I knew a bloke who spent 6 months travelling around Australia 100% issue free, until he had an accident 2 km from home. Apparently according to a traffic cop I also knew at the time, it is very common.

I guess people have a sigh of relief and let their guard down just a little too early.

Had he cleared Customs? If not why was he sailing into the Noosa river?

This story triggered a memory ....

A while ago I sailed around NZ North Island and while in Auckland found a book called "News Zealands Worst Boating Disasters" or similar.

One disaster stuck in my mind. I think it was in the 60's. A couple spent a good two years preparing their boat for a round the world trip.

The big morning came and they set off north up the harbour from Auckland. The story says they had a big send off with friends and family at the wharf waving and cheering. According to the story shortly later when they attempted to round the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula the wind picked up and they were washed onto the rocks and their boat sank.... ouch. Fortunately no loss of life.

There's a lot to be said for not saying anything about voyages until safely back!