Immediately after lunch 4 boats set out to return to Broughton Island on an outgoing tide . Jindarra got some blue water over their bow for their trouble and ingress of many litres of water due to a partially open hatch . Jo was not happy .
If you squint , you can see Heavens Gate ( the catamaran ) and its location in the bay . At low tide we could touch the bottom with our mooring pole ( 2 metres ). We then also departed some hours after the other four and the waves were still high and steep even without any outgoing tide . Next day the entrance was totally flat and those who exercised patience were rewarded with a very pleasant trip back to the island .
Meanwhile , Albatross ( Greg and Marilyn ) were delayed in Newcastle when their motor would not start . Fortunately , this happened in Newcastle where they were able to buy a replacement battery .
This day Elysium sailed back to Sydney . Nigel and Julie ’ s final cruise post stated ,
Hi Everyone , we are an hour out of Newcastle after deciding to head home today to break the trip in two . We are enjoying 15knots from the east which once away from the cost is now quite pleasant .
“ Julie and I wanted to thank everyone for contributing to make the last week so much fun . A couple of days of good sailing- snorkeling with the Sharks - the New Years white party and just participating with everyone in a truly great Christmas Cruise .”
Once again there was a tinge of sadness to see their participation in the cruise end .
Back at Broughton for the second time
All ’ s well that ends well as the evening closes on the 3 rd January , back at Broughton Island .