Preperation

The chart plotter, GPS, AIS and VHF radio all linked and operational.  Purchased new flares, self inflating lifejackets with built in harness, Aries wind vane self steering device fitted and working - great upwind, but a bit of a wanderer downwind.  The liferaft serviced at great expense, motors (yacht and dinghy) servised and all electronics (depth sounder, AM/FM/CD radio, LED nav lights etc) checked and re-wired/replaced where required. Forward hatch re-seated, other leaks bogged up, antifouling and anodes replaced and internal paint work touched up.  Satellite phone set up with account and instruction manual being studied.  Get carried away using the satphone and expect a very big bill!!!!

New mainsail and headsail purchased from Hood Sails NQ in Townsville, but still to pick up headsail in Perth on the long weekend - I hope these are the last sails I ever have to buy!!! 

At present studying "Crusing Guides" and Pilots to get tips about potential anchorages between Albany and Sydney - can't wait to get going.

Painting of RENE by John Karger, Townsville

The Plan

The plan is to sail out of Albany WA marina on the 10th April 2013 and head accross the Great Australian Bight, stopping at various ports on the way, then spend the next 5 or more years cruising the east coast of Australia.  Later we will head east into the Pacific Ocean to visit various tropical islands that attract our interest. 

Our sailing vessel RENE is a Duncanson 34 of 1983 vintage fitted out for cruising.  This blog will outline our trip and keep friends up to date on where we are.