Sail protocol week 2 - Airlie Beach

Sail protocol week 2 - Airlie Beach

This week we spent hiding from Sturmwinden in the Lindaman island group and finally reaching civilization in Airlie Beach.

from Goldsmith Island to Shaw Island

Although the week started with a beautiful sailing from the Newry’s back to Goldsmith Island, it didn't take too long.

Our original plans were to explore the anchor phrases and spend a little time before anchoring on Thomas Island. Both looked fantastic from a distance, but the weather had other plans with us.

Instead, we constantly had 30 knots south wind, which meant that we had to find a better anchorage. So alternatively we decided on Shaw Island, 13 nautical miles from Goldsmith.
Alt = “Malaika sails in rough weather”>

Shaw Island

Shaw Island is a beautiful 16 km² island south of the famous Lindeman island. In contrast to Lindeman, there are no permanent settlements or resorts. Instead, there are dense bushland, long white sandy beaches and high hills.

While all Whitsunday Islands are classified as a national park except Hamilton, parts of Shaw Island are even closed for months a year because the recurring birds nest along the coast.
Alt = "sunsets in the Whitsundays">
The frustration was real. The strong winds, the dark sky and a few rainfall made the exploration of the island less attractive. After seeing Shaw photos in good weather, it was really a shame that we didn't have the opportunity to explore the island properly.

Instead, we waited a large part of the week behind Shaw's highest point. Although it offered much better protection than other surrounding islands, we were wasted by strong gusts most of the week.
Alt = “Lindemen group in rough weather”>
Alt = "Sailedeman">

ankeral arms and explosive balls

In order to avoid a possible catastrophe through a sliding anchor, we had to turn on an ankeral alarm at night. This system works by sounding a howling siren when it believes that the anchor grinds due to strong winds.

we didn't tow. Due to the strong gusts that pushed the boat from one side to the other, the alarms were constant all night.

by Shaw Island to Airlie Beach

Later a week, the weather finally cleared up. A little south wind was still there, but the perfect sailing from Shaw Island to Airlie Beach.

When we arrived six hours later and caught a huge queen fish on the way, we were able to find a good anchorage directly outside the Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach. As soon as I arrived, the sky cleared up and the wind had.
Alt = "Sailing according to Airlie Beach">
Alt = “Sailing according to Airlie Beach”>

fill and refuel in Airlie Beach

After a few weeks on the islands, it was great to have solid ground under your feet again. We were able to fill up our food supplies and relax in some epic sunsets while we prepare for reaching the Whitsunday Islands in the coming weeks.

Although the weather was rough and it was definitely frustrating not to be able to explore anymore, it was still a great week in Malaika. The weather should also improve in the coming weeks, so we definitely keep our fingers crossed.
Alt = "Abell Point Marina sunset">
Alt = “Abell Point Marina Drone recording”>
Alt = “Airlie Beach sunsets with boats”>

alt = “self -sailing Airlie Beach”>
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