Hi all, I'll be sailing my Hobie 16 catamaran from Yeppoon to Airlie Beach between 25th July to 9th August (weather depending), stopping in Mackay to reprovision on the way. I sailed this route 8 years ago on a 36ft cruising trimaran and have wanted to do a trip on my Hobie cat for a couple of years now. Im intending to Island hop my way north, avoiding the coast (Hexham Is, Dukes, Percys, Curlew before Mackay, and Whitsundays after Mackay)

I have the Hobie well setup, with new rigging and spares. I have had two reef points put in the main. Ill be carrying plenty of safety gear including handheld VHF and a PLB. I will be carrying food and water for 10 days on full rations. What are the chances of my handheld VHF reaching VMR Thirsty Sound from Hexham Is or Middle Percy Is?

If anyone has any advice or knowledge of this part of the coast Id be happy to learn more. Will anyone here be cruising the area at the time?

Cheers, Dave

Cat with the tent below is my ride

I don't have any advice. But what a ride.

We are leaving Brisbane next Wednesday to head north and will be in the Whitsundays in August. Our boat is Jo-De7, a Hanse 57 so we may see you along the way. As for reaching Thursty sound Coast Guard on a hand held VHF at ground level, I think you will be pushing your luck. You may get them through the repeated Chanel 81. At that time of year there will be a lot of other boats cruising the area, so you should be able the get a repeat through one of them. If boats are doing the right thing they should be monitoring VHF 16.
John

Thanks for the info guys, I expected my VHF would struggle with the range and was hoping other cruisers would pass on the forecast as you guys have suggested.

Ill list my planned route below, with a few questions on prospective anchorages/beach landings.
Considine Beach, Nth Keppel will be my first stop over. Was there not long ago so am familiar with the area.

Next stop will be either Delcomyn Bay or Pearl Bay. (where can I find if these will be closed for Military Exercises?) I plan on camping on the tramp of my Hobie on the beach, am I likely to be surrounded by cranky soldiers?

I plan on visiting Hexham Is, the Duke group, and Middle Percy Is and am familiar with these Islands (visited 8 years ago) so have no questions on these.

I will need to stop between Middle Percy and Mackay, and have planned to stop at Curlew Island. Ive never been there before so Im not sure what the beach landing will be like. Is there all tide access to the beach? Any other suggestions instead of Curlew?

Any extra info on any of these Islands would be appreciated

If any of you see a Hobie 16 with Red and White sails and a big Pink pig on the main thats me.

Something to be aware of is that a major US/Aust Defence Exercise (EX Talisman Sabre) will conducted at the Shoalwater Bay training area from mid July for a period of 20 days. If naval live firing is conducted you may have to remain 12 nautical miles off the coast as you pass. Port Clinton will most likely be closed as well. I would definitely contact Range Control Shoalwater Bay (07) 4935 5000 for advice as well as the local VMR.
Good luck with your adventure.

Considine is good choice if busy go second up, Pleasant Is. and you have nice beach and privat whole Is. for yourself
if you need something before, Hummocky or Split Is.
South of Yeppoon channel 22 mid week service from Keppel Sand.
Yeppoon and North channel21, service Fri to Sun. 6am - 6pm.
some repeaters were damaged by cyclone, could be all up and running by now
also some new installed ask Roslyn Bay QF11,

Standing on top of the cabin with new handheld, I struggle from Considine,
try a bit closer.

Thanks for the info. Ill look into an external aerial for the VHF.

I found the Notice to Mariners section on the QLD gov site. Currently the only closure is near Townshend Island from 14th to 22nd July. Ill keep checking and also contact VMR closer to the date and see if there are any updates.

Im really hoping I can stop at Pearl Bay or Delcomyn Bay otherwise it is a very big sail from Nth Keppell to Hexham Island (approx 80 NM, long way on an open beach cat)

Dave

Wow... what an adventure.... go for it and have fun.

Fantastic Dave! Thanks for the update........ Wouldn't mind heading up that way one winter, myself.