Last weekend we had what could be described as the perfect day on the water. It all started with an early start on the boat with all sails up and motor switched off by 8.30 am. We had a leisurely sail down the harbour at about 7 knots with a hard right turn as we crossed the heads. The weather was a perfect 10 to 15 knots from the south west and we couldn't resist the opportunity to head offshore for a couple of hours as a family.
We headed south down to Maroubra beach past the famous Bondi beach and the icebergs. Then headed offshore for an hour before the early signs of a wind shift started. The breeze swung around from the SW through east and at this point we turned and headed back towards the heads.
About half way back there was a spurt of water about 50 metres off the bow. It wasn't long before we spotted a mother whale and its calf gently making their way back down south after spending winter in the warm waters of the great barrier reef. We quickly furled the sails and enjoyed the wonderful site before they slipped away deep into the water below. To top it off we then sighted a pod of 20 or more dolphins on the way back into the harbour.
On our return into the harbour there was a sudden shift back to the SE and a significant increase in the breeze to 25 knots. It was time to head back to the marina and enjoy the security of a tight berth for the rest of the afternoon.
It really was a perfect day with all of the family enjoying the trip and a complete absence of sea sickness for all involved.
