Sailing on Middle Harbour
Since this is a long weekend, let's go on a bonus adventure! This time we're sailing on Middle Harbour.
We'll launch in the morning near the Roseville Bridge. We may have to wait a while for the wind to come in.
But at least we found a place to rig our boat!
There's just the lightest breeze on the water as we head off.
You can see the Roseville Bridge behind us. We had to drive across it to get to the ramp. Our companions are setting us behind us in the blue boat.
As we move down the river, we'll see lots of eagles and terns.
And vast patches of jelly fish.
As the wind builds, the boats can start sailing more fluently.
But we'll need to watch out for powerboats ploughing up and down at high speed.
With all the high hills, the wind can be very tricky. At Yeoland Point, near the confluence of two arms of the river, it seems almost completely random. We'll have to be patient and seize our chance to sail out when the right puff comes.
As we go further downstream, the coastline ahead starts to be lined with expensive houses instead of trees.
And we'll need to squeeze our way under the Spit Bridge.
Some traversals may be more exciting than others...
Soon, we'll be sailing past sunny Clontarf, and the coastline starts to be lined with beaches (at least at low tide).
We'll pull up at a little beach under Castle Rock for lunch.
And a bit of a swim.
Not too bad a spot.
There are dozens of pleasure craft out enjoying the long weekend. As we set off again, you can see the wind has built some more.
We'll continue on a bit further to check out the Grotto Point light house.
And have a glimpse out through the heads towards the open sea.
Then it's back up the river, travelling a good deal faster this time in the better breeze.
Nearly home! As the river valley gets deeper again, the wind gets lighter and lighter. It is still very fickle, as random gusts roll down the valley walls. It's actually blowing twenty knots out in the harbour now, but we're gratefully for every breath of wind we get.
We'll launch in the morning near the Roseville Bridge. We may have to wait a while for the wind to come in.
But at least we found a place to rig our boat!
There's just the lightest breeze on the water as we head off.
You can see the Roseville Bridge behind us. We had to drive across it to get to the ramp. Our companions are setting us behind us in the blue boat.
As we move down the river, we'll see lots of eagles and terns.
And vast patches of jelly fish.
As the wind builds, the boats can start sailing more fluently.
But we'll need to watch out for powerboats ploughing up and down at high speed.
With all the high hills, the wind can be very tricky. At Yeoland Point, near the confluence of two arms of the river, it seems almost completely random. We'll have to be patient and seize our chance to sail out when the right puff comes.
As we go further downstream, the coastline ahead starts to be lined with expensive houses instead of trees.
And we'll need to squeeze our way under the Spit Bridge.
Some traversals may be more exciting than others...
Soon, we'll be sailing past sunny Clontarf, and the coastline starts to be lined with beaches (at least at low tide).
We'll pull up at a little beach under Castle Rock for lunch.
And a bit of a swim.
Not too bad a spot.
There are dozens of pleasure craft out enjoying the long weekend. As we set off again, you can see the wind has built some more.
We'll continue on a bit further to check out the Grotto Point light house.
And have a glimpse out through the heads towards the open sea.
Then it's back up the river, travelling a good deal faster this time in the better breeze.
Nearly home! As the river valley gets deeper again, the wind gets lighter and lighter. It is still very fickle, as random gusts roll down the valley walls. It's actually blowing twenty knots out in the harbour now, but we're gratefully for every breath of wind we get.