Day 9: Shoal bay, 3 January : looking at the forecasts and planning the trip back to Sydney we decided to head to Newcastle marina today. This would involve a shorter sail, 24 nm, which would leave us with a chance to get to Sydney in one day on Monday, before predicated strong southerly winds.
As we had a shorter sail day ahead of us we took the Jolle and headed ashore to have a look at Shoal bay. A little bayside village with a small cluster of shops. We stocked up with some food at the local IGA before heading back to the boat to head off.
Lifted the anchor at 10.30 and motored out through the entrance. Winds were N 15-25 knots and a large NE swell – this made the first part rocky but as soon as we turned east, we set the head sail and had a more comfortable ride, surfing the waves. sailed until we got inside the entrance at New castle. We reached New castle at 15.30 and then had a bumpy ride into New castle. This was due to the northerly swell which met the outgoing tide. As soon as we came through the break walls it smoothed down and we arrived at the marina at 16.00. 27 nm travelled today. Newcastle is a big and busy port and a look out for big ship is necessary.
It started raining just as we had docked and then heavy rain for a few hours. Had dinner at the club and was treated to an amazing rainbow as the rain stopped as the sun set.
Still pondering if we should go straight to Sydney or Pittwater tomorrow. Feels like we are cutting the holiday short as we would like to have the whole two weeks onboard, but the weather has to be taken into consideration. We would also like to see a little of Newcastle and not start too early tomorrow.
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