From the ridiculous to the sublime....

Port Clinton morning - Image by Navman

Today was a much better day. We had rain overnight, but there were glimpses of sunshine when we rose. 

Nobody was in a hurry to get going this morning, so I put a line out over the back during breakfast. As you can see from the accompanying photo, the results were not spectacular.

The fishing hasn't been a highlight of this trip! - Image by Sea-Dog

Not long after, we weighed anchor and proceeded to sea. This was a tentative exploration, because no-one was in the mood for more of the seas that we went through yesterday. 

Because we had dallied for an hour or so, the tide had started to ebb and the conditions on the Port Clinton bar were far from ideal. This again was not an auspicious start. Nonetheless we carried on, hoping at least to get to Island Head Creek, some 13nm north. 

Once we freed ourselves from the outgoing Port Clinton flow, the sea conditions improved somewhat, and we were confident that it would not be necessary to go back. 

There was a yacht entering Island Head Creek just as we arrived outside, and as it seemed to be making heavy going of it, we thought we would see what the sea conditions were like north of the Island Creek entrance. 

There were plenty of these off Mackay - Image by Navman

This turned out to be a good decision as sea conditions began to markedly improve. Whereas we had been struggling to maintain 9 knots, a short time later we were averaging 15knots. We maintained this speed until we slowed to have lunch in the lee of Hexham Island, about 30nm north.


During the afternoon sea conditions improved further and we decided to run for Mackay, about 75nm north. This we did in fine style, with Endless Summer cruising effortlessly at a very creditable 18knots average on the open sea.

Just before Mackay we went through a flotilla of ships waiting to load coal at Hay Point. Once again the AIS proved its worth and we navigated through the fleet with ease.

By 1730hrs we were tied up in the marina at Mackay with a beer in hand celebrating a great day’s adventure. 

We also celebrated the fact that we have now travelled more than 1000nm (1850km) since we left home.

Sea-Dog bought us some delicious Thai takeaway for dinner so I had a night off cooking.

Endless Summer at Mackay Marina - Image by Navman

All in all, it was a great day.

And so to bed, sweet dreams all….

Navman