Visit out to the reef

From Airlie we thought to get in a position to explore the outer reef if the weather allowed. We spent the first night in Marcona Inlet where we were visited by turtles and dolphins away from the crowds in a glassy anchorage.

Leaving Marcona the next day with glassy waters and then favourable winds just aft of beam we sailed the 23 miles in relative ease arriving early afternoon at Hook Reef but unfortunately the predicted calm became a 15-20 knot wind with reduced protection as the tide rose. Combined with a tide that placed Maripi beam on to the wind life became a little uncomfortable.

Up anchor the following morning and passing between Hook and Bait Reef with wind against tide was like a washing machine with a boat speed of 5 knots and speed over ground 9 Knots!! We recently watched a Late Malcolm Douglas documentary and related to the tidal whirlpool created in the far north of WA.

After passing through we had an amazing day of sailing with the sheets slightly cracked and fanging along when all of a sudden Lana’s game rod started to hum that tune that says there is something big on the line! We had difficulty slowing the boat down so 30 minutes later a buggered but beaming Lana drags her tuna aboard!!! Noah had a new toy until we reached Stonehaven Beach and I started filleting it!