0630hrs: We left the public pontoon and set out for the heads of the harbour and perhaps Iluka/Yamba on the Clarence river, depending on the safety of a bar crossing. Wind was light, 5 to 7kts easterly so we motor sailed in a very confused 2m sea. The waves caused the rig to flog from the mainsail being pushed around by the wave motion. As a consequence we dropped the main until the wind increased. The current was against us and we made relatively poor time in the light going.
1100hrs: after some rain the wind changed to the northeast and strengthened to 15kts.
1300hrs: The wind increased to 20 kts. We reefed the jib and eased the main so as not to overpower the rig. around this time we attracted a hitchhiker. A willy wagtail clasped onto our port shroud for a rest.
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| Willy Wagtail Hitchhiker |
1500hrs: Wind increased to 25kts and we decided to drop the main. We lost a couple of knots of speed, but much more manageable and safe.
Our hitchhiker made himself at home and stayed with us for the whole trip.
1830hrs: We arrived at the the mouth of the Clarence river just before high tide and negotiated the bar with ease.
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| Yamba bar on a good day |
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| Yamba bar on a bad day |
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