Where pirates abound

AK was eager to visit Dingo Beach (21nm north from Airlie and 12nm south from Bowen) so the anchor was raised at 1000hrs for the 6hr trip north. As the beach is very shallow our plan was to anchor in Jonah Bay, near Saddleback Island. "the island has been reported to have a considerable number of death adders on it (which could possible mean that it's someone's favourite fishing spot, or that there's buried treasure there....or that there are a large number of death adders"). 100Magic Miles. It was very rough, windy with short choppy seas so we continued on through Gloucester Passage (waving to the dingoes as we passed) to seek shelter - short circuiting our treasure hunt!

 

Leaving Jonah-photos never depict sea conditions!

"Gloucester Passage marks the favoured route to Bowen from the Whitsundays and takes you in between a vast and lofty wind generator, Gloucester Island and the mainland." 100 Magic Miles.

As it was dusk it was full steam ahead to find an anchorage prior to darkness. The passage was well marked with beacons although very shallow in parts.

heading toward the passage, Gloucester Island on foreground right


It was a surprise to come out the other end as our intended anchorage was chockers with yachts. A little strange we thought. With very little room we headed around Shag Islet to the next anchorage, passing a cruising shark as we left the passage. This anchorage was also pretty full but had room for us, so as the showers commenced we dropped our anchor in the bay outside Cape Gloucester Eco resort. Once settled we noticed an array of dressed yachts, many flying a pirates flag. A little strange we thought.

At least the wind sock indicated the wind!

The next morning we dinghied to the nearest beach where non-boating locals informed us it was "that yearly gathering of grubby yachts". Further inquires - Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club annual meeting. Our friend Sue who had been a member for a few years had told us about the club- everyone becomes vice commodore of a location which gives reciprocating rights at any yacht club. They have thousands of members and the annual meeting has become a mecca for some. You don't need to sail to become a member, it appears to be a finger salute to snotty yacht clubs. We met some friendly people over the weekend, attending a few functions, which was centered around Monte's Reef Resort and featured drinking and music. Unfortunately some members take their pirate image too seriously, with some of our clothing stolen. The girls had a great time romping on the dog friendly beach and partaking in some serious swimming. It was a beautiful location so after the majority of yachts left we stayed an additional week, soaking up the vista and enjoying coffee stops at Montes and indulging in dinner at the Eco Resort.

the perfect sunset with Shag Islet in the background

Ahh peace at last

AK checking out the view with the skipper of SY Prudence at Montes

 

AK was due to return to Mackay for TAFE so Bowen was our next stop. Townsville Hospital was offered as clinical placement so our plan for cruising to Cairns was altered. Plan V in our cruising life!