Lake Macquarie to Adelaide October 2023...

Laura and Steve searched for a long time to find this Elan 434 and the wait was certainly worth it. A very well appointed vessel with all the 'extras' to make for a great second home.

After a small amount of concern about getting out of the lake due to silting up of the main channel, the very obliging local marine rescue offered to lead us out the aviation (secondary) channel to get to the Swansea bridge. With only two very small bumps we were out and along with Laura and Steve on our way to Sydney which was the extent of their journey with us and was very much ticking the box of sailing under the Harbour Bridge in their own yacht. WE had a lovely evening on a mooring watching the sun set with that amazing backdrop of the city of Sydney. Up early the following day we motored over to the CYCA and topped up fuel and water before saying goodbye to the happy couple and onward to Adelaide.

A short stop in Bermagui and then Eden on to Lakes Entrance for the day again to refuel but also to wait out the last of a south westerly blow .(As seen in the pic following the wind was up at Wilsons Prom) We met two other crews, one going to Geelong and the other to Adelaide.... Game on. We all agreed 1900 was the time to depart and off we went in convoy. Perfect conditions after about 6 hours and then the decision of wether to stop over in Portland or continue on with just enough fuel. Looking at the weather, we felt we'd be able to sail for a good portion of the remaining journey so continued on without the extra stop and so won the 'race' to Adelaide by a good half day!

Again Murray and I had a great time together and I thank him as always for his excellent crewing captaincy and companionship.

Best of luck for wonderful times ahead to Laura Steve and family.