18:35.95S 146:29.263E

Saturday 10^th June 2017

Distance run: 41 nm

We lifted the anchor just after 08:00 this morning and bade a sad farewell to Magnetic Island, fondly known by the locals as “Maggie”.  We motored out of Horseshoe Bay into very little wind.  After an hour or so a light breeze kicked in so we put up full sail and switched off the engine.  After an hour of very slow progress, it was clear we had a choice – either to switch the engine on and motor-sail, or bring out the cruising chute.  Conditions were ideal for the big, blue sail, so the decision was made, and soon we were romping along at 6-7 knots in 8-12 knots of wind.

Mawari had their gennaker up first,                                                        and were soon romping past us.

We made excellent progress and the cruising chute stayed up until we were ready to make our approach into the anchorage at Pioneer Bay on Orpheus Island.  By 16:30 we had the anchor down, and were all tidied away in time to watch the sun go down over an anchoring beer.  We will be on our way again tomorrow as this is just an overnight stop. 

Amazing colours at sunset at Orpheus Island.