Paradise Found - Jervis Bay

Thursday 27^th - enjoyed a walk to Bundeena. Later had drinks on Passport with RPAYC cruise group. 

Friday 28^th - another NE forecast so left at a leisurely 0930 for another exhilarating sail to Jervis Bay. The NE breeze steadily built during the day to 25 knots+ as we rounded Point Perpendicular, so we sought refuge in a protected cove on the North side of the bay.

This place is too good to be true, totally protected from the strong NE winds that returned each day. 

We stayed put for 3 days swimming, snorkelling, walking and relaxing. 

Monday 31^st, NYE - sailed the length and breadth of Jervis Bay to explore places of interest. 

We then anchored at Long Beach (Montagu Road) with Diomedia for NYE, followed by great food and company aboard Diomedia. 

Tuesday January 1^st - will these NE winds ever let up? Forecast for 25+ knots today so set up Reliance for high wind sailing to shake down gear, boat and crew. Very manageable when you have the right sails up - less sail is more speed with greater comfort! Return to our haven for another quiet night.

Wednesday 2^nd, lighter NE forecast, so sail out of JB, around Beecroft Head to Crookhaven Head - first leg of return trip. 

The scenery is spectacular including prominent features like Drum and Drumsticks. The NE wind picks up to 20 knots by 1300 when we need to make our entry into the Crookhaven River. There is quite a large swell running which makes the entry a little tense. We Anchored off Greenwell Point with RPAYC Cruise group and went ashore to explore Greenwell Point.

Thursday 3rd, at last the wind is forecast to turn S/SE on Thursday and Friday, just in time for a return to Pittwater. We planned for an early morning start, but first had to change a fuel filter which was starting to block, then had to return to anchor to remove seaweed that had wrapped around the prop while anchored overnight. We finally exited Crookhaven River at 0830 and picked up the Southerly that gradually increased during the day, initially 10-15 knots, increasing 15-20 knots. There was a 2m swell form the ENE pushing down from TC Helen, which made for an enjoyable sail back to Jibbon Beach for a comfortable overnight anchorage.

Friday 4^th, departed early for Pittwater. The swell had increased to 3-3.5m ENE and the wind was SE increasing from 10 knots to 15-20 later, resulting in lively bluewater sailing conditions reaching across the large swells. We reached Barrenjoey by 1300 and headed to America Bay for celebratory champagne.

Returning to RPAYC early Saturday morning, we crossed between West Head and Barrenjoey in the largest swell I’ve ever seen at the heads.

Chris & Suzanne Daly aboard “Reliance”