Three Engineers go into the Bilge

Sens de La Vie Whitehaven Beach

Three Engineers go into the Bilge

Whitsundays 12^th to 18^th August.

We arrived at Abel Point Marina in true Capt Mayhem style with 50 racing yachts all departing out of the Marina to start the race course. Crazy, boats going in all directions causing me much concern squeezing our boat through the middle of them in the narrow channels of the Marina. Meanwhile Capt Mayhem is waving and being very socialable.

WE had the pleasure of welcoming on Board our guest crew Mike and Kim O’Regan. sailing with us for a week.

Mike brought up the water heater on the plane which we were ever so grateful which was not an easy task with a half meter cube box weighing 30kilos.  The heater I organised over very limited reception finding the exact make and model of our old one.  True to the reputation of Raritan water heaters our heater lasted 25 years, so good a product that nothing has change in its design; it should be a simple retro fit.

After spending an enormous amount of time preening myself in the luxury amenities that Able Point Marina have installed in the new section of the marina we welcomed on board our guests and a dear friend Leesa who is travelling in the area with her border collie dog Flynn. Sundowners on board with our visitors resulted in lively conversation over too many champers.

A relaxing evening at award winning Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar and catching up with the Skipper Phillip Bell of the Yacht She; who is competing in the Whitsundays Yacht Race week.  Mike, Phillip and Terry are all part of the Engineering brains trust of the Gold coast, who have worked together for over 30 years on major projects across the Gold Coast.

3 engineers go into the Bilge

“Should I call a Plumber?” I said

Mike the Hydraulic Engineer, Terry Civil Engineer, and Phillip Structural Engineer called a site meeting to discuss the replacement of the heater system and pressurizing the heat exchange system from the motor.  Rum was involved, much debate, swearing, every tool imaginable strewn across the cabin, one sore back, one cut finger and one sore leg.

The project was completed with some on the spot modifications and repairs to existing plumbing requiring 2 trips to the plumbing suppliers. 

Kim and I took off to do a spot of shopping during the installation as my running commentary was not appreciated.  We got off the marina only to be herded on a bus with 500 people coming off the Dawn Princess. We had become part of the cruise ship tour bus to Airlie.

What a great tourism dollar injection this ship gives to Airlie. Music at every corner, Buskers and markets were on and every restaurant and shop was full of passengers from the cruiser.  The little tourist village was alive with happy travelers.

Damage can be still seen as some buildings are still under repair but the vibe in Airlie village is positive and certainly thriving with tourists. Spoke to a couple of retailers and they all commented that the cruise ships have given Airlie the boost it needed and they are recovering despite delays in some restoration work. 

WE provisioned in the afternoon when I secured the courtesy car and made our plans for our next anchorage.

Leaving Airlie in true Capt Teza style of mayhem and chaos we departed with the fleet of racing yachts into 20 knot winds.  

An exhilarating sail across the Whitsunday Passage doing 12 knots under sail was an exciting debut for our crew. The guest crew learnt very early that they must secure items when under sail. We were sailing on a list by 30 degrees  with fruit, water bottles, sun cream and other personal items all sliding on the saloon floor. We headed to Nara inlet but the swell in this normally calm anchorage was not bearable and our crew were starting to look a little green.

We made passage to the protective anchorage of Cid harbor until the blow dissipated in a couple of days.

Time spent reading fishing and just relaxing in Cid Harbour was very welcomed by all.

The fish have all disappeared and no crabs were caught.  With little rain the fish are all upstream in waterways.

After the winds settled we made our way to Whitehaven beach via Hamilton Island in perfect sea conditions.

Whitehaven Beach is beautiful, and I enjoyed my first swim in the crystal clear waters.  Damage is evident from the cyclone with the foreshore trees all dead along the entire beach creating a grey wall of debris and fuel for fires.

It’s a fire hazard to have so much fuel of dead trees.  I guess the budget to clean up and do restoration work did not extend far enough to National Parks. I am hopeful they have a replanting program to restore the beach front.

Whithaven Beach

We anchored overnight enjoying the calm and the quiet lapping of waves on the beach.

Next morning we headed to Butterfly Bay for a snorkel. Perfect conditions and we were blessed by the presence of whales along the eastern side of Hook Island.

Whale

I have snorkelled in Butterfly bay many times over 20 years.  Butterfly bay was the first to be hit by crown of thorns many years ago which wiped out most of the coral but I am pleased to say even with some damage by the cyclone it has restored, and interesting that it has more species of coral than I have seen in the past.  I got to swim with a turtle which was a bonus.  On this occasion I did not see the big Wrasse that reside in the bay  but I am sure to return to explore more of the coral reefs at Butterfly Bay whilst in the Whitsundays. 

Australian Surveillance Plane Hook Passage

Capt Teza Fishing

After a late lunch we headed for Stone Haven , North tip of Hook Island in mill pond conditions , relaxing with a few too many cocktails and a lot of merriment from the crew as we were on a high from a wonderful day in perfect conditions.

Our Crew Kim and Mike had a wonderful time and gained a new appreciation for the wonderful scenery and pristine waters of the Whitsundays. They travel overseas regularly and enjoy their travels to different countries and cultures but remarked that this trip inspired them to see more of this beautiful country we call Aus.

Good Food, good company, beautiful surroundings, perfect weather, whales, turtles, dolphins lots of laughs all aboard Sens de la Vie.

We are truly grateful of our experiences in life.

Upside down Knickers- Practicing Yoga

Indeed, there are many challenges living on the boat and, in particular, when under sail or in a big swell. The simplest of things become extraordinarily difficult.

At 58 years old with rheumatoid disease and an enormous amount of damage to my body from various mishaps and accidents I am not as nimble as I used to be. With a body that is not svelte, lean or agile and certainly not as strong; I am currently nursing a full torn muscle in my right shoulder that will be operated on when I return.

I have inadvertently started practicing yoga by developing positions to steady myself without further damaging or inflaming my shoulder and all the other body bits that are damaged or don’t work as well anymore.

I have in my repertoire of Yoga Positions “Crouching Wench” used for when I am on the floor of saloon sliding around to get something for the captain when under sail. 

“Monkey swing” when I swing down the companionway with left arm doing a full body stretch timing my landing in between the listing or rolling of the floor beneath me.

“The Lucy” which is when I am in the Galley and is named in homage and in resemblance to Lucille Ball’s famous scene in the movie “The Long Long Trailer" 

when Lucy cooks in the Caravan whilst travelling along. Its Hilarious. My interpretation is a mix of Muppet chef moves, Chef Ramsey swearing and Lucy’s determination no matter how difficult; must cook.

The “Lucy” Yoga exercise requires me to brace myself by my legs or knees to floor or cupboards depending on the degree of angle the yacht is on, whilst managing pots, pans and preparing food.  It’s a messy exercise in cooking skills and balance that I don’t recommend due to the risk of cuts, burns and bruises. All of which I have as a reward for my culinary expertise.

Forget Master Chef Invention Test…………………This is Master Chef Extreme.

But my real talent for extraordinary Yoga Poses is when you are trying to get dressed.

One pose I have Named “Yoga Pants On”, which has nothing to do with any actual garment of yoga pants.

It requires me to lay down in the main cabin of bed and press my feet and legs to the Cabin Roof whilst sliding down my knickers(which is actually up). The visual scene would be described as rolling on the cabin bed like a beached Walrus, sunning himself. 

Legs up, on the bed and knickers half way, delights Capt Teza I am sure. I am starting to wonder if it is by design by the Capt to challenge me rocking and rolling in the big blue.

Indeed, “why bother” you may question. Normally I would not but when company is on board and in the close quarters of each others’ habits and bodily functions, one must strive to maintain some privacy and decorum.

Why is it that it is more socially accepted for Men to “Free Ball” and not for women to “muff flap”……………………………………….I vision that readers are aghast I wrote these words.  I digress and will leave this interesting social debate on gender equality of no underpants  for a time with the girlfriends over cocktails.

The only constellation besides the bruises, aches and pains is that I am moving; sometimes involuntarily. It might not be the daily 10,000 steps health initiative but I believe my body is getting some benefit out of my balancing acts of Yoga Poses to do ordinary tasks on board Sens de la Vie.

Crouching Cocktail Photography Yoga Pose

Percy Islands to Airlie Passage

Percy Islands

How many expletives can one use to describe Percy islands.  The Percy Island holds a special place in our hearts chiefly for its hospitality, its remoteness, and its beauty.  A favorite rendezvous for comradery of the cruising yacht community.

On this occasion we ate goat stew around the fire pit entertained by lively conversation.  John the resident in the main homestead enlisted Terry  for advice on a Bore that they want to establish and to assist in some work at the tree house, the next morning.

A welcome reprieve to have a break from each other.  Living in small quarters can get on each others nerves if you don’t take time out to do your own thing.

 I was able to get some maintenance and cleaning jobs done on the yacht, which is hard when the Capt is underfoot.

We lunched on the yacht whilst watching the sea eagles capture fish with their talons  and 2 whales and calf in the bay just cruising around . What a wonderful experience to just sit with a glass of wine and watch nature all about.

Unfortunately due to our delays our time was cut short at the Percy’s but we will return on the Passage home. Weather was turning unpleasant for comfortable anchoring.  We headed to Scawfull Island, Refuge bay in fairly rough seas to shelter. Huge day sailing and we were exhausted.  Bullets of strong wind tossed the yacht around all night and anchor watch meant that little sleep was had for both of us.

We made passage to Thomas Island a favorite destination  because it is normally very quiet but on this occasion the bay was full.  Capt Teza’s face was full of disappointment as he favorite Beach “Naked Lady Beach”  was not going to fulfill his expectations on this trip.

An unexpected swell came in overnight which was extremely uncomfortable; rocking the boat severely and we both declared that this was the worst rocking and rolling we had experienced on the yacht.  Even getting tossed about in big seas was better than this.  Stuff was going everywhere that normally stays put even when we are on a lean sailing.

Early morning passage to Cid Harbor which has all weather protection. A welcome rest and gave opportunity to do a minimal amount of communications one of which was to organise a new water heater.  I think after 25 years the old one had done its job, it still heats but has a split somewhere which means we are losing fresh water into the bilge.  The yacht has a pressurized water system and we carry 800 litres, which enables us to do long cruising without the need to go to dock to refill. We can last at least a month on our tanks.  The yacht did have a water maker but we decommissioned as it had not been maintained which rendered it useless.

So a replacement Hot water exchange heater is on its way via luggage with our guests coming on board tomorrow.  Same make and model the best and still meets today's standards.  It should be a quick retro fit as all the plumbing and Heat exchange plumbing will not need to be changed.  

 But I am skeptic given our recent problems with the boat that some unexpected fault may be found.  Here’s hoping.  In the meantime, we have enjoyed the last 2 days at Cid harbour, water is so clear and blue due to no rain, and I got to do a short walk today on the island.  No fish caught worth  mentioning at this stage but I hope to catch some fish in some good spots I am familiar with in the Whitsundays, where I have successfully landed some great fish.

Life Stories and F-ing Fish Lures

Life Stories and F-ing Fish Lures

One of the joys of travel on land or sea is meeting people unrelated to your normal circles of friends, random comrades all on the same adventure pathway with differing points of views, life experiences and opinions. A curious and interesting social experiment is putting odd travel companions together, the delight is being part of the interactions, of diverse and different people. You are enriched and always learn something new about yourself and others.

Such a congregation of travelers by sea occurs regularly on Percy Islands “sun downers” at the Yacht Club(hut) with fellow boaties sharing a yarn, a story, a joke, a meal, life stories, a shared meal, sometimes a singalong but always fun, enlightening and entertaining.

People from all walks of life meet and swap stories and experiences of life on the ocean, places they have been, handy tips for where not to anchor, recipes, sailing passage advice, weather opinions and so forth not to mention the mechanical and equipment failures: shared experiences that all boat owners are challenged with.

On this occasion at Percy Islands I met a young couple who are teachers having a break after spending 12 months in central Australia.  We shared our experiences as we both lived in the same area near Mintabie in the Pitjantjajara Aboriginal region, central Australia.  Our stories were different yet the same, although 30 years apart on a timeline the landscape of this ancient part of the world had not changed, its  beauty still is embedded in my heart and soul and had also affected this young couple in the same way.  Time spent living in this remote part of Australia gave us a different appreciation and respect.  They encourage Terry and I to go back to the region and see the changes and improvements; in particular with the aboriginal communities.  The elders now taking more responsibility in education of  children in the tribes and also improved self-responsibility in personal health and wellbeing.  Terry and I were at Indulkana Creek Community at the  height of the petrol sniffing, witnessing mothers comatose with unattended sick malnourished children crying next to them ignored and abandoned.

Alcohol addiction problems with no real policing of the “Rum Runners”  that fed the addictions for extortive amounts of money was also at its height.   

I told the story of the  bores that Terry put down for the road works and how this helped to clear up many of the sores and ulcers of the children.  It also gave much joy to the children splashing about in the water.  The young couple were delighted in the history of the bores, had no idea how they came to be as they are well known to them.  They happily told us of the importance happily told us their importance in the communities as they are still in use today.  12 Bores were established over 80 klms distance and the aboriginal tribes still benefit from this water today. Some were like mini lakes and now support wildlife and livestock.

This couple was born in 1984 2 years before we lived at in the desert but despite the generational gap, common ground and understanding and genuine interest in each other’s story and experiences over a cocktail , around the fire pit,  witnessing a spectacular sunset, was a perfect engagement with strangers.

Amazing life stories of fellow travellers shared is a blessing and I am forever grateful to have these opportunities, to step away from my normal daily life and explore people and places.

Another conversation with a bloke called Steve who lives on the island, retired, but this is his home.  He grew up in the light house on a small island adjacent to Middle Percy with his dad the light house keeper and decided to come back to his home for his latter years.  

The knowledge and stories he had were fascinating and I was captivated by the richness and wealth of his life stories of living on an island with very little services from the mainland.

This day at Percy Islands was also the anniversary of a young yachtsmen lost to sea at Islands West Bay where we are anchored.  We were fortunate to be witness to the laying of the memorial plaque by his mother Helen and family friends who came to Percy on the family’s boat to mark the anniversary of their son, 34 years old lost to sea at Percy Islands on the very same boat, they were currently sailing. We did not attend the private service on shore but showed our respect later at the seat and plaque in honor of his life.

What a courageous and honorable thing to do by Mum to come to island and remember her son with strangers and endure the heartache of the loss of her son over again. Helen and her family love the Percy Islands and have been coming to the islands for 30 years

Her son was an experienced yachtsman well known in racing circles.  It is thought that he tripped knocked his head and fell overboard. 

 Lost to the sea and not known for a day until someone checked on the boat that alarm was raised that he was gone.  The currents run about 5 knots at Middle Percy West Bay so his body would have drifted a fair way out.  He was never found.  The family sailing boat is called “Predator” which sadly is a bit ironic. Helen his mum said this will be her last sail in the boat as she will sell it now, her husband also past away a couple of years ago and she needs to move on and let it go.

As I was Chatting with Helen talking about meeting up at Whitsundays and listening to her story with others, over saunters THE GUY, yes I am being gender specific. 

There is always that one person in a fellowship group that annoys the shit out of you.

F#*king Fishing Lures.

This gentlemen with out any introduction or announcement launched into a diatribe of the merits and attributes of Fishing lures with a mono toned voice of an ABC presenter of the 50’s on Prozac. 

Launched with detail as if he were selling that lastest and greatest in F-ing Fishing Lures. The brand, the color, the weight, the length of the trace the weight of the line.  My mind glazed over whilst I tried to see the humour in this unprovoked lecture of F-ing Fishing Lures. 

Did I miss something.

Do I look like I am really into fishing lures.  Surely not, could he see past the mascara and the gossamer of the lipstick on my lips, poised on the edge of a cocktail glass.

Is my inner fisher woman goddess showing.   Sure, I like to fish but what part of my exterior or expressions would give rise to his insistence that I know all the facts about F-ing Fishing Lures.

I did but give him a quizzical all-knowing look when he started talking about the “Cock in the Sock”. This is a method of baiting a lure.  I was familiar with said method having heard about it previously in a more enlightened and engaging fun conversation. 

Ok, I admit that readers(my friends) of my blog would suggest that I would use this terminology in other aspects of my life……………………………..

Cooking being one of my passions and yes this is also a preparation and cooking method described crudely as “Cock in a Sock” by Chefs of the decadent 80’s .

It is likely that this phrase would come forth from me in in more inappropriate conversations with my close friends………………………I digress. 

Basically, for those who are intrigued, it is a method of gang hooking a pilchard then putting a sheath of Squid tube over it to protect it as you drag it at the back of your boat as a lure.

Oh, good Lord, did my absent from his conversation, deep in my own idle thoughts spur him on more,  Need to practice my resting bitch face, I am not interested, and you are annoying me.

On this occasion so irritating and inappropriate was The Guy, I had to say something to shut him up as slowly a warm and engaging group were dispersing and Helen(the grieving Mum) were still in his unrelenting lecture.

Trying my best to respect his story and exhaustive knowledge of F-ing Fishing Lures had come to and end.

“Let kindness be my guide” motto…………………………Kinda went out the window because of his disrespect.

So I decided to interrupt THE GUY and say…………………..”did I miss something in the conversation whilst we were all gathered around with Helen, (grieving Mum), Did you think that there was an opening for a lecture on F-ing Fishing Lures that warranted that you launch into taking over a group conversation listening to the story of the son who was lost at sea.

And with that………………………………. I gave a big hug to Helen.

Nothing disarms that person more; “THE GUY” that is not intuitive to social graces, then when 2  women openly show heartfelt emotion.

Respectful to all life stories, we all have them. Be proud of your own personal story no matter how challenging or difficult it is to tell. Our life experiences good and beautiful, bad and ugly, joyous and sad are events that have shaped our thinking and life pathways.  Our individual stories are unique.  Your story never really defines you completely as your story never ends. 

Your story does not end  it lives in the hearts, mind and souls of those we engage with in the telling.

We  are enriched by sharing stories.

End

Sailing Adventure 2018 - All Aboard

As we embark on our 2018 sailing adventure for 3 months I  reflect on what it means to own a sailing yacht, whilst we are sitting dock side at Keppel Bay Marina, Roslyn Bay Yeppoon awaiting a special gas pipe line to be delivered and installed.

Capt Up Mast checking Radar

New Fender Step from Denmark so I don't have to do a leap of Faith every time we dock

The yacht has had much work done over the past few months but even with the best of attention to our running gear and safety equipment, we have had enormous difficulty in the past week with unexpected failures.

At the beginning of the year Sens de la Vie went on to hard stand to get hull cleaned and new antifoul, new flanges on shaft, plumbing and new configuration of our silage holding tanks and the list goes on.  We made the huge decision to pull out the 200kg Onan generator that allows for the use of 24o volt electrical appliances whilst not plug in to shore,  replaced with smart eco friendly power generating systems , that are quiet and not burning fossil fuel.  New technology in 12 volt systems, with very efficient batteries, solar panels and wind generators give the boat its power system as well as motor.  We have yet to install the wind generator optig to test what we have now set up first.
We travel  simply onboard with most appliances including TV and electronics are all 12 volt. Removing the huge generator enabled us to retro fit another 200ltr stainless steel tank for long range cruising and reconfigure battery bank to house the new fancy batteries we have installed.

Every nook and space is filled with stores

After stowed away

Alot of planing is involved making sure we have all notices to Mariners for hazards downloaded, All charts up to date, provisioning dry foods, alcohol and personal supplies for 3 months including medications which required me to get special script dispensation for for a three month supply of my injections. Getting  clearance from all specialists looking after my current medical conditions of a swollen lymph node at the base of skull, a full tear muscle on my shoulder,cardiologist,  dental, and Rheumatoid specialist all takes time. Capt Teza did the same getting skin cancers cut out and  dental work.
 Home property in order thankfully our Daughter Jacqui is house sitting for us over this period.

We manged to fit in a shake down cruise with the family the weekend before departure which was magical with whales coming to our yacht and swimming underneath and beside us .

Teddy and Ben on the Helm

Tanya showing Teddy the Whales

Whales went under the Keel

Whales off the Gold Coast

On the eve of departure the configuration of the new batteries and electrical system was not charging and a good deal of frustration from Capt was making our departure unpleasant. With some help from Steve Carmody, Ross our mechanic and Trevor our marine electrician the problem was finally resolved at departure with our electrician waving us good by on dock.  The process of elimination to find the fault had us  pulling off the motor alternator to get tested as part of the diagnostics, in the end it was a faulty cable.  
Whilst this was all going on our sea water pump that cools the fridge, freezer condensers failed. A spare emergency pump was installed until we could pick up the ordered new pump at Moolooaba as we intended to depart whilst weather was good and tides in our favor in the next couple of days to cross Wide Bay Bar. Capt Teza was keen to get his long awaited 3 months off work holiday underway.

Our first mishap was in the passage to Moreton Bay in the Broad Water where we hit bottom on dead low tide.  The Seaworld Rescue Boat and Crew were travelling past and came to assist but unfortunately could not pull us off but we had a great chat about a recent whale rescue  the coast and whale snot. The rescue team wear full masks for safety as whales blow a lot of snot.  The Seaworld rescue crew were coming back from Morteon Bay having collected Jelly fish for a new exhibit.  The marine scientist was on board so whilst stuck on the bank we learnt a lot about the habits of jellyfish.

The broad water is slowly becoming silted up with sand banks now in the middle of channels and there seems no budget to fix the channels, normally we wait for high tide to traverse but the Capt was keen to make way.  So we waited until the tide released our wing keel from the sandbank.

As we made passage it was evident that something was wrong with our gas supply.  
At Moolooaba we installed new gas bottles but overnight my Iphone was destroyed with a recharge cable that failed and burnt the port.  This was devastating as navigational APPS , sailing safety information and communications was lost, not to mention all my personal stuff.
Thankfully I did do the last back only days ago.  A mad rush at 4pm when we got to Moolooaba  to get replacement and restore resulted in a mutiny with Capt to stay at port until all this was sorted including the pump that Australia post failed to deliver overnight and left at post office without contacting me. Big thank you to Phil Rankin who assisted me with tech support.

We had missed best times with tides to cross Wide Bay Bar resulting in doing a night sail to cross Bar in the early morning and make passage up Great Sandy Straights without hitting the bottom. It was very cold and as I was still suffering from a chest infection. we were greeted by a beautiful sunrise. Whilst I was on the helm Capt Teza had a shower and the quote of the day from the Capt was
" I can add being able to shave on a trampoline to my resume".  
The Bar crossing was effortless and we congratulate the Tin Can Bay Coast Guard for the excellent up to date information that is now in place after Sens de la Vie hit the bar 18 months ago.

Sunrise 

Capt Terry and a doctor from Brisbane worked closely with Maritime services and State Minister to get the necessary changes to directions being given to cross the bar by Tin Can Bay coast Guard, and this has now resulted in no major ship landings on the Bar since Sens de la Vie incident.
Mind you they still have not changed the leads as there is no budget to fix, so yachtsmen unaware following the leads into the passage will hit the bar.  I don't understand why fixing the leads is not a priority.  Its like leaving a traffic light on Green at a train crossing.

Great Sandy Straights early morning

F#*k PC Cocktail

We anchored at Big Woody Island at the northern end of Fraser Island and rested.

Cape Capricorn

On our next leg to Bundaburg it became clear that our gas issue was not resolved which meant that we would have to miss going to Lady Musgrave and make passage to Yeppoon to get fixed. Lady Musgrave will be on our home passage. This meant no hot food or drinks for the next couple of days but we both agreed if we are going to be at dock whilst this gas issue is getting fixed we would enjoy being at Yeppoon. 
Gas fitter was organised, special copper pipe was courier up from Brisbane overnight and all going well we should depart for the Percy Islands today or tomorrow.
In the meantime, we have done a lot of little maintenance jobs, explored the coast via the use of the Marinas curtesy car, socialized with other yacties and  dined at the very good restaurants in the area  for breakfast and dinner.

Cleaned and stained the teck

Our Treasured Procession 

 Almost 40 years ago a young couple madly in love with dreams of sailing the seas went to Birkenhead Point Marina to look at a couple of yachts that were for sale
Sadly we could not afford a yacht at this time in our lives so we purchased our most treasured procession of a little brass porthole ash tray
That has travelled with us during the 11 times in 10 years we relocated around Australia for work then finally settled in Beechmont
Many years it lived on our home mantle where ever we were in Aus.
The little brass porthole did not represent opportunity lost but opportunities to be found, discovered at yet to come.
Just gave it a polish and this little procession we cherish now has a home
On Sens de la vie

Looking towards the Marina at Roslyn Bay Keppel

We are relaxed  and whilst frustrating waiting for tradesmen and parts we have exhaled after the  mad rush of our departure from Gold Coast

Sailing requires you to be agile and flexible to manage conditions of your boat, the seas, the weather and comfort of the crew.