I’m currently motor sailing between Foster and Crowdy Bay in what can best be described as “a lumpy sea” after the southerly change of last night. A bit uncomfortable but all under control.

I left Sydney on Wednesday morning and sailed to Newcastle, anchoring behind Nobbys lighthouse. Those bloody ships going in and out all night did not make for peaceful sleep!

Yesterday was a stunning day. I left Newcastle at 7 and dropped anchor at Broughton Island at 12:30. Spent the afternoon exploring the island on foot after launching the kayak. What a wild place! I would have been better off going all the way to Seal Rocks for the night as the first 3 hours this morning, to Mt Sugar Loaf across Providence Bay, was at a very awkward angle to the sou’easter and the sea. Hey ho, always wanted to go to Broughton and yesterday was the perfect day for it.

Got up and 5am and will be in Port Mac by 9pm tonight, so a long day. Planning a rest day there tomorrow before continuing to Coffs on Sunday, when it’s meant to be sunny.