Splash and then Sail to the Newry Islands

Tuesday 5^th June 2012

Splash and then Sail to the Newry Islands
20’51.028 S – 148’55.812 E
Cool and dry, fresh SW winds with NE afternoon sea breezes.

MrJ runs around with the final paint touch –ups as AR was being lifted in the slings to be put back in the water. The yard boys made sure everything was a-okay and then AR made her splash. The SW wind was freshening pushing AR onto the lift poles as MrJ backed her out but Ben was there to fend her off.

The jobs finished

Out and away! MrJ and I left Mackay Harbour just after a big ship went out and now the tug was returning to pass us in the harbour entrance. Once clear of the little island (Slade Islet) outside the harbour entrance I turned AR into the wind and MrJ hoisted the sails; both full main and genoa. Our course was set for NW to follow the lie of the mainland up the coast to Port Newry, a small group of island 25n/m NW of Mackay. This area was once under consideration to be made into the main Port before the main Port and new harbour was built at Mackay.


Leaving Mackay Harbor as a tug comes in

We had a good sail this day; making 6 – 8 most of the way except for the wind change to the NE afternoon sea breeze sometime off Cape Hillsborough. The wind was keeping the air in the sail but also keeping the wind chill factor in the air forcing us to keep our winter woollies on all the way.
It felt good to be back on the water again, to be sailing off to some new adventure waiting for us just around the corner.
1615 saw MrJ and me dropping anchor in a little bay between Newry and Outer Newry Islands.
It is well marked on the Alan Lucas Cruising Guide Book, with great information and history about the islands. The Newry Islands are not marked in the 100 Magic Miles Guide Book, I suppose because they are not really into the Whitsundays.
What a pity!


Concerntina Rock on the SE corner of Outer Newry Island

What a beautiful little spot to anchor, so well hidden from the passing traffic outside and from the mainland. The Newry Islands have been reported as being one of the best fishing places around these waters. Maybe they are as we did see several large fishing boats, trawlers, on the way here.
Maybe a good fishing spot for most but I think not for us. Our lines hardly ever get near the water these days. Oh well!