North from Bermagui

Left Bermagui on a flooding tide at about 7.30 pm after skipper performed a classic "spring off" maneuver to get us out from between the fishing boats (after having, on arrival, slid into a tight spot under the watchful gaze of the local fishos - very helpful). Those same fishos cheered our departing efforts too.

Rolly SE swell and no real breeze made for an uncomfortable overnight ride towards Jervis Bay. Motor's had a good workout since we rounded the corner! At least we are now north of the 38th parallel so, whilst it's not hot it is getting warmer.

After having seen enough whales between Eden and Berma to make a Japanese fisho salivate we saw none on this leg - must be all south of us. No fish for me but I did catch an albatross - another first. He wasn't happy as I reeled him back to the boat. Dug his heels in and ski'd all the way. Anyway, we got him close enough to get a pair of pliers on the hook and free him. He'll look twice at the next thing on the surface that looks like a squid.

Arrived in Jervis Bay about 2.00 pm Tuesday and picked up a public mooring off Huskisson and took Penelope the dingy into town. Nice enough spot and the pub has a great view. The creek didn't look navigable to us so we stayed on the mooring overnight (we're just about done with Game of Thrones).

Bit of a clean up today and we'll go for a sail around Jervis Bay before heading for Sydney in time to find a pub to watch the Swannies.

We've covered over 500 miles thus far (about 1500 more to go before we turn around and do it all in reverse!) with no dramas thus far, touch wood. We don't really have enough generating capacity so will need to address that at some stage but otherwise all ok with boat.

For those of you who might be planning to sail this way I would highly recommend Bermagui. The Fishermans co-op has great facilities and helpful staff. The only drawback is the need tie up to the working wharf which has no ladders, so rigging a low tide climbing device is a necessity. You can request a berth at the new floating marina but you need to contact the lands department for that. Course you do, it's a marina so the lands dept is logical! There's an equipment hire joint in the marina complex and the bloke there has a old commodore hire car. There's also a small chandlery which had none of what I wanted ("everything's overnight mate"). Lots of eating places and watering holes and the fish and chip joint is for sale - "me fishin boat's been sittin in the yard too long mate." All in all a top spot and the fishos do provide great entertainment.

For now, an overnighter to Sydney and thereafter a bit more day sailing with, hopefully a bit more breeze.

Cheers dears