3/10: Pittwater
Woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the hills. Early bird (Sanna) sat outside and listened to the birds, mostly the Liar bird. After breakfast we motored around further into Refuge bay where there is a waterfall. Many boats moored up.
Over to Jerusalem bay for a peak to check it out and then across to a smaller bay east of Cowan point for lunch.
After lunch we sailed east towards Lion island and then down south to Morning bay to meet up with our friends in the Cruising Division. Lovely anchorage and our new Rocna anchor is doing a great job at securing us.
Looking at weather forecasts ahead we decided to sail further north towards Port Stephens at 20.00 as the wind was to go down at 23.00 and then there would be a nice sailing weather if we got to a sheltered bay before 13.00 on Sunday. 70 nm to port Stephens and 45 to new castle which are safe harbours. The moon was almost full and gave us great night light and guided us north.
As we left Morning bay, the wind increased and so did the waves. As we passed Barrenjoey headland out to sea the swell was on our nose and the wind 15 knots N. We motored but the boat hardly moved forward in the waves, barely 3 knots forward. This would make the trip too long if it continued and we would not be in shelter before 13.00. Decision made to turn back and we surfed at 6.5 knots back with the waves and wind into Pittwater again. Anchored further out in Morning bay by moonlight.
The sea trial for the crew was great, RaRa handled the waves beautiful and the crew is not discouraged to go out to sea again, weather permitting.
As with all sailing, there needs to be a plan A, B, C and probably D every time you set out for longer passages (or any ocean passage) and we are loving the planning and challenges. Enjoying the boat, environment and weather is the way. New plans to be made for our 10-days onboard.