21 October 2009 | Bundaberg, Australia
02 July 2009 | Noumea, New Caledonia
Wyntersea's New Owners
21 October 2009 | Bundaberg, Australia
Linda
This is probably one of the longest periods of time that has passed between blog postings for me and it is one of the most difficult to write. Since arriving in Australia and placing Wyntersea in the hands of a broker we forged on and began preparations for another chapter of our lives: life ashore.
Our memories, experiences and friendships made over these past 4 1/2 years are treasures that will long remain a part of our lives. When we left Canada, after sailing to Alaska in 2005, we thought we would only sail to Peru and Chile, in South America, and back to Canada. What we have accomplished has far exceeded our wildest dreams. We have miles and miles of video cassettes recorded of our adventures through out the South Pacific which we will edit into travel documentaries, now that we are land bound. My journal entries are bound into 10 books that will always remain at my side for those nostalgic moments that are certain to surface from time to time.
We have chosen to reside on the east coast of Canada where the sea is but a short walk from our doorstep. Now the sea conditions, winds amd weather can be viewed in a much different way and when it becomes a bit ugly a simple flick of the wrist to the blinds has them drawn and one's chair simply moved a bit closer to the fire. Life is easier ashore and one does not have to worry so much about water consumption with the luxury of a bath tub but a few steps away. Repairs can be done much easier as there are no more tight quarters to crawl into and one can even indulge in the assistance of the repair man.
But I digress as what I really intended to tell you about is the passing of the torch to the new owners whom we hope will enjoy Wyntersea as we have. After the long importation process, to allow Wyntersea to be sold in Australia, which included the "dog" sniffing to check for termites and the packing of the 40 boxes that we shipped to Canada, Wyntersea was ready for showing. We have now closed the sale of Wyntersea to Rob and Mark and the transfer of ownership is finalized.
There are many adventures ahead for Wyntesea and the new owners with many seas yet to cross. May the wind always be at their backs and the seas calm.
Made In Taiwan
23 July 2009
As our flight took us through Taiwan we are reminded of the year in which Wyntersea was built. Wyntersea's hull was manufactured in the United States and oddly enough the hull was shipped to Taiwan to be contractred out for the interior finishing.
A Taiwanese family was allowed to live aboard while they completed the work and provided with a basic outline to finish the inside. Therefore all the Peterson/Formosa yachts are the same with some very different unique characteristics in each yacht.
All of the cabinetry was finished with solid teak as well as the deck work; which is not seen today in new yachts. Upon completion the yacht was shipped back to the States for the installation of the technical works where she was launched and first sailed.
Taiwan's airport is one of the most beautiful airports that we have visited. Would have loved to have actually seen Taiwan!!!
Pristine
19 July 2009
There are many choices in marinas along this east coast of Australia. Our intention was to clear customs in Brisbane, specifically Scarborough Marina, until we were advised that Scarborough is no longer a port of entry. So it was a perfect guiding light that directed us to Bundaberg Port Marina. There are so many reasons why one would want to clear customs in this port and even more reasons why one would want to stay here.
Since our arrival we have enjoyed the "free" shuttle in Bundaberg, employed the services of many of the marine outlets, supported the local chandlery and dined in the seaside restaurant. And beyond all of that it has a nice feel here.
No stay can be too long.
Dredger
14 July 2009
We arrived into Hervey's Bay and Bundaberg's River entrance well under the cover of darkness with only the stars, moonlight and a long line of red and green lights that marked the channel; which reminded us of an airport runway. The feeling was exhilerating and it was broken with the incoming call on the VHF radio from the Bundaberg Dredger. He obviously recognized our approach from our new AIS (Automatic Identification System) which transmits our location and realized that we would be sharing the channel. It is an immense piece of equipment that travels upriver and down stream to clear away the never ending silting that reduces the river's depth.
Since then we continue to hear the powerful engines as the dredger works the river channel and purrs us to sleep each night.
Cane Fields
13 July 2009
Now that we have had to opportunity to explore Bundaberg and see the enless miles of flatland we now know why we could not see Australia's coastline when we arrived from the sea.
Bundaberg boasts of its sugar cane fields and rum distilleries which grows so well in this deep red volcanic soil. As a result of this it is not uncommon, at this time of year, to see black smoke billowing from the harvested fields.
But don't let this deter you from visiting this interesting place as the winds seldom blow from the west and the "black snow" settles inland and far from the marina.
Bundaberg
13 July 2009
Making landfall certainly eases the pain of the miserable passage that we just had. This is a super place to arrive and the customs and immigration officials truly made us feel welcome here. The only sore spot was the departing of $330.00 AU dollars for the quarantine officials. They happily took our money and they were also kind enough to take away our trash; all sealed up in one of those fancy isolation bags.
It is cooler here than we expected but we will happily don our spring/fall Canadian clothing in exchange for the opportunity of being here.
Today we will take the "free" courtesy shuttle into Bundaberg so stay tuned for updates.