This last Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend saw the Beautiful Bribie sail cruise group event. Twelve boats made the trip north: Aquatherapy, Auspicious, Brittany Rose, Chantelle IV, Congo, Dawns Light, Kealani, Nicky C, Ocean Essence, Phase 2, Scarlett, Sensation and White Tiger. 

Saturday’s forecast easterly winds had a lot more southerly in them which pushed the fleet on a dead run. Some spinnakers were flown, not all successfully! Pumicestone Passage lived up to its reputation for challenging anchoring conditions. The strong current and southerly winds meant boats were being pushed north and facing north so the anchors were set somewhere out behind the boats. The holding was good but the strange lie made judging the distance to neighbouring boats a bit of a lottery. Eventually everybody found a satisfactory position. 

Sundowners was held on the Bongaree foreshore. A game of Bocce was enjoyed by all, with the grand prize going to Warren and Debbie from Phase 2. Closest to the Jack went to Karen from Aquatherapy (9.5cm).  The winds moved back to the East and a gorgeous sunset over the glasshouse mountains heralded a smooth quiet comfortable night.

Sunday dawned bright and warm. Most of the fleet met ashore at 9am for a walk along the foreshore, around the corner to Red Beach and then back via Buckley’s Hole conservation area. Coffee and icecream at Scoopy’s was enjoyed by many of the group before breaking up to have lunch and explore Bongaree at leisure.

Sunday night dinner was at the Sandstone Point Hotel. A great venue with good food and a handy dinghy pontoon preventing the need for wet feet when going ashore.

Monday was another perfect spring day with a warm sun in a clear sky. A BBQ breakfast and great conversation was enjoyed ashore by most of the fleet. The winds for the trip home were once again a bit  ore southerly than the forecast easterlies. Some sailed, some motored and some motor-sailed home in a glorious day on the bay.

Thanks to all for attending. Thanks especially to Craig for his photography and drone skills, the results of which have already been posted on the cruise group’s facebook page.

Ian & Debra Cooper “Nicky C”