Australia

CARANGO AMEL 54 #035
PETER and VICKY FORBES
Sun 31 Jul 2016 09:05
21:06.71S 149:13.52E

Peter called me shortly after my going below - the wind was now up to a steady 20-22 knots and gusting 25; Carango was taking control and forging ahead through the rather black night as we approached the shore line with many rather confusing blinking lights of every colour. There is a small islet just outside the harbour entrance of Mackay Port and a Easterly Cardinal mark nearby - should be flashing 3 at regular intervals but we can’t see it. Vicky joins us and we all search and suddenly really quite close there it is a small mark but distinctly flashing 3 - that’s a relief positive identification is a vital element to a safe landfall.

The harbour entrance is all but impossible to make out amongst the plethora of lights arrayed in front of us. We slow down - reef to minimum sails and start the engine. Are those the red snd green of the harbour entrance - where just to port of our heading - not seen. The yes that is it - OK happy with that - sails away, slow down for the approach but enough speed to maintain good steerage and avoid being swept tot one side or the other, There is a 4.5 meter tide here and there will be some side drift of water one way or the other.

My GOD - we are here AUSTRALIA 

Fenders out - lines forward and aft. It,s 3.00 am and we are here.

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