We arrived at the Customs and Quarantine dock at 11:30am local time. The first 7 days of our passage were smooth and easy – watching movies, reading books. The Pacific Ocean decided to give us one last reminder of “who’s boss” – and the last 24 hours were some of the most challenging we have seen in the entire voyage. We saw it coming. The grib file we got in Fiji before we left forecast a system developed from South AUS and would bring 20 kt wind along AUS east cost. We knew it would be bad, but thought we can deal with it. Well, it was ROUGH. For 15-20 hr, wind blew out of N NW, with confused sea up to 3 m, short interval. We changed heading a couple times to avoid aggressive rolls. But still, we had 30 degree roll every 20 min, and a couple times 40-45 deg. And once 50 deg! Guess it is good to know the boat can take it, and no damage to the boat or the crew,
After a LONG day and night, it finally calmed down … We arrive Mereton bay in beautiful sunset and cruised in Brisbane river before noon. We are here resting up at Rivergate marine, and it is a beautiful evening on the Brisbane River.
We’ll post a bit later on the perspectives from spending 9 months exploring the Pacific, no question arriving in Brisbane is bittersweet: we accomplished our goal, but sad to make a temporary end to our great adventure.
HOORAY! (My Lou imitation.) You made it! That description of rolls up to 50 degrees makes me cringe and almost hyperventilate. But I”m glad you are safe and sound in Brisbane. I know you must be in a bit of letdown mode. Now the next chapter begins. Thinking of you both!
Hey! Congrats on making it. I’ll be on the Gold Coast first few weeks in January. Maybe we can go for a beer. Swannie
Congrats guys! A truly remarkable achievement
As I recall, back in Mexico you added some solar panels. How are they working out? Do they noticeably extend your anchor time before needing to run the generator?
We found the solar panel cut a significant portion of gen time. Normally, we need about 3-4 hr gen time everyday. If we get decent solar for the day (about 3 kw), we only need to run 2-3 hr genset. Now we don’t need to run watermaker and only use two fridges, we need less than 1 hr to keep the battery topped up.
Congratulations Guys!
Well done you two! Your trip has served as an inspiration for us and your updates and route information are really helpful. Thanks so much for sharing this adventure!
Guys, I am a bit late in catching up. Congrats on the crossing looks like an amazing journey.
Looks like my Nordy is out the window as I spent the last 6 months doing a complete refit and upgrade on Tidahapah.
Tidahapah is in Mackay riding out the cyclone, all is good.
Would like to catch up at some time, my Mob is 0428980610
Cheers
Benn