CLIENT: Ladies Sailing Retreat
VOYAGE NUMBER: 20260714
FROM: Townsville To: Townsville
POSITION: Horseshoe Bay. Magnetic Is
DATE: 16 July 2026
REPORT: Blue Watch
There’s never a dull moment aboard our 100-foot gaff-rigged schooner, especially when you fill her with a crew of adventurous women who can find something to laugh about in just about any situation.
Our night watch was one for the books. Wrapped in the quiet of the open sea, we watched shooting stars streak across a sky so sparkly it hardly looked real. Wishes were made, jaws dropped, and then came the excited cry: “Look! A satellite!” After a few moments of collective admiration, we realised our mysterious space object was… our own anchor light. The laughter that followed probably echoed across the bay.
Around 3am, Mother Nature decided our peaceful watch had gone on long enough. The breeze leapt from a gentle 5 knots to a blustery 25 knots in what felt like minutes, and a strong wind warning crackled over the radio. Suddenly everyone was awake, pulling on wet weather gear and PFDs as we prepared to get underway.
We set sail for the calmer waters of Magnetic Island, although our departure was briefly delayed by a turtle leisurely swimming across our bow. We’re still not convinced it wasn’t a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle on an undercover mission. As if that wasn’t enough wildlife for one morning, we spotted whales breaching and playing in the distance, reminding us why every challenging moment is worth it.
The lively sea wasn’t kind to everyone, though. A few crew members became well acquainted with the rail, generously contributing to the fish population with what sailors politely call “burley.” Between the wind, the spray, and hours on deck, many of us earned matching wind-burned cheeks—a badge of honour, if you ask us.
Once the excitement settled, we held our very own “Tacking Time Trial,” racing against ourselves to shave seconds off each tack. Teamwork was sharp, the competitive spirit was alive, and our manoeuvres became smoother with every attempt.
As the day came to a close, fires burning on Magnetic Island painted the sky in fiery reds and oranges, creating a spectacular sunset that none of us will forget. Wind-burned, salt-crusted, slightly sleep-deprived, and still laughing together, we couldn’t have imagined a better day at sea.