night but at least we had phone cover so I could get updates on progress at John Flynn Hospital. All good news by 2030hrs so God thanked and off to bed.
29/06/13 Freezing start but keen to leave after such a poor anchorage overnight. Spinnaker up and doing great until top of the bag cover broke off completely and we had to take it down. Greg hoisted the main in less than 10kts of wind we managed 4-5kts. Greg brought the spinnaker into the back saloon and with his usual patience, he hand sewed each stitch to resecure the head of the bag. Great job and I will keep him in mind for Bella’s wedding dress after I noted how neat and even the completed work was. We anchored in Upstart Bay late in afternoon and can understand the name as it really is a “nothing” place. We were out of range for the Wallabies games but managed to listen in bed on ABC Grandstand- great to get that win!
30/06/13 Windy cool morning but a sunny day about 24 and we had a lazy day playing Rummy . We opened the bar early and watched as all the fires on the surrounding islands wafted their black smoke into yet another impressive sunset. Financial year ended as it had begun for us….. but hard to be serious about mere money when considering the view to the sunset.
01/07/13 Had to stay in Upstart Bay for another day as winds outside the bay had forecast over 25kts. Greg always says “Mondays are maintenance days” ( mainly because we feel guilty after lazy Sundays) so he tackled the broken danbouy ( with the very fetching Santa hat flag!) and broken bridle hatch. Both jobs took him most of the day but he was pretty satisfied with the results and got another couple of ticks from me in his “task completed” column. Considering the wild winds offshore we were surprised at how calm the waters in the bay remained even overnight. I personally think even the wind didn’t want to be there it was so uninteresting but I might be becoming spoilt for great sights…. Just a bit!
02/07/13 A little from Greg….Left the very Upstart Bay in light winds and so engines on for an hour to recharge the batteries and make another 40litres of water. Once out of the bay the SW-S winds allowed for a spinnaker run reaching 9 knots at times but what seems to be the norm off the east coast at this time the winds died out around 1100hrs and we trekked along at a mere 4kts just enough speed to land my first mackerel (did I tell you about the one that got away – too big to land). At 50cm he was also released for another time when he gets chest hair. Shortly after I spotted a whale blowing about a 200m dead ahead and heading south???. I changed course and the large black lump slid down the starboard side of the boat!!!!! We actually looked ‘down’ at the not so large whale (in whale terms)it was absolutely amazing!! Sadly it went under and we did not spot it again or any of his family. That’s probably all the excitement for the day as we slowly make our way over shifting sand banks to Cape Bowling Green for the night.

18/06/13 Another warm sunny day 25degrees with no winds so we motored for about one hour to One Foot Island and unpacked the kayaks. Bella and Greg had an easy haul to shore with the waters so clear and calm they could clearly see all the beautiful coral colours just below the surface- first time for Belle so a bonus. Spent an idyllic day kayaking and wandering over the sand island while it was visible at low tide. Yes I had a go at kayaking but the ungraceful entry and exit from my craft made any outstanding efforts on board, completely overlooked. All I can add is "watch out Matt Roser". So beautiful and calm we decided to remain on the public buoy for the night.
19/06/13 Woke up to a windy cold day and my little sis Ro's very special day! After calls to home, we dashed across a short hop to Stonehaven Beach and grabbed another public mooring for what we knew would be a windy night. We were not surprised that the bullets roaring down the slopes were easily 25-30kts and shook us and wailed all night- great stuff but not for sleeping!
20/06/13 We headed back to One Foot in the morning in the hope that I could continue my kayaking prowess but alas, it was just too blustery, even for experts. In fact the bloody things nearly blew off the deck so we hoisted the sails and cruised to Moonlight Bay at 5-6kts in ridiculously variable winds from every direction. Thankfully Greg is passing on all his sailing skills to Bella who is a keen and quick learner and gets the whole "clockwise around the winch" and "grind, grind, grind". South Molle Island looked sad and deserted but not particularly wrecked as I had imagined. Plenty of public moorings available so hooked on for the night. It was still cold but sunny and still no fish- our bait remains intact for another day..... starting to look more like lures as they harden untouched! About 8 Seawinds joined us in the bay that night as they were in a regatta around the islands. Our friends Phil and Rosemary were part of the group and it was good to catch up on their travels. Phil, realising our fishing despairs, kindly sent us a great photo of a monster Mackerel he landed some weeks before. Doctoring of this shot with some of our photos of Fusilier catches proved impossible so the dreaming continued.
21/06/13 Clear sunny morning with stiff north easterly blowing for the first hour when of course we needed to head north to Airlie. The regatta group headed off in perfect winds to Hamilton to the south. Winds dropped around the point and so did our sails and we motored the last couple of hours to anchor in Airlie bay ready to collect Michelle at 0700hrs.
22/06/13 Michelle on board and we hoisted two reefed main and jib and headed off across Whitsunday Passage to Hook Island and back just to give Michelle, who had never been on a boat a taste of sailing. Bella crewed and with the winds picking up to 22kts at times, there was plenty to do as we scooted along. After we had enough excitement we anchored in quiet Funnel Bay and opened the bar ready to watch the all-important Wallabies/Lions match on computer as we had no TV reception. The tragedy of the loss was even worse as the screen kept freezing, keeping us in suspense until the process of refresh screen had been completed over and over again. 12,000 people were tuned into the website and no doubt they were all in the same boat! (excuse the pun). No joy as we bunked down that night but I guess we were not as disappointed as Kurtley Beale.
23/06/13 Sad day as we needed to take Bella back after lunch. Beautiful and sunny but decided to laze around and have leisurely lunch before drop off. The week has flown and the lack of fish available was a disappointment but even the Raymarine Fish Finder had not spotted one fish for the week. After saying sad farewell to Bella and Michelle who had a long drive back to Nebo, we anchored in Pioneer bay and watched the biggest, brightest, yellowest moon slowly ascend over the mainland mountains and just hover over the peaks, until everyone got the best photos possible of such a spectacular sight. The night was clear and very calm and millions of stars linked with the moon and shone in the dead black sky. Unforgettable.
24/06/13 Beautiful Bonny's 6th birthday only made more special with the news that her ears will be operated on and she will scrap the hearing aids for good! What a gift! It was a freezing morning around 6 degrees but sunny and clear. Perfect spinnaker winds from astern so we upped anchor and with sail set, we headed for Gloucester passage at 6kts. The best spinnaker sail yet with little adjustment needed we just sat back and admired the fantastic scenery of the picturesque islands on the way to Gloucester Islands. We anchored in Dingo Bay where I am told part of the movie Australia was filmed.
25/06/13 A warm and sunny day of about 25 degrees and a very excited Roxy able to go ashore and have a run around as it is not National Park. She went berserk and wore herself out both on land and in the clear waters. Unfortunately she also ran into bindii grass and we spent some considerable time removing heaps from all over her curly wet coat. She could barely raise an eyebrow and slept soundly and no doubt happily for the rest of the day. We tackled some maintenance issues like the non-productive wind generator, stainless steel cleaning and interior clean up in readiness for the next VIP to join us in Townsville. Big job and unable to get the Rebels and Lions game even on computer we wearily went to bed.

11/6/13 Curlew Island proved to be more rolling and uncomfortable than Hexham and again we slept poorly so decided to move on to Scawfell Island. Weather was gorgeous about 25 degrees and winds SE 15kts with 2m seas. We scooted along nicely at 6-8kts and got to Scawfell by early afternoon. I had put together a beef casserole in the slow cooker in the morning but to our huge disappointment it had not cooked and we ended up having an omelette instead. Then Roxy spotted this huge yellow buoy in the bay and she carried on a treat. We ended up taping her singing and moaning as she pretended to do her impersonation of a whale song at this stupid yellow buoy like it was her next boyfriend. I think the sea air is getting to her!
12/06/13 Next day which was even more stunning, we headed off to Goldsmith Island in 10kts of variable winds that died down to less than 5kts and we ended up motor sailing for the last 2hours. Goldsmith Island was a paradise even in overcast skies, with no rolling rocking or any movement after anchoring! We had the now-cooked casserole (average despite the 2 day wait) and watched a fabulous sunset before hitting our berths early.
13/06/13 Awoke to find the beautiful surrounding island hills all in a magical mist and after the sun rose higher, the bluest of days followed. It must have been a signal for all the butterflies to hatch, as by lunchtime we were surrounded by hundreds of them in at least 3 different sorts including huge Ulysses type which I have not seen for ages. I tried to take heaps of photos of them but to my great disappointment, they just showed one or two when I viewed the photos later. They hovered around us and our boat for the rest of the day. Greg caught 2 arm long fish but on both occasions we lost them because we did not have a landing net- definitely will get one in Airlie! Such a shame. The water was teaming with tiny silver and also multi-coloured tiny Garfish. That night when I took Roxy out front to "check out her turf" I could hear waves and splashing so grabbed the torch and Greg and I were treated to a diving and colour show put on by the fish under attack in the clear torch lit water. It was hard to go to bed as we knew we had to leave early the next day. This place is one we will definitely come back to on the way home. We notice there is some private? Cabins/houses on Farrier Island just inside Goldsmith Bay- What a place to own!!!
14/06/13 Another "gift from God" day when we awoke and in dead calm seas we headed off to pick up Bella from Airlie Beach. No wind!!! The boat movement was the only apparent wind showing. We had to motor and drop all pretence at trying to sail within the first hour-very disappointing. The day was so warm and blue and we passed Ladysmith, Long and Hamilton Island before arriving (late) at Airlie public jetty at 3pm. Bella who was also late due to traffic, then took me to Woollies (and BWS) for provisions and to get that landing net!. All we do is eat and drink! Greg discovered some fridge problems and arranged to get a mechanic to check following morning so we decided to anchor in Airlie Bay. Lots to chat about, good food and drink and peaceful night- all is well in the world!
15/06/13 Up early to get back to the fridge mechanic and the starboard engine refused to start(That's the one we get hot water from, so it's pretty important!) Greg decided to pick mechanic up in dinghy and then work out motor problems. Mechanic could not fix fridge as thermostat issues but Greg fixed the starboard engine before 1000hrs and after a brief stop at the jetty to get bait and coffee for all we headed off for Nara Inlet. The day was sunny but pretty cold and in jackets, and I also grabbed the beanie, we hoisted the main and jib and managed a comfortable 5-6kts in 15-20kt SE winds. Nara Inlet was busy but found a great wind protected spot and opened the bar and the anglers threw in a fishing line after no luck with trolling during the day. Nothing even came over to eat the bait so no joy for the omega 3 seekers.
16/06/13 Awoke late to another sunny and cool day around 22 degrees. Decided to check out Hill Inlet which Greg had read so much about, just north of Whitehaven Beach. The winds were hopeless and setting sail was impossible as they continued to swing around and drop and lift. We arrived at the wrong time to enter Hill Inlet so ducked around the corner to Tongue Bay. The idea was to walk across the narrow point to check out Hill Inlet from the lookout and work out a safe passage into Hill Inlet as the sands are constantly moving and the waters are very shallow and uncharted. Tongue Bay was also very busy with charter boats but we had a lovely spot and appreciated the constant appearance of the turtles of all sizes. No fish though despite the persistent effort from the uncomplaining fisherman. Then just as we were closing up for the night, Greg noticed his unmanned line dragging and pulled up a 27cm Stripey- perhaps this is the trick, stop trying!
17/06/13 Tuesday (have to write the day occasionally as hard to remember what day it is!) was so warm and sunny, easily 25 degrees but again with light winds. We walked over the point and took heaps of photos of the beautiful Hill Inlet and Whitehaven beaches already beginning to fill with tourists. Greg thought the spinnaker might be the go in the 5kt winds but only if we headed north instead of south, so we opted for One Foot Island just off Hayman. With the asymmetrical up and then down and the symmetrical spinnaker up and then down, we finally retried the first and although it looked magnificent and we all felt like "real sailors" compared to all those motoring yachts which I imagined viewed us with envy, we were only managed a top speed of 1.9kts! What a scream but Greg got out the dinghy which could ofcourse race past us, to take some pretty impressive shots which look like we are the real McCoy doing some pretty exciting stuff in break neck speeds. All good fun. We sidled forwards (most of the time) and eventually as we passed Pinnacle Point at 1500hrs and we found the most amazing spot called Divers Bay. With white beaches and imposing surrounding rock cliffs we grabbed a public mooring and called it quits for the day. The thrill of all that speed got to us and we needed a stiff drink. When the fishermen spotted of millions of reef fish darting below the crystal clear water, the lines were once again loaded and dropped. Bella and Greg stopped after 6, all about 30cm, were ready for filleting and the hamburgers planned for dinner were forgotten. We feasted instead! With full bellies and even fuller fish tales all finished we watched yet another dazzling sunset and the spectacular star shower watched over by the brightest half-moon. All was well in paradise and the content anglers threw a line into their bunks for the night and dreamed of bigger fish to catch tomorrow.

05/06/13 Nth Keppel to Clinton Point (Port) 15kt winds and 2m seas and made good time. Huge port at Clinton apparently Sir Jo (the 1980's premier of Qld) wanted to turn this place into coal pick up port for tankers because it is so deep and wide but it was rejected. We decided to only stay one night as more than one hour to motor to anchor and very wide and exposed.
06/06/13 Greg's 66th on the 6th of 6th! Big breakfast and off to Island Head Creek where we are assured the crabbing and fishing are not to be missed. Good run up in big 3 metre seas and 20 kts winds doing 7-8kts but pretty comfortable. Glad to be tucked in at Island Head as bad weather and 30+kt winds expected on Saturday. Found stunning spot but I stuffed up anchoring and tripped the circuit breaker. After more reading up and searching, Greg found the circuit breaker and reset -thankfully no damage done. Nice celebratory dinner of fillet of beef with all the trimmings (I had to make amends for the windless stuff up!) and the entire bottle of Cab Sav. , we settled down and then noticed we had no internet, phone, radio and no way to get our usual weather forecast- Ah tomorrow's problem!
07/06/13 Greg set the crab pots and went fishing in a deep hole off the point. Came back with a 25cm cod which was nice eating but not quite a meal full- more like one fish finger- not each! Greg took the phone up to the headland to see if he could get service without luck but a fellow boatie said that winds were going to up to 35kts tomorrow with rain. More chain out and battened down to wait it out.
08/06/13 Woke up to wild wailing winds and no rain so Greg checked the pots where the crabs had also enjoyed a hearty meal and left early without so much as leaving a tip! So wanting to please me, he got the water maker going and produced plenty of water for me to do 4 loads of washing in the machine and hang out on every railing in the wind- we looked like a floating Chinese laundry with sheets, towels and knickers billowing at right angles much to Greg's embarrassment but all was dry in 2 hours! Roxy also copped a bath and I set her to the wind to dry easily too. Greg tuned the HF radio to VMC Coastal Weather Forecasts and Warnings. It sounded like we had tuned in to "Radio Mars" but managed to hear the weather forecast. Winds were forecast to ease to 20-25kts and further decrease during the day so we planned to go to Hexham Island which is only short 5hr sail and hopefully get some internet.
09/06/13 Set off in blowy conditions and as we crossed the entrance under motor sail, the surf, seas and winds imitated my hoover washing machine and white knuckled (me and Roxy) we rolled and dropped down the white caps until we were clear. Thankfully it did not take too long! We turned north and with the winds on our starboard quarter we were still racing along in big 3metre seas at 8-9kts. We bunkered down to await the down turn in winds as promised. At one point it was so pleasant that I perched myself up on the starboard seat and chatted to Greg trying to act the seasoned sailor. Fortunately, I went below to get a snack as we were hit by a rogue wave that drowned Greg and the entire back saloon! Unbelievable but it made me realise that the sea is totally unpredictable and I had the best lucky break of the day. We sloshed around for the rest of the trip in wet carpet in the back saloon without any signs of the abating winds that were promised. Roxy was as usual, oblivious and just slept peacefully on her day pillow. The seas and winds did not settle and we reached Hexham in record time. It was a beautiful spot and the beach was idyllic but the winds continued to roar even in the so called protected beach. Greg found the best spot and dropped 60metres of chain as we were expecting a 6 metre tide over a depth of 5 meters and no letup in the winds. The anchor alarm was a godsend and although we did not stop rolling all night and comfort levels were pretty low, we held firm and did not move. Plenty of photos as anchorage so pretty but unable to appreciate fully due to the wind and seas. We will come back on a calmer day for sure.
10/06/13 Up early with very disturbed sleep behind us and confidently weighed the anchor for Curlew Island about 9hours away. We are now trying to get as close to Airlie before wind tend NE on Wednesday. A perfect day sailing with 15-20kts and less than 1metre seas, coasting along at 6-7kts with blue skies and even bluer seas- heaven and much appreciated. The back saloon drying out and Roxy and I basking in the sun we arrived at Curlew in predicted time-1400hrs. A beautiful little beach area surrounded by steep hills and the very unusual shape of Bluff Island in the back ground. Not too blowy and feel we should have more peaceful night. Before I could reach for the drinks though, Greg had set up boson's chair to go up the mast to check the loose radar reflector which was seen bobbing about on the way up. All went very smoothly although I wish I had a spare hand to take a picture as Greg looked like he was hanging precariously. The radar reflector saved from a swan dive to deck as it was hanging on by the turn of one thread. Strange thing rattles like a busted Easter egg but will check with the manufacturer (when we next have internet!)re next move to repair.
Catch you all next week!