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We couldn’t sail for long. The wind was too light and we would never have made the reef before dark. So we dropped the sails and gritted our teeth for the 35 mile motor to Wistari Reef. Although we hate motoring, the dying wind was a good thing because it meant that conditions out at the reef would be ideal. The saying is, “If it’s windy enough to sail there, you won’t like it when you arrive.” |
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We ended up “stuck” at Yellow Patch for eight days due to a very strong southerly front that came through. How fortunate it was, since we had the chance to meet, and the time to get to know, three wonderful people. Thanks Von, Maurie and Len (by the way, Len, Leanne says you have the most wonderful sparkling eyes she’s ever seen!!). |
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AKAMA—ABORIGINAL FOR ‘WHALE’...continued |
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BACK to Masala Cruise Log |
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TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER. We departed Yellow Patch on the rising tide, closely followed out by Akama. While Akama headed south to Gladstone, we headed offshore for our first ever reef adventure in Masala. Our nervous anticipation levels were high. |
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TO THE REEF |
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Left: Akama leaving Yellow Patch |
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Wistari Reef lies adjacent to world famous Heron Island. It is vast, being four miles long and two miles wide. We approached the western side of the reef mid afternoon, with the sun still high enough to allow us to easily identify the coral ramparts. We anchored in about 12 metres of water. It was just possible to see the bottom. I looked for as sandy a spot as I could find, but always there are coral outcrops present. The worry is that as Masala swings with the tide, the anchor chain or the anchor itself will become wedged under a coral bommie, making it impossible to retrieve. So while being out at the reef is a fantastic experience, it is never entirely free of worry. There were no other boats. |
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At low tide the ocean dropped below the level of the outer coral walls, leaving the interior of the reef impregnable. This is the best time to snorkel the outer walls, as water depths and current are at their minimums. Coral formations and fish life were great. |
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Left: Wistari Reef & sand cay at mid tide - Heron Is (treed) is 6 miles away! |