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MAGNETIC ISLAND...continued |
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The haul from Gloucester Island to Magnetic Island is a long one, around 110 miles, with a couple of potential stopping places along the way. We set off early from Gloucester Island, heading for an overnight stop at Cape Upstart. Masala 2-sail reached in fine fashion, the 2—3 metre swells foaming underneath as she surfed. |
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Next day we pressed on the remaining 35 miles to Magnetic Island, off Townsville. As usual, Horseshoe Bay was pretty crowded. A northerly breeze pushed a stinking algal bloom and a weak swell into the anchorage. Not pleasant, but the place is so great these detractions had to be ignored. |
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Above: sunset over Bowling Green Bay, seen from the anchorage at Cape Bowling Green (calm conditions in 2008) |
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We altered course slightly to the north, and with a backing wind we were able to set the main on one side and the poled-out partly furled genoa on the other (called a goosewing). By 11.30 a.m. we were already at Cape Upstart, so we decided to continue to Cape Bowling Green. We held the goosewing for ten hours, Masala was well balanced and very fast – we set a record day passage of 80 nautical miles, with a top speed of 9 knots.
The low sand spit of Cape Bowling Green appeared on the horizon just on dusk. Fortunately it was still light as we rounded the end of the spit to head up into the bay to anchor – the spit had extended somewhat since we were there last – could have been nasty. This anchorage is reputedly rolly, and is often referred to as Cape Rolling Green. But we have generally found it to be good. Despite 15 knot winds all night, Masala sat comfortably head-on into the chop. Ear plugs took care of the noise. |
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Above: Cape Upstart |
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Right: approaching Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island |