Day One - 16.01.05
On a typical warm sunny Sydney day we arrived at CYC marina in Rushcutters Bayat 9.00am, where we joined the rest of the crew aboard Eureka II. After a safety briefing and boat preparation we were on our way.

As we motored out of the marina and toward Sydney Heads, Mal (The Skipper) put on his wet weather gear. We all thought this was a little strange, and didn't heed the warning. The weather soon deteriated and we all scrambled for our gear too as the weather closed in.

We rounded Sydney Heads and steered a northerly course with a strong south-easterly behind us we hoisted the sails. Due to the large swell and strong winds, it wasn't long before we were forced to reef the main and change the headsail. Half the crew were sea-sick by this stage.

As part of our sail training, those that were able, took turns at the helm during the day.

By early evening most of us were able to overcome the sea-sickness, and participate in the experience of sailing in big seas and strong winds.

The crew were divided in two for "night-watches"- 3 hours on/3 hours off starting at 6.00pm

The storm built up gradually through the night, with winds of around 35-45 knots. Shannon took the helm for each of our watches as the conditions were too severe. All other crew members were on lookout as we were sailing in the shipping lanes.

Day Two - 17.01.05
Our watch crew woke up to howling winds, pouring rain, and monstrous seas. We reluctantly put on our wet-weather gear and headed for the deck. Of course Murray, Lesley and I headed for the stern for smoko. Unfortunately we didn't have a dry lighter between us, or a dry cigarette. Alan was a bit slow to take up his watch position, and had to stay below and have a sleep because there wasn't enough room on deck. (so he says)

With the boat surfing down the waves at 19knots and the storm still building up Mal called for everyone to head for the stern to keep the bow up. With mandatory PFD and Life Line attached Lesley, Murray and I sat at the back of the boat for 5 hours with wind gusts of up to 55knots, and waves crashing over us from all directions. Alan said the noise was horendous down in his cabin.

It was time for a vote. A unanimous decision was made to anchor at Tool Bay, (about 2 hours south of Coffs) have something to eat, and a bit of a rest. This rest stop also gave us a chance to check the tides at Coffs Harbour as Eureka has a draught of 4 metres. We anticipated that it would be late evening by the time we approached Coffs. The harbour has a narrow channel and just enough depth to enable Eureka to enter safely at high tide.

The storm appeared to have subsided a little, so we left Tool Bay and headed for Coff Harbour, arriving late eveningas planned. We had a shower, quick snack for dinner, and had a good nights sleep.

"The Cook" (Shannon) and is apprentice, "The Pancake Maker" (Chris) were unbelievable. How they managed to prepare and cook meals for 14 people during this ordeal was nothing short of amazing.

Thanks Shannon and Chris.

Day Three - 18.01.05
The weather had improved slightly, we spent the morning at Coffs Marina, drying out our gear, doing some washing, stocking up on supplies, doing the "Walk of dreams", walked up to the headland, and sipped cappucino's.

As part of the "Inshore Skippers" certificate, we had to be competent in navigation and chartwork. We learnt the basics of navigation - three-bearing-fix, running-fix, transits, vertical sextant angles etc.

A little bit of practical, a little bit of theory - what more could we want - Dinner and drinks at the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club perhaps!!

After much mirth and frivolity it was well after midnight when we all staggered back to the boat.

Day Four - 19.01.05
The storm was now ahead of us, the wind and swell had settled down, we were all rested up. and ready to continue on to Mooloolaba.

We all gathered around the table for theory on boat preparation, navigation, trip planning, weather forecasts etc, and we were on our way.

The calmer weather and seas gave us the opportunity to put our navigation and sailing theory into practice.

Day Five - 20.01.05

.............To be continued............