Since our last update, Oceans Dream has had an unexpected encounter with a 35kt+ storm just a few miles out from the coast. It was an interesting time. The extremely poor visibility meant attempting to spot the 32 coal ships anchored out at sea was a challenge and would have proved far more difficult without AIS. We pulled into Mackay marina some 90 minutes earlier than expected having hit speeds far higher than those of our predicted average. We were soaked through and shattered but pleased Mackay was one of our old haunts so didn't have to concern ourselves with the layout of the marina.

Once again, OD was hauled at Mackay ...



OD in the slings


We stayed just the one night on the hardstand whilst we replaced the temporary propellors that were fitted in December. Back to Flexofolds which had been coated with Propspeed - a product that prevents marine growth from bonding to metal surfaces below the waterline. Having antifouled over a year ago, it was an opportunity to see how things were holding up on the hulls and we were pleasantly surprised to find just a thin coat of green slime. This came away with a gentle wipe. Not bad considering how many barnacles had made the temporary props home in just 6 months!







Shaw Island, just south of the Whitsundays was to be our next overnight stop. OD shared the anchorage with just 3 others yachts, 2 of whom are also signed up for the Sail Indonesia rally. From there, we pootled through the Whitsundays, anchoring in 4 metres of turquoise waters in George Bay ...





Ospreys making a nest on a cardinal marker, Gloucester Passage


There was no point dropping the dinghy as we were covering old ground, we were more interested in getting some miles behind us before slowing down north of Townsville. Which is where we are now. Tied up alongside at Breakwater Marina in Townsville, just around the corner from where we made landfall in Australia last year.



Approaching Townsville ... it was quite chilly.



The town



Townsville port



Preparing to go alongside at Breakwater Marina



The marina



Fig trees lining Townville's Strand



Seaplane kept busy throughout the day taking tourists on trips of the bay and of Magnetic Island



Free waterpark on the Strand

We have approximately 1,300 miles to run to Darwin where we hope to pick up new parts for the Sea Recovery watermaker and more importantly, our new 48 page UK passports. To put the distance into perspective, having left Mooloolaba 3 weeks ago, the journey up to Darwin is equal to that of sailing around the UK.

After 4 years at sea, Oceans Dream has been crying out for some attention and so has been spoilt over recent months. A new Mase generator was fitted in Mooloolaba, providing 3.5kva of electricity. It sits neatly under the bed in the guest forward cabin and insulation keeps noise to a minimum. So far, so good. Admiral Yachts fitted a Lewmar Delta anchor which we always thought was a little undersized so this year, we've replaced it with a Manson Supreme - which has already given us more confidence than the previous one. A Magma BBQ was also fitted as standard and had been used on average twice a week. It needed replacing and we've been so pleased with it we bought the exact same model.