Ferrying Scarlett to her new home at Newport

Calypso Bay Marina, where we stored our power boat and Scarlett for a short period, is a beautiful spot, but the sailing opportunities are limited due to the lack of open water. To reach open water, one must cross the Jumpinpin Bar, which can be challenging. Recently, we acquired a marina berth at Newport Marina in Redcliffe and decided to shift Scarlett from Calypso Bay Marina to Newport Marina.

We set off early in the morning with the sun rising over the horizon. Our destination was Newport Marina, a journey that ended up taking 11 hours! The day promised to be long and filled with beautiful sights, as well as the inevitable challenges that come with sailing through intricate waterways.

The initial leg of our journey involved navigating through the southern Moreton Bay islands. The scenery was stunning, with lush green islands contrasting against the blue of the sea. However, this part of the trip was also the most time-consuming. The low winds and frequent changes in direction due to the islands meant we had to rely heavily on our motor to keep moving.

With the winds being uncooperative, we found ourselves motoring for a significant portion of the trip. While we would have preferred to sail, the calm conditions provided an opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. The gentle hum of the motor became a constant companion, and we took turns at the helm, ensuring we stayed on course. The autopilot was a godsend.

After 11 hours on the water, the sight of Newport Marina was a welcome one. We arrived tired but exhilarated, having successfully navigated through the maze of islands.