Cruising Log—27...Final Commodore’s Corner

Grant mentioned the main halyard breaking but what he forgot to say was that a few days earlier I had hoisted him to the top of the mast using this very same halyard. Luckily we are both safety conscious so not only was he attached using the main halyard but also by the spare halyard. So if something gave way there was always a back up. It’s scary to think what might have been if we had used only the one halyard and it had broken while Grant was hoisted so high above the deck.

One of the best things about cruising is the wonderful people you meet. Because you’re out there exposed to the elements everyone is willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it be via radio, telephone, email or direct assistance you’re never quite alone. As an example, two days before we left Garry’s anchorage Jan off Moonglade paddled across to say hello (we had last spoken at Island Head Creek, where we had gone for a walk with her and David). She thought she would check on us as we had been there a few days and had not gone ashore. She was worried in case we were ill. We explained we were totally whacked and just happy to lie around.

Leanne’s “Commodore’s Corner”

The trip back to Brisbane certainly pushed boat and crew. Masala never faulted, the limiting factor was always the crew. You probably think from reading the trials of the southbound passage that it was a horrible trip? In some ways it was. It was also where we had the most exhilarating sailing. We couldn’t believe the buzz we both got when we completed the sail through the Sandy Straights. It should have been the worst part of the trip considering the stress we were under and the difficult sailing conditions. Instead it pushed the crew to its limits and proved to us what we were really capable of.  It was such a satisfying feeling when we finally anchored. To think we had sailed through areas where most people would only consider motoring and some of this even in the dark. Luckily Masala is a great sail boat.

You may also wonder how many times we ran aground during our 6 month cruise. We were told at the beginning of the cruise by many a seasoned cruiser that everyone runs aground, it’s just par for the course when exploring new or shallow areas. Surprisingly the answer is we NEVER ran aground. I put this down to the excellent planning and navigation of the Skipper. Don’t tell him I said this or he will get a big head!

Not everything we planned transpired as expected, particularly Grant’s fiftieth birthday. I had hoped we would be back in Brisbane by the end of October to ensure we could celebrate in style. This however never eventuated. Grant’s big day, 1 November, was spent sailing from Garry’s anchorage at Fraser Island and across the notorious Wide Bay Bar. I had planned at least to bake a cake but not to be. When I opened the last dozen eggs I found one had broken some time back and had gone off. The seeping rotten liquid had contaminated the rest of the eggs, so no cake was possible. I couldn’t even make any scones as we were out of butter. So the birthday lunch consisted of pasta with basil pesto and dinner was Suimin Instant Noodles (a bit rough hey).

Don’t worry, I made up for the cake the first day back in Scarborough where I purchased a chocolate mud cake topped with fresh cream and strawberries. It tasted soooo goood for morning tea, afternoon tea and supper. We both totally pigged out! One week later we were finally able to celebrate with friends Helen and Don. What a great night out, great food, great wine, great company!

I cannot express the joy and relief of finally arriving safe and sound back at Scarborough. The trip had its ups and its downs but we are very proud of ourselves for having completed what we set out to do. There were times when I wanted to turn around but in the end I’m glad we saw it through. Now it’s time to finish those required maintenance jobs prior to closing the boat up and heading home to Melbourne. To our friends and family back home we can’t wait to see you all and hear all your news. To all those friends from various parts of Australia and abroad please come visit us, our doors are always open.