Night Time Contemplations!

We enjoyed our time in Coffs Harbour. The sun shone, the swell of the ocean lessened and the waves stopped hammering at the break water. It was a quaint little town frequented by holiday makers and with an active fishing fleet. We spent two nights here before deciding to set sail for Southport on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane. Lots of coffees, chatting with some other cruisers from Mornington and generally relaxing.

Setting sail on a gloriously sunny day we prepared for the 24 hours it would take us until our next destination. At night we usually sleep and maintain a watch for 3 hours on 3 hours off. It has worked well so far although it's always hard to get out of bed from a deep sleep. It does however give you long periods of contemplation time whilst sitting up on deck!

I tend to go through a routine every few minuets with Georgina the auto pilot doing most of the hard work. She's much better than I am at holding a true course which is a great relief. Firstly I look at all the instruments. What's the wind up to? Has it changed since my last look at the sails ? I hope it isn't increasing too much, I might have to wake Roger if it does. Equally I hope it's not lessening too much otherwise it might be on with the engine again. What next? Where are the fishermen? There are always usually a few to be seen and sometimes it's hard to distinguish them from low stars or other lights. I dread missing one! Once reassured I glance at the sails, are they filling and working well or do I need to adjust them slightly? When all is done out in the cockpit I look down into the cabin at the chart plotter. Are we following the course? Have I seen something out in front that I'm not happy about? Reassured that all is well I sit back for a while listening to the sounds around the boat. The noise as she's pushed forward through the waves with the sea touching the sides, the sounds of the sails and the reassuring turning of the wheels as Georgina does her stuff!

It can at times be cold and often before sun up the moisture can condense and settle on the seats. I usually have my wet gear on just to avoid getting a damp. I'm tethered to the boat with a life line and have my life jacket on. Mind you I'm not planning on going anywhere, the cockpit is as far as I venture on my own at night! Though if the worse should happen my life tag alarm will hopefully wake Roger so that he comes back to get me!!!

The stars are dramatically bright, reflecting their silver light onto the sea with an incredible intensity. So many stars and planets I can't contemplate the thought that there is nothing else out there. The early rise of Venus and the accompanying morning star is a welcome sight at about 4.30am but this is soon washed out as the sun begins to lift and lightens the eastern sky, long before sunrise. Then with an amazing rush of orange, red and gold the sun rises above the horizon, the ocean changes from black to blue and the next day begins. The World is a larger place once more as the dark night receeds. The start of another beautiful day and the end to contemplation!

Anne