Friday 31 Jul, it was quite windy, and the forecast was for 20 knots, rising 25 knots at times. Saturday could well see 30 knots. Time to find a marina, Port Airlie marina.

We had booked a berth but could not arrive before 1200. The 15nm passage would normally take about 3 hours. The wind was up and even the usually Cid Harbour was getting a bit choppy, so 0930 we raised anchor.

As we cleared the shelter of Cid Harbour we were glad we had put a reef in the Main and the Yankee as the wind was indeed 20 to 25 knots. Still, Tai Mo Shan was beautifully balanced and we made a good 7 knots or so. The current increased and the water got choppy, to the extent that the Freddy Furuno, our autopilot, was having a bit of trouble keeping course. Paul got on the wheel and hand steered. Now some old, crusty, yachtsmen with strong opinions they just have to voice will state there is nothing better than sailing a well powered up yacht through chop. In our opinion, well, they are absolutely right! We might have mentioned that we cruise and so do not race, unless two boats are going in the same direction … We had a couple of catamarans, one ahead and one behind. Enough said! Beam reach, 8 knots or so, Paul’s grin was ear to ear! We blasted past the first cat, the second was gaining. Unknown to us the front furler line slipped and the sear disengaged; we had full Yankee and held 9 knots pretty consistently! Oh yes, face splitting grin, even as the second catamaran (a race machine with a nice carbon sail set) crawled past us after 10 miles.

Brilliant sailing but, we arrived early. Still we had to drop sails, and then call the marina to get the berth number, and get someone to help with the lines. We then had to go down the entrance channel. An interesting point. Port Airlie is a new marina. Our CM95 set of charts are dated 2010, and did not show the marina or entrance channel, only drying mud flats. Fortunately the channel was well marked by posts. And we were secure in the berth at … 1200; perfect timing!

Port Airlie marina is quite new. Originally it was to be private berthing only with the berths linked to the houses and apartments surrounding the marina. How many times have we seen developments like that? However, not everyone who bought a house or apartment had a boat or wanted the additional cost of a marina berth, so some berths became available for commercial enterprises such as dive and sightseeing, and some for visiting recreational craft. Again, COVID19, came to our aid. Normally the marina is fully booked June to November, but not in these strange times.

The facilities for visitors were clean and in very good condition, if a few in number; 2 unisex showers/toilets and one washing machine and one dryer. Still they were there, along with a spotless well appointed visitors lounge. Perhaps the best facility was casually asked by the marina office staff; did we want to use the courtesy car? It had a 2 hour limit, but was free of charge! Even better, it was available that afternoon. What a bonus! Airlie Beach has some supermarkets (Woolworths and Coles) but they are a few km from the marina. That is a pain if walking but no problem in a car. And a very nice car; a Toyota Kluga (a large SUV with Port Airlie emblazoned on the sides). So Friday afternoon was a big restock at Coles!

Saturday saw Helen walk the short distance to the Saturday market. It was only small, some four stalls but we had forgotten to buy fresh garlic, and one of the stalls sold fresh produce; a result. We also used the washing machine and dryer to do our laundry. The lounge allowed Paul to catch up with tax paperwork and payments. Oh yes, the Australian Tax Office want’s its due with a quarterly Business Activity Statement (and tax paid), and the annual GST return (and more tax paid!). Still, the lounge was a pleasant surrounding for this necessary task.

Paul’s phone had been getting temperamental with the battery not always charging and often discharging rapidly. Reluctantly we decided to get a replacement. And the car was not booked for that Saturday afternoon! So a trip first to a phone repair stall; he was unable to help. Then in to Big W. iPhones started at $750 (and got lots more expensive!), a Motorola G8 was $250; decision made, it was the Motorola. Later that day and we realised our dinghy fuel (unleaded petrol with 2 stroke oil added) was running low. The marina did not supply fuel and closest petrol station was a few km away. Cue the courtesy car! And Paul was able to buy a new spark plug for the outboard as well.

We had planned to stay in the marina for only 2 days; however, Paul felt a bit unwell Sunday morning, and the forecast was for continuing strong winds. The bullet was bitten and we stayed an additional day. So Sunday, the additional day, allowed us a quiet day just walking around Airlie Beach. It is not large and very tourist focused. The main ‘strip’ consists largely of souvenir, beach fashion and tour/ excursion shops along with many take away and dine in eateries. The largest buildings though are the pubs. COVID19 had hit tourism hard and several places were closed, most permanently. However, we did find a good meal deal at one of the pubs. Perhaps reflecting the trading conditions, the large building was curiously quiet for a weekend lunchtime with only a few customers. The food and beer was good though. (Yes, Paul had fully recovered by Sunday lunchtime!)

The annual Hamilton Race week had been cancelled, but the Airlie Beach race week was still on for the 6 to 13 August. The COVID19 restrictions had resulted in fewer entries than usual; some 60 instead of 120. However one entry was on our pier. B52 was a 52 foot race boat that usually resides in East Coast Marina. Indeed, Paul had crewed for a few local club races some 5 years ago! We hailed the skipper and crew. The skipper, and owner, Darren aka Dan, was the same and we renewed acquaintances. We planned for sundowners but unfortunately this did not eventuate; possibly just as well as it was sure to have been very social!

So a quick but very productive visit. Monday saw fresh winds forecast and us preparing for the short 10nm or so hop to our next stop; South Molle Island.

Picture: The nice new marina, and you can still buy berths!