Yay, Sunshine Coast here we come! We expected 15-20 kn winds so we had prepared a reef in the main. We took some time to study the charts again thinking that we may need to head over to the Main Channel to exit Moreton Bay, however checking our numerous charts (Navionics & CMAP) we were able to plot a more direct course thru the north of the bay.

Dean and I like to be well prepared, we like to get up at least an hour and half before our departure, we re-check the weather & swell and make any changes needed. Sometimes this leads to us being early to our destination, we prefer this than be late & navigate challenging conditions.

Bridge to Bribie Island
 

The winds didn’t pick up as expected, we motor sailed navigating our way to the south end of Bribie Island as the sun was rising. We had depths ranging from 3-8m. We turned the corner to head north but the wind was slightly on the nose, this NE wasn’t predicted it was supposed to be WNW. Eventually it turned more westerly and we enjoyed a very comfortable sail to Mooloolaba. I would say this was our best sail of our whole trip averaging 6 kn no swell & very slight wind chop. It felt like a good day on the bay back home.

While we were making our way to Mooloolaba, we heard that dredging works were being done on the bar. Dean contacted the Coast Guard to discuss the dredging and was told to follow the leads in and if there were any issues to contact the dredger. As we were approaching all seemed ok until the dredger decided to move.

 

We did a couple of circles waiting for him to reset & then headed in. We had plenty of room under the keel. The anchorage was a little busy but we managed to find a spot 200m from the dingy beach.

35.82 nm, 5 hrs 30 mins, avg speed 6.52 kn, 10-15 kn SW, total motor sailing 2 hrs