Like the Caribbean has a hurricane season, the Pacific has a cyclone season. Between November and May, there is an increased risk of cyclones forming and our insurance states that we need to be out of the ‘cyclone area’. The definition of this area seems to vary depending on the insurance company, but for us it means that, officially, Escapade should be south of 30 degrees (Coffs Harbour). However, it is recognised that the further south you are, the lower the risk and, with specific permission (and an increased excess), we are able to stay within the southern end of the cyclone belt. Obvious ..read more

After an action packed two weeks with James, we had a few days back at Manly to recover, sort out the boat and provision for our return journey north. On Friday 19th January 2024, we set off. Whilst we were actually quite sad to leave Sydney, we knew that the time had come for the next part of the adventure. Having already sailed down this part of the coast, we knew the places that we wanted to revisit. As on the way south, we spent several weeks heading north, waiting in anchorages between the periods of favourable wind. Passages were usually about 100nm which were great distances for overni ..read more

Leaving Dockside Marina, Brisbane, we motored down the Brisbane River and into Moreton Bay. After 6 hours motoring into wind, we had travelled the 25nm across the bay and dropped anchor for the night in Lucinda Bay, Moreton Island. We had a leisurely day preparing for our next passage and, at 4pm, with a favourable tide, we set off. Being uncertain about the depths between North Stradbroke Island and the mainland, and also the height of some overhead cables, we had chosen to head around Moreton Island and then south. This added about 50nm (approximately 10 hours) on to our journey, but that w ..read more

Our three weeks exploring the Whitsunday Islands came to an end and it was time to move on. This area of the Pacific is part of the cyclone belt and, for insurance reasons, between November and May, we must be south of it. As it was still the end of October, we were early in the season, but already the weather had been unpredictable. We had been watching a cyclone form over northern Vanuatu and it was uncertain as to where it would make landfall in Australia. We needed to head further south. Eventually, the southerly winds changed to northerlies and, although they were too light for sailin ..read more

Arriving in Australia, our first stop was Mackay. A short walk and a bus ride from the marina and we were in the town. Not a typical tourist town, but a real town with everyday folk going about their day to day lives. We spent a pleasant afternoon strolling through the streets and completing the town art trail. The art work had all been chosen to represent an element of the history of the area. Some that we spotted were… Yellow Brick Road – Elton John’s visit to the area led to this mural. Local Wildlife – eight sculptures of young wildlife carved from a tree cut down on one of the earl ..read more

Since arriving in French Polynesia in early May 2023, many of the World ARC Pacific 2023 boats had left the rally heading off to different destinations. By the time we were ready to set off on Leg 7 to Mackay, there were only 7 of the 30 boats left; a select few to complete the final 1100nm passage. The forecast was for strong Force 7/8 (28-40 knots) winds and a high sea state of 4m. Considering our options, all of the remaining skippers made the decision to delay their start times. We chose to set off on the morning of Sunday 17th September, hoping that these stronger winds would have pass ..read more

After the giving and receiving of gifts, we had the opportunity to have a tour around Port Resolution. Our guide walked us through village and the surrounding area, showing us the sections belonging to different family groups. Each section was a mini community with numerous small dwellings huddled together with around a shared cooking area. We were in awe of the evidence of the rebuilding of homes after the recent cyclones. A true community spirit. Before… After… We were also struck by the simplicity of life in the village and the apparent contentment of a life without the ..read more

Once our guest had left, we headed from Nadi on Viti Levu to Musket Cove on Malolo Lailai to re-join the ARC fleet ready for our departure on the next leg. Re-joining the fleet Whilst there, we had a relaxed few days soaking up the sun, wandering around the island and catching up with our friends. We even managed a trip out to a floating bar called Cloud 9. I felt very old, as it was full of people young enough to definitely be my children, if not my grandchildren! Cloud 9 Feeling old Our time in Musket Cove was bitter sweet as several more of the boats were leaving us here for ot ..read more

Our next week was spent in the role of tour guides, showing Martin’s nephew, Simon, the sights and sounds of Fiji. In such a short time, we could only scratch the surface of a country with more than 300 islands, however the Yasawa Islands in Western Fiji seemed like a good place to start. After a night in Naisoso Marina, we set off bright and early for the passage to the Yasawa Islands. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the wind blew a steady Force 4 (11-16 knots). Escapade sailed beautifully and the 25nm journey took us 8 hours. A great introduction to life on board. The anchorage ..read more

The grey and wet weather continued and our passage to Fiji turned into one of the worst sails we have had. Once again, it was a short journey, only 300nm in just over 2 days, but the winds were stronger – Force 4 (20 -28 knots) regularly gusting 30+. This, along with seas of 3-4m, meant that there was plenty of rolling and virtually no sleep. We also had plenty of rain. It was cold and we had to resort to breaking out our foulies! Even Martin was cold! Arriving in Fiji, the World Cruising Club had arranged special check for us in the eastern islands of the Lau Group. Officials from ..read more