Underway

Seranading Sandy

How quickly we slip into a routine!  Now that all the sickies have got their sea legs, we have quickly settled into a routine of reading, cooking, eating, music, sleeping and trying to guess which yachts belong to the sails visible on the horizon.

And we even do a little bit of sailing now and then, although luckily Sandale is quite good at looking after herself most of the time!

After a spectacular sunrise we enjoyed a nice Easterly for most of the morning, which kept us moving at >6 knots, before dying out to leave us wallowing in the growing swell.  We are now hoping to turn the engine off quite soon, when the sea breeze arrives to do its thing....Marty says the statistics show Geraldton never has calm days at this time of year, so it shouldn’t be problem!!

As we approached Geraldton we were passed by Marco Polo and Farrucca, and then heralded by our first pod of dolphins who came close by to see how we are doing.  We were also heralded by a huge bulk carrier ship as we past Geraldton, reminding us why we should always keep watch!

All very routine really!

Passing traffic

Janet cooking up a storm

Lunch on the run

Morning of Day 3

Winds are no longer beating Sandale on the nose. Travelling at 5-6 knots with nearby companion boats Marco Polo, Farruca and Scaramouche hugging the shore with us as we approach Geraldton. The Cat Ice-cube pulled in to Jurien yesterday with radio trouble and our friendly rival Farr-lap has headed further out to sea.

Yesterday was full of sea sickness for most. 

'....all well, well a little sick, except of course the relentless Maff who bounds about as if this is an adventure. So much food, didn't eat last night or this morning'  reports Navigator Marty.

Sandale's Crew Before They Became Sea-sick

Day 2 status reports that 3 of the 5 crew are very sea-sick - which ones?!

At the Start Line

The start gun fired at 12 noon. Windswept farewell crowd at North Mole were all grateful they weren't on board!

Farewells and Stowaways

Indonesian girls couldn't resist the urge to share crewing on Sandale as she departed on her way to Bali. Gamalan orchestra, gongs and hip horrays waved Sandale off as she left Fremantle Sail Club - 11am Saturday 23rd April.

off we go!

At last! Thelast fewweeks, then the last few days, then the sleeplass last night. What have we forgotten?
Great sendoff, thanks to everyone at Fremantle Sailing club. Wind could be a bit more comfortable, currently NW at 15 knots, so a perfect headwind and waves to bounce off. We are currently passing Rotto, and our first mutiny, fancy missing the chance of a fresh coffee.

Dancing Girls Arrive To See Us Off

The crew and private dancers

We are now truly ready to depart, having danced with the Indonesian beauties at the F2B Gala Farewell Dinner, and have made arrangements to meet up with them again in 2 weeks when we get to Bali. 

Geoff also got the business card of his 'friend' the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, in case we need any assistance at any point of our journey!  All good!!

Fan dance

Last supper

Maff and Jen

June and Geoff