What an adventure!

Sirocco, Mike and Jan have been to The Abrolhos Islands (well, one of them, anyway), Geraldton, Port Denison, Green Head and Jurien - all of which, for the benefit of our loyal overseas reader(s) are substantially NORTH of Perth!
We were away from our home port for almost three weeks, during which time we experienced several firsts - first time up North in Sirocco, first time overnight passage in Sirocco, first time provisioning, first time being on our own out of sight of land etc....we had a fabulous time even though we were beset by awful weather sometimes, but we learned from it and neither of us wanted to come home or get off Sirocco.
Also, another first for us was using our newly fitted auto-pilot, 'Otto' - have to say he did a wonderful job of steering for us and we can't believe how much easier things are with him! Although it must be said, Mike did a sterling job of getting us into strange harbours at night time (aided by me at the bow with a torch). A total of 574 nautical miles was recorded in our log books, with our best distance being 158nm in one 24 hour period.We both have the itchiest feet now and cannot wait until the end of this year for our next, even bigger adventure.....but more of that at a later date....meanwhile - a few photos....enjoy!

Mike at Port Denison

Sirocco at Port Denison

A lovely sunset

A lovely sunrise

Replica of Capt. Pelseart's longboat, Geraldton

Mikes Tech update.

Sirocco has just been out for her yearly antifouling and engine service. The new rudder we had fitted last year under warranty looked like the 'Great Barrier Reef' as there was that much growth on it! It looked very much like the primer did not take prior to top coating, so that was taken care of under warranty as were the 3 small blisters noted on the starboard side of the keel. Jan and I decided we would try our hand at the art of antifouling, it was an interesting experience and not too messy, for the money we saved it was well worth all the effort. While on the hard stand we got all the standing rigging checked over, to see the guy climb the rigging was a sight to behold, he shot up the mast, a true professional!

Once Sirocco was back in the water we took her for a sail only to notice the head sail had a 1 foot rip in the leach, after a closer inspection we decided to furl it back in and return to the pen. We took the sail to the local sail loft who easily diagnosed the problem; there was no UV protection strip and all was coming apart! After consultation with the agent a repair and addition of said strip was carried out under warranty.

Our wind turbine decided to stop producing power while we were down in Rockingham and had to be sent off for repair in Melbourne, the regulator board had a short and has to be changed, hopefully it will soon be back on Sirocco working as specified.

Sailing with the family

Last week we took out some of Mikes family - his Sister, Barbara, her husband, Bob and their daughter, Anita. I think they all enjoyed the morning, I know I did !

Three Mermaids.........!

Anita takes the helm

Captain Bob looking very serious!

At Last

We seem to be using Sirocco as she should be used: during the last 4 weeks we have spent time both at Rottnest and at Rockingham, plus spent more time aboard than at home!

We both feel a lot more relaxed now and enjoy getting 'into the groove' of life aboard.

Also, rather excitingly, we have signed up for a 20 day cruise in company with FSC to The Abrolhos Islands in May next year!

Meanwhile - here are a couple of photos of our beautiful girl.

A new season begins

Just to conclude the ‘up North’ saga: September saw me again aboard Eaglehearts, this time crewing from Denham to Geraldton.
Having given up on waiting for ideal weather the realisation that sometimes you just have to go head down, bum up was reached
and we headed out of Steep Point into a confused sea state and battling Southerlies head on. Lots of breaching whales and
some 40 – odd hours later we arrived safely in Geraldton. Eaglehearts is a strong, solid cat, I felt that we didn’t take any unacceptable risks.
The skipper did admit that he was concerned about him breaking, rather than Eaglehearts.
Luckily, neither broke.
And so the new sailing season is upon us, this time we hope will see us adventuring on Sirocco rather than other vessels.
First up is a small shakedown cruise to Fremantle on 24th October.
Stay tuned!

Sirocco is green!

Solar panel

Sirocco now has a 65Watt BP solar panel installed to the cross braces of the davits to run in conjunction with the wind generator. An SBC-7021 solar controller has been fitted to regulate things before going to the battery bank. Interestingly the solar controller has a facility to connect a night light or anchor light to that will come on when panel voltage drops to 3.5V and extinguishes when it reaches 3.5V (night time) it will self adjust as the seasons change, it will also display the panel voltage input for the last 3 days, neat piece of kit.
I bought a NASA BM-1 battery monitor recently and fitted it. This will constantly monitor all input and discharge voltage of the battery bank so we know exactly at what state of charge they are at and how long to go till we run them flat! It is very handy for working out a daily electrical load sheet, as it is capable of showing the amps of every item that is turned on, even one cabin halogen bulb! In an effort to quieten things down, I removed the blades from the wind generator and cleaned them up by removing all the small moulding plastic that was attached to them. The leading and trailing edges were shaped accordingly and 2 coats of marine varnish applied to fill minor blemishes on the surface. In the lighter winds we are now experiencing they do sound quieter, the summer sea breezes will be the true test of any improvement.
The next project is to install and commission the Raymarine S1G Type 1 linear drive ST6002 autopilot system we have just bought, this will be a challenging piece of kit to install, especially the actuator, but once this is done Sirocco will become a real Cruiser.
Till next time, fair winds, Mike.

Battery monitor

Solar regulator

Just when you thought I’d fallen overboard

SKP at Cape Couvier

Hello people, so sorry for the hiatus – obviously I am now back from 'up North', and a trip to Adelaide, and then catching the cold from hell (don't worry not Swine flu)....
The crewing adventure aboard Eaglehearts continued with just Graham and myself cruising in company with another yacht 'Escapee' (SKP). We left Carnarvon and overnighted at Cape Couvier – what a spectacular place, two tug moorings are available for passing boats to use, which is fine except that pulling them up is a Herculean task in itself – be warned! Next morning, we set off for Gnaraloo Bay. I have to say Gnaraloo is now one of my favourite spots. Nothing there particularly, but the water and the beach are pristine and it was there that I snorkelled for the very first time in my life. After a couple of days we headed to Coral Bay. The public moorings are located at Point Maude and are a good 30-40 minute dingy ride away from Coral Bay itself – there is no chance of arriving in Coral Bay dry! Despite its reputation, to be honest it was a little disappointing – just caravan parks, a resort and a couple of shops – unless, of course, you want to go swimming with the whale sharks ($275). Whilst there, we received reports of an expected 6m swell and bad NW weather, so rather than carry on to Tantabiddy, we sadly returned to Carnarvon. Thanks to Graham for making it possible and for being a brilliant skipper, and to Elaine for making sure we ate like Lords and Ladies! Mike and I are completely committed to doing this trip in Sirocco next winter, perhaps in company.

Meanwhile, here are some photos.

Sunset

Cape Couvier

Captain Graham

Eaglehearts at Gnaraloo