Blog Post 31 by Jon Sanders: New Caledonia to Bundaberg
Departed city of Noumea, New Caledonia, for Bundaberg, state of Queensland Australia. I was going to leave on the Saturday, but didn’t. Slack you say, common sense I think. Fresh west and sou-west wind forecast over the weekend, true and proper head winds, that means going nowhere much. Bumpy.
As it transpired, when asleep, as snug as a bug – in the protected comfort of Port Moselle Marina, Noumea – 5 yachts outside at anchor, or on moorings, went onto the rocks. Sadly damaged; I think nobody was onboard. Other yachts with crew all OK.
Come Monday, there was not a lot of favourable wind, as per forecast, with the swell becoming less and less. Nice travel stuff.
Engine at low revs. Soon to come there was a bit more wind, though just a bit. No engine, on course, maxed out comfort.
Tied up near Perie Banou in the marina were Pip Sawyer and John Sharpe, in their wonderful, New Zealand built, Elliot 45ft named Sharp Focus. Pip and John would entertain me with the odd evening meal.
A few drinks first, of course…