Hi everyone. This is my first post on this forum. I am leaving for Lord Howe this coming Saturday the 7th Oct. So I am putting the feelers out there to see if anyone else will be out there at the same time. We would love to get in touch.
Not sure where you are leaving from but every year there are a few boats from Sydney way that Head to Lord Howe about this time of the year for a BBQ (raise money for the school). I'm sure MorningBird can fill you in on the dates. I did it couple of years back from the Gold Coast Seaway. The best mooring were on the Northern end (They need to be booked). We timed our arrival right on the top of the tide so we could get in safely. We spent about 10 days wandering around the island and got to climb Mt Gower. Hope you have an enjoyable trip.
The BBQ this year is 15 November. Morning Bird has attended the last two, and attempted a few more since 2009 before I got the crew and boat right. It can be a tough sail with the currents often diabolical. Last year we studied the currents and went north where we should have had the easiest run. About 150nm from the island where the predictions were 0.5kt against us, we were doing 5.5-6kts motor sailing and making 1.2kts. This year we are leaving on Tue 8 Nov to get there on Friday or Saturday. Our mooring is in Comets Hole, the same as 2014. Last year we were in North Passage which has much better access but rolly at high tide. Comets is further away but much more protected. All subject to Morning Birds new rig being completed in time. I got back from overseas this afternoon so will visit Joe Walsh tomorrow. I spoke to him on Tuesday and he is making progress. A big job this time. In addition to the standing rig the tabernacle to come off (a difficult chippie job), new chain plates, install new wind instrument and over haul the furler.
Hi mate. I went over and saw Joe this morning. The mast is stripped, sanded, oiled ready to be reassembled. The tabernacle is being sand blasted today. He thinks the mast might go back in the boat next week, I reckon it might be the week after. It really needs to be together around the end of the month so we can have an overnight shakedown cruise before we go. I have a list of other jobs which Havefun and DrRog will join me on one day in the next couple of weeks. I'm confident the critical seaworthiness things will be done in time. I have been offered a mooring spot at Drummoyne so might be able to get MB onto it if I can get it laid in the next couple of weeks.
Havefun might not be able to make Lord Howe in November. I am making early enquiries for suitable replacements if needed. If Havefun can't make it I might need an experienced offshore sailor. If interested please PM me.
