Ship Log 1: Leaving Cairns

October 16th, 2023

We’ve been in Cairns for three weeks now, enjoying the tropics again and doing some repairs, as are always required after a major passage.

We replaced our very outdated 75w solar panel with a 170w one. It’s not always easy getting new equipment or supplies in a new town, while on foot!

There were several important things that had stopped working on our Tasman crossing. We fixed the wind turbine, the engine, the stove and the anchor windlass which was seized up.

We had the working jib repaired where it had chaffed through the foot.

Port Douglas Sailmakers did an excellent job and were very inexpensive.

We resupplied on food, plus 220L of fresh water, 40L of diesel, 30L of gas and 4L of kerosene.

We got some 12v fans to help with the heat in northern Australia. It’s getting a tad bit warm down here! We almost don’t need the oven!  At midday yesterday, our cabin was at 46 degrees Celcius in the shade. We’re hoping it won’t get much hotter as we go north and through the Torres Strait.

We have everything we need to be self-sufficient for 2 months without touching land, which won’t be necessary for our next passage, but best to be prepared.

Our first stop will be Michaelmas Cay, which is an easy days sail from Cairns. Our plan is to anchor at night wherever possible on the way up the Great Barrier Reef so we can see as much as we can while still making good headway.

We’re leaving Cairns harbour right now and starting our voyage!  It took two of us to get the anchor up and when we did it was covered in fur and goo.

I think maybe we hooked a mermaid…

Callum and Cianan