Sailing Log Week 6 – Boat Repairs in Townsville

Sailing Log Week 6 – Boat Repairs in Townsville

Due to some damage from the severe weather we encountered outside of Cape Bowling Green, we called to use the boat repair facilities in Townsville.

This was not an expected haul-out. Our original plan was to spend a day or two in Townsville to stock up on food for the islands. However, it seems that you can't plan too far ahead when sailing.

Anchoring outside Townsville Marina

While we would have liked to go straight to the shipyard to save some time, we had to wait a few days in Townsville. This was due to a local holiday that was not technically legitimate. In any case, most shops and boating facilities were closed.

There aren't too many options for anchoring outside of Townsville. Most people who sail tend to prefer the nicer Magnetic Island, which has plenty of anchorages.

Luckily Malaika has a relatively shallow draft of 1.4 meters so we were able to anchor behind the breakwall outside Breakwater Marina in Townsville.

It was a satisfying feeling to see the anchor bite after just a few meters of chain, especially after the shenanigans of Cape Bowling Green.
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Hiking in Townsville – Castle Hill Lookout

Since we couldn't get to work straight away due to the holiday, we decided to check out Townsville.

The only immediate option for adventure is to climb the striking rocky outcrop of Castle Hill, which stands proudly behind Townsville and overlooks the sea.

The hike only takes a few hours to return, but offers impressive views over Magnetic Island, Cape Cleveland and even as far as the Palm Island group.

If you are ever in Townsville I would definitely recommend checking out Castle Hill.
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READ THE FULL BLOG POST: CASTLE HILL TOWNSVILLE HIKE – QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA

Sliding Malaika at Rosshaven Marina, Townsville

After waiting a few days for the opportunity to be taken out, we finally had a set time to do it - or so we thought.

It appears Townsvillers is on island time. Which isn't as nice as it sounds when you want to make urgent repairs. We had to wait another day and a half at the shipyard dock before we could actually put on the sling.

When we finally got out of the water, everything went pretty smoothly. It took less than an hour for Malaika's hull to be sprayed clean and transported to our designated location in the shipyard.
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A week of boat repairs

The rest of the week we worked from sunrise to sunset. Our priorities were welding the front mast and putting some additional ballast concrete in the anchor well.

We were also determined to locate the source of a dripping diesel leak from the large 1000 liter tank that had been plaguing us.
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While we were ashore we also hosed off the barnacles and applied a fresh coat of antifouling.

In addition to these more urgent boat repairs came smaller, trivial maintenance tasks that are essential on steel boats.

When you build a boat, it's impossible to hang up the tools and call it finished. There is always something that requires attention. It's true that you may get frustrated, but once you surrender to the fact that repairs and maintenance are an essential part of life on a boat, the happier you'll be.
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Set sail for Magnetic Island

Although this week wasn't the most interesting or exciting compared to the weeks of sailing in the Whitsundays, it was nice to see Malaika looking brand new again.

It certainly felt good to be lowered back into the water where Malaika belongs. Especially after a whole week of sweaty, dirty work.

I can assure you that sailing towards Magnetic Island in nice weather made this victory taste even sweeter!
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