Sailing Log Week 2 – Airlie Beach

Sailing Log Week 2 – Airlie Beach

This week was spent hiding from gale force winds in the Lindaman archipelago and finally reaching civilization at Airlie Beach.

From Goldsmith Island to Shaw Island

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

Our original plans were to explore the Anchor Islands and spend some time anchored on Thomas Island. Both looked amazing from a distance, but the weather had other plans for us.

Instead we had a constant 30 knot southerly wind which meant we had to find a better anchorage. So we chose Shaw Island, 13 nautical miles from Goldsmith, as an alternative.
alt="Malaika Sailing in Rough Weather">

Shaw Island

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

While all of the Whitsunday Islands except Hamilton are classified as national parks, parts of Shaw Island are even closed for months of the year because of the returning birds nesting along the coast.
alt="Sunsets in the Whitsundays">
The frustration was real. The strong winds, gloomy skies and scattered rains made exploring the island less attractive. After seeing photos of Shaw in good weather, it was a real shame that we didn't get the chance to explore the island properly.

Instead, we waited at anchor behind Shaw's highest point for much of the week. Although it offered much better protection than other surrounding islands, we were buffeted by strong gusts most of the week.
alt="Lindemen group in rough weather">
alt="Linedeman Sailing">

Anchor alarms and explosive balls

To avoid a potential disaster caused by a slipping anchor, we had to turn on an anchor alarm at night. This system works by sounding a wailing siren if it believes the anchor is dragging due to strong winds.

Luckily we didn't drag. However, due to the strong gusts that pushed and rocked the boat from side to side, the alarms were constant throughout the night.

From Shaw Island to Airlie Beach

Later in the week the weather finally cleared up. There was still some southerly wind but that meant perfect sailing from Shaw Island to Airlie Beach.

Arriving six hours later and catching a huge queen fish along the way, we were able to find a good anchorage just outside Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach. As soon as we arrived, the sky cleared and the wind died down.
alt="Sailing to Airlie Beach">
alt="Sailing to Airlie Beach">

Refill and refuel in Airlie Beach

After a few weeks on the islands, it was great to be back on solid ground. We were able to stock up on food and relax with some epic sunsets as we prepare to hit the Whitsunday Islands in the coming weeks.

Although the weather was rough and it was definitely frustrating not being able to explore more, it was still a great week in Malaika. The weather is also expected to improve in the coming weeks, so we're definitely keeping our fingers crossed.
alt="Abell Point Marina Sunset">
alt="Abell Point Marina drone shot">
alt="Airlie Beach sunsets with boats">

alt="self sailing airlie beach">
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