Ancient Mariners on a jaunt down river

1 June 2013 - the first day of winter

The Ancient Mariners are a (fairly) hardy lot, so undeterred by the arrival of winter we assembled at the BRSC to prepare for a 0900 start down the river from Harwood to Iluka via Yamba. The river was blanketed in a thick but very pretty fog which Richard Sutherland caught in the photo below. Soon the fog dispersed but there was barely a whisper of wind. All three boats set off optimistically hoisting their mainsails but mainly for show. I admit we all motored at least half way to the Goodwood mark. Then, just as I was getting fed up with the noise of our outboard, there was enough following wind to let us silently ghost downstream to our smoko break at the beach just east of the Goodwood Wharf.

Richard Sutherland captures morning mist at Harwood

Pam and Noela motor sailing 

John Woods plus Ted the poodle also motor sailing

Rick and Rob in Ally Oop motor sailing as well

The boating map shows a narrow channel through the sandbanks from the Goodwood wharf across the river then between Palmers Island and Freeburn Island to Yamba Shores Tavern. John led the way and we all made it without even touching the bottom. We kept on between Rabbit Island and Pelican Island and followed the channel markers through the eastern gap in Middle Wall, across the estuary and into Iluka Harbour for lunch. We had to motor sail again most of the way but finally had a short reach under sail. Then we go our separate ways, John, Rick and Rob head back to Harwood. Noela and I stay in Iluka overnight intending to head back the following day

The light so different to summer on the first day of winter

Next morning I checked the forecast "13 knot SW wind" no mention of squalls. We set off at noon under the iron headsail and once out of the harbour decided to sail despite the little wind there was being right on the nose. We tacked back and forth against the never ending ebb. According to the tide chart the tide had turned several hours earlier. All the while we watched two Big Black Storm clouds forming, one to the south and the other to the west and looking as if they would soon join up right over us. They did. We were caught in a strong SW squall that lasted at least 15 mins. Visibility down to a few metres and we hurtled along getting totally drenched. In retrospect it was exhilarating although I am not sure if Noela would say the same. Then, equally suddenly, it was all over. Wind gone and we had to resort to the iron headsail again if we were to make Harwood in time to pack up and get home before dusk.

On the BRSC notice board