Carpe Diem's hard passage to Coasters

I had suffered quite a stressful three weeks while D29 Carpe Diem was being repaired. Other things kept cropping up that needed attention and the experience lived up to the theory that B.O.A.T. means break out another thousand.I sent Geoff an e-mail telling about some of the additional work that had to be done. Well when all was finished and she was back in the water we decided to take her out on a shake down sail (just as well!).

We motored up as far as Hibbard ferry on the Hastings River, then sailed up to the Dennis Bridge and sailed back to Port Macquarie, starting the engine again for the last part and to manoeuvre into our berth on the marina. Apart from a squeaky new prop shaft bearing, all seemed satisfactory. We picked up the mooring lines, tethered the boat securely and guess what "THE MOTOR STOPPED!" How lucky was that?

Of all the places it could have stopped, it waited until we were safe and sound. "That is the story of my life".

My Wife says I am looked after and things always seem to happen to me for a reason. We were due to set sail for Broken Bay that evening and had we done so we would have been caught out in all the bad weather that came through early in August. The motor could have broken down then and made it difficult to run for shelter.

Anyway the problem proved to be the fuel pump and injector. We had them reconditioned and reinstalled and adjusted correctly. When satisfied that all was well, on the 14/08/2010 at 0005hrs, we departed the Port Macquarie bar and set out for Pittwater.

With the aid of Allan Lucas's book "Cruising The NSW Coast", I had planned my course in detail before setting out. My charts were all up to date and in order. Way points, courses to steer and distances together with their ETA's all marked and Radio sked reporting points also detailed. My plan was lodged with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie who organized an offshore tracking sheet for us. I must say, it is a comforting feeling to know that someone is looking out for you as you sail down the coast.

By the way, a word of warning to anyone using Allan Lucas’s suggested waypoints as a guide to setting a course. I found that on his chart, the next point south of the waypoint for Norah Head appears at first glance, to be a point for rounding Cape Three points at the entrance to Broken Bay. Upon closer inspection, in fact the coordinates are for the North Head, off Sydney Harbour In my edition, they have been placed in the wrong position on the diagram. If one is planning to enter Pittwater via the suggested Norah Head Waypoint care should be exercised. According to my charts and my GPS, one could be in danger of sailing straight over the top of two reefs and shallow water. This would be a good topic of discussion on the Forum

Anyway we set off into a confused sea caused by 25 to 35 knot N/E to N/W wind blowing against a three to four metre southerly swell with waves starting at about one and a half metre. This built to three metres at times around Point Stephens and Swansea, then abating to almost calm south of Nora Head where there was just enough wind to give us a pleasant and restful sail to Broken Bay. For the most part, the ride was wild. Running before a strong wind with sails goose winged, we surfed the big seas for over twelve hours. The needle of our old Sumlog, was hard up against the 10 knot stop as we surged down the waves, returning to about 7kts in the lull,while allowing the next wave to surge past. Our bow ponting high as we shot us forward, carried along with a cascade of white foaming water rushing alongside the aft quarter as though trying to swamp the cockpit Thank gosh that our Carpe Diem is such a superb seaworthy design, she really is a surprising little yacht.

Of some concern, was the regular broadcast by Marine Rescue stations up and down the coast, of a “Priority Strong Wind Warning” to all shipping in the area.

I have had Carpe Diem out in many different weather and sea conditions and been quite concerned at times. She has always weathered the storms without too much drama and brought me home safe and for the most part, DRY. We decided rather than try to attempt an entrance into Swansea at night, we would press on.

Our journey ended at Coasters Retreat in Pittwater at 0600 on Sunday morning the 15th, just 30 hours after leaving Port and about 4hrs ahead of schedule.

We moored to a beautiful sunrise, and a lazy, pink, glassy swell shimmering with the reflection of the sky and surrounding tree studded shoreline.

Soon the cabin and cockpit were filled with the aroma and sounds of breakfast cooking on our two burner stove. The kettle whistled while the bacon, sausage, eggs and tomatoes sizzled in the pan, then the smell of fresh coffee filled our nostrils. (Another magic yachting moment).

After washing up and making Carpe Diem shipshape once again, we had a couple of hours sleep before taking her to the Royal Motor Yacht Club, ready for her inspection by David Bray Brokerage and her subsequent listing with them for sale.

I WAS LOOKED AFTER AGAIN! Shortly after berthing at the RPAMYC, the sky turned angry the wind howled and the rain and hail belted down, but Chris my crew member, and I were safe and dry in the Yacht Club bar, enjoying a cold bear and some nibbles.

Richard Court.

D29 Carpe Diem

Last Updated on Sunday, 03 October 2010 09:31