sailing the whitsundays

sailing the whitsundays

We came to the Whitsundays thinking we were going to have a fabulous week sailing around some gorgeous islands and getting back in touch with our families - but we weren't prepared for what a magical time we would have. We have a lot more photos than are here, but I'm waiting for Dad to scan them and email them to me.

the yacht itself

We sailed a 43ft Beneteau, which are very fat cruising boats. There is so much room inside, and the boat weighs about 15 tonnes, so is quite steady. Her name was 'Lady Fun' and she was built to sail around the world. Mel, you would love her because the anchor is on a (ta da) electric winch! Just as well because poor Neil had to reposition it three times at Whitehaven Beach. The sails were furling sails, so you don't have to pull them all the way up the mast, which means there are quite a lot of differences between Lady Fun and Kuraman. The traveller is behind the dodger (ie, not in the cockpit), giving you a bit more leaning room.

The galley from the stern. You can see Neil's and my cabin at the end.	The galley from the bow, with the door to Mum and Dad's cabin.
Where we called in our scheds at 9am and 4pm everyday. Also where we called in QYC to tell them the house batteries had gone and we had no power.	Mum's pseudo-bed, where some of us liked to eat our dinner.
The port side of our cabin - the sofa (a sofa!!!) is on the left with lots of storage.	The starboard side of our cabin, looking towards the stern. More storage! There is also an ensuite which was invaded by the others due to the stinky nature of the second toilet.
Our ensuite. The toilet is hidden by the door (it is to the right). You have to hide the toilet paper if you are having a shower, unless you want it soggy. Also more views of the sofa, because it is one and it was in our room.	Alan's cabin and Mum and Dad's cabin.
You could almost do cartwheels on the deck!	Mum sitting in the cockpit (avoiding the camera).

the special news

Okay, enough of the yacht, more about us. After one magical night at Macona Inlet where the squid came out in a feeding frenzy, and the phosphorous in the water glowed off each fish making the bay look as though it was lit up by sparklers, we decided to explore further and sailed around to Whitehaven Beach. We spent an afternoon looking for a safe anchorage (the anchor kept dragging in the sand, unlike the blue mud at Macona), and we settled down for some dips and drinks. Neil asked me to sit down next to him on the swimming platform next to him to watch the beautiful sunset over the longest beach at the Whitsundays.

After a couple of snuggles Neil thought it would be a nice idea to stand up to look at the view (don't ask me why I went along with this without being suspicious). He then took the beer out of my hand, put it down in the cockpit, stayed down on one knee with a sparkly sapphire ring in his finger, and said: "Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" I didn't stop shaking for about half an hour - it was very unexpected and as beautiful as a proposal could be.

After picking myself up off the floor, he said perhaps I should answer (like he didn't know it), so I said yes and turned around to see my parents and Alan, also floored. Two kids engaged in two months! So when we get back to Perth we'll have an engagment party, and celebrate in style. For now, we're still having fun trying to call each other 'fiance' without giggling.

About five minutes after Neil popped the question. Note the wobbly knees.	Hence the sit-down and examination of said ring.
More cuddles, giggles and drinks.	We dinghied into Whitehaven Beach and celebrated (actually, the folks went nutsos taking photos).
Mum proudly showing me off (I bet she thought it would be another ten years before she got to do this!).	Two chuffed Dads (in uniform).

activities

As all of you in Queensland know, the wet has started - just in time. The day before we sailed back to Abel Point Marina we were hit by a nasty squall in Macona Inlet, but sailed back with half an hour before the heavens opened.

Christmas on the second night. Sunburns are starting to show.	Neil and Dad entertaining themselves while they wait for dinner.
The morning after the night before - drying out the wet weather gear and life jackets.	Neil and Alan teaching Dad and I to play canasta (some goals are more achievable than others).
> At the marina on Hamilton Island sulphur-crested cockatoos make themselves at home. Also my father in his natural state.	The coral reef at Macona, with the reflection of the clouds.
One of two hundred and thirty nine times Neil and Alan lifted the anchor.	Two hundred and forty. At Macona the bottom is covered in blue mud, which needs to be scrubbed off as the anchor is raised.
Neil swimming. You have to wear full body stinger suits and cover any exposed skin with greasy suncream, to protect yourself from jellyfish nasties.	Neil telling Megan about the engagement. Her immediate response was 'And I'll deliver all your babies!'
Neil's little 'pillow harem'.	Mum and Dad in the dinghy looking at coral.
Alan commandeering the ship (he is shortly about to get very wet)..	Neil and Alan after a successful fishing trip, wearing the official Plackett bucket hat.
Mum and Dad both trying something new - Dad cooking and Mum in a body-hugging swimsuit.	Alan and I at Hamilton Marina.
Alan and Neil bringing in their rock cod.	"Don't mind me Poss, I'll get changed here if you don't mind."
All Wiese kids, I highlight Exhibit A - Mum's sunburn.	Neil playing with his food and Alan concentrating on navigating the reefs.
Basil and pumpkin risotto for tea.	Dad giving me a lesson in Pentax.
Not exactly the Whitsundays, but on the way there (couldn't forget you Shell).	More canasta.
A beach at Macona Inlet.	Dad climbing up the mast, and leaving Lady Fun after pulling into Abel Point Marina for the last time :(.

Last updated: 20th January, 2002