February 10, 2022
Today’s forecast was for the wind to drop around 1pm, at which point we planned to make the trip from our anchorage at Great Mercury Island to Great Barrier Island, specifically the well-protected harbor of Port Fitzroy. We had a few possible anchorages to choose from and would make the decision once we arrived there. Below, a map showing our approximate route.
We woke up and got on our computers, listening to the wind gusting outside while we leisurely read the news (and yes, wasted time looking at videos of cat antics on Reddit). We had some breakfast and just enjoyed having the morning to relax. But I couldn’t help but notice, around 10:30 or so, that the wind really started to die down.
Sometimes the lack of wind noise can be as disquieting as wind noise itself. If we’re planning to travel during a small window of opportunity, this is often a signal that it’s time to make a break for it. Meanwhile, the forecast was still saying we should wait awhile longer. Hmmm, what to do? It was now that I pulled out my latest invention I call “The Real Life App.” I really should patent this. It involves putting down the computer, tablet or phone, going outside and taking a look at the actual weather. Yes, the forecasts are pretty good, but sometimes a weather window can start earlier than predicted, which means it will end earlier. When windows are brief, it’s best to get going as soon as things start to settle, and things were rapidly settling. Tempting as it was to stay awhile longer, we decided to go.
Leaving turned out to be a good decision The winds were lighter than forecast as we motor-sailed across the Colville Channel towards the south end of Great Barrier Island. As we neared the island, the wind and seas started to pick up again, while the swells became larger and more on our beam (side). It was a relief to get in the lee of Great Barrier Island where conditions improved rapidly. We still had about 14 knots of wind but with the seas were mild behind the protection of the island.
A few miles further along, we entered an area I’m particularly fond of: The Broken Islands. These islands sit off the coast of Great Barrier Island, splintered off as though the island were hit by a giant mallet on its edge, leaving the broken-off section in scattered bits. These little islands stretch 3 ½ miles just off the coastline, and while they don’t offer a lot of anchorages, they sure are scenic to sail through. Below, a map showing our route amid the Broken Islands and through the pass going into the harbor…
And a few photos…
As we motor-sailed through the Broken Islands Passage, I went up on deck and got some video to try to give a feeling of what this experience is like. The video starts at the south end of this chain of islands, then continues with clips from various viewpoints as we got further along. The final two clips are of going through the somewhat narrow Man of War Passage, which is the south entrance to the harbor of Port Fitzroy.
Once inside the harbor, it was time to figure out a good place to be in the coming winds. –Cyndi
