Coomera to Sydney June 2025…

The defence force had an unfortunate incident with a previous First 40 which ended with it being written off by the insurance company, so the hunt was on for a replacement and Blunderbuss was found for sale in Queensland. I was contacted by Steve of ‘Everything Marine’ Coomera Boatworks (www.everythingmarineaustralia.com.au) to quote on delivering the renamed Rising Sun to Garden Island once a variety of fixes including new electronics and new standing rigging was completed. After a few delays, the day finally came and Murray and I set sail south. With a perfect weather window developing, Sunday lunchtime seemed to be the optimum time to leave and we exited the Seaway at around 1100. The weather got better and better and we went about 15 miles out and picked up 1.5-3kts of assisting current. After completing a watch at 0200, Murray woke me an hour later as engine alarms sounded. A broken fan belt and low oil. Nothing like a 0300 service call so up I got and identified and fixed the problem and off we continued. Coffs Harbour was a quick stop to top up fuel and try to fix an electrical charge problem which eventually we sorted. A superb afternoon sailing with a flat sea and westerly wind meant finally the engine had a rest and we sailed at 7-9 knots consistently reaching Sydney Heads around midnight. Public mooring for the night and a 0800 meet with the soldiers at Garden Island for the hand over.

Murray and I enjoyed the trip and thanks go to James the project manager who worked tirelessly get all ready and a number of problems solved. We wish all that sail Rising Sun a great time and that they beat the Navy first 40 more than vice versa!