Tide was low around 0730 so most of the morning wasn’t great for getting into bays and beaches. More so for unexplored or inexperienced islands. A long run was looking favorable with the forecast and tides.
The 4 skis with 4 POB leaving the harbour just after 0500 we carried a minimum of 100lts each. Making a direct line for the passage between Goldsmith and Linne Island that would be our half way mark 50ks for the outward run.
Sea wasn’t flat but OK to start with slight improvement past Brampton. The tide was receding. That should be running to the north and forecast of 5kts southerly blowing with tide. I expected better conditions with a chance of maybe a glass out.
Kyle discovered a breather cap missing off of one of the jerry’s. As soon as he was able to squeeze it in he did.
Reaching half way at 0615 wasn’t bad allowing for coming out of the harbour we were on schedule.
From this point on the sea was basically flat
Heading for Dead Dog Island that hangs off of Thomas Island that we gave a quick inspection in passing.
Leaving Dead Dog we make for the northern half of Shaw island on the eastern side.
Next way point is Jesuit Pt at the end of Maher Island. Photo below shows us passing the gap between Shaw and Maher Islands with Lindeman through the gap. Phantom Cave at that end of Maher there.
Rounding Jesuit point and clearing Maher we are looking at the Whitsundays. Not being able to see Solway passage at this point. We needed to make a heading in the general direction until I could get a better sight. After a short distance I make out the passage a little to the east of my guess.
I don’t have a GPS / Chart Plotter of any sort. From the beginning I have studied charts and rely on memory of were islands should be in accordance of were I am going. Along with some sense of direction has got me by. Fog will kill that theory.
We arrive through Solway Passage looking at Whitehaven Beach at 0724 according to the date stamp on photo below. That makes it 2hrs & 16 minutes from harbour in a comfortable ride.
Solway Passage has some interesting points like it’s average depth up the center is 60M and has a 80M hole at North end. The water on the approach had some changing aspects to its flows and currents. I have been told it has caught a few boats out and has whirlpools that can turn a 10M motor vessel. You might note evidence of a premature whirlpool in the video attached.
Hill Inlet our destination we cruise up Whitehaven beach and anchor on the north side of the mouth. Were we basked in our achievement and safe arrival. Refueling was done and not long after the Whit Crew turn up and we move around inside the inlet. This crew consisted of Rebbecca, (birthday girl) Michael, Melanie, John, Sondra & Mornê. They were pleased to see that we got there safe and sound. Intros and a bit of a camp set & up went the drones.
Our crew and I were getting itchy feet and curious to what lay ahead for our run home. We would start to make our way back.
Before leaving I radio VMR to confirm my log sheet was active and that we were leaving Whitehaven and ETA to stand at 1400.
Making the passage between Shaw and Lindeman sending us down the inside of Shaw (west). Keeping the majestic Pentacost Island to our right (west). As we close on the passage we cant pass Phantom cave when Ann had not been there before. Drop by for hello good bye.
Down the inside of Shaw Island with Lindeman Island to our west. Some of us gave our tanks there last drink for the run home.
The leg from Shaw to Anchor Isles was good without being flat. South of Anchor to the harbour just seemed to get worse with every kilometer. Ended up close to mainland at Green Island. Wouldn’t of made things any better. Have had a healthy dislike for Green Island and surrounds now I hate it. Shoal Point says it all shallow dispersed rocks all over the shop often dirty and if its going to be crappy it will be crappy there. Survived hour or more of crap to arrive back in habour at 1400.
Not making excuses I am a shit photographer but overcast makes me shittier. The video and this post for that matter isn’t out for any awards it is just a record of excursions. Video contains mundane snippets that might give insight to some conditions.
Thanks to the team it was a legendary feat we achieved.
Jet Ski North Queensland 