CLIENT: General Public Voyage
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20250817
FROM: Townsville To: Mackay
POSITION: Gloucester Passage
DATE: 18 August 2025
REPORT: Red Watch
We arose this fine morning to the dulcet squeak of the bugle at 6:30am, and were greeted by sunshine on the deck. We had a lovely continental breakfast prepared by our wonderful cook and were graced by spectacular views at Cape Upstart. Shortly after this we had our first knotting competition, where we competed as watches to tie a half turn and two half hitches as fast as we could – truly nail-biting stuff. Blue watch were the fastest (this time at least). After this we were treated to a lovely cooked breakfast with scrambled eggs and baked beans.
Shortly after this, we headed ashore to Cape Upstart itself, commissioning a shore party to explore the freshwater rockpools inland. This required much balance and concentration to avoid mis-stepping while clambering over the rocks that led to the rockpools, and oh boy were we all excited to reach the water and have a refreshing dip. The biodiversity around the area was incredible, with dragonflies and small fish gracing us with their presence.
When we returned to the ship we started our journey to Cape Gloucester, hoisting sails at 11:30. Again the fauna was spectacular, with whales accompanying us for numerous stretches along the way. We had another fabulous lunch, and continued sailing until the afternoon, when we reached Cape Gloucester. As always dinner and dessert were legendary. A few crew then clambered aboard the tender and headed for a brief visit to ‘The Oar’, a bistro bar which provided us with refreshing drinks and of course the necessary packet of crisps to accompany.