LAND HO.....

Of the 10,000 miles that have passed under the keel since leaving the Florida coast in March, the last 90 were the most challenging. The wind started to build on the morning of the 25th and by noon it was 35-40 knots. Fortunately I had reduced sail early and the wind was on the port quarter (from the left rear). At about 2:00, a large wave swept over the boat and she was partially knocked down (about 75 degrees from upright). I was sailing with a double reefed mainsail only and the boom was held out to starboard by a preventer. When we were knocked down, the boom went in the water and the shackle on the preventer failed. From that point on I had to hand steer, as the seas were 15-20 feet. As if the weather wasn't enough, the waterproofing in my foul weather gear had deteriorated and so I was cold and wet for 14 hours. The breakwater of Newcastle harbour was a welcome sight to say the least. I tied up to the customs buoy at 4:30 am. Thank you Flyer for taking care of me.

I will leave the boat on a mooring here and return to the States for awhile. I'll then return to Australia and tour the country with trips to Tasmania and NZ.

Lord Howe Island.... Stunning



Sunset from the wharf