The Wide Bay Bar 21st May

We have waited a long time for this moment having read, heard stories and taken in the warnings about the Wide Bay Bar at the southern entrance to the Great Sandy Strait, between Frazer Island and the mainland. It was apparent as we made our way north that several other boats were crossing the bar at around about the same time. That was reassuring. Surely we hadn't all got it wrong! Lucas tells us in his book that, 'The bar is no worse than any other bar on the coast. It's just the length of time spent on it that causes concern.'

As we approached Peter said, 'I can see breakers all around! I hope there's a gap there somewhere!' It's called trust, and trust the co-ordinates given to us by the Tin can Bay Coast Guard we did, whilst bolting across on the ingoing tide. Under motor only, Rene constantly clocked up 7kns and on the waves a bit more. She seemed to be enjoying herself, kicking up her heels and throwing in the occasional pigroot* on the top of the rolling swells. I buried my head as usual and kept my bug eyes on the chart plotter to make sure we stayed on track and set the course to the each new way point. Once over the bar, you enter the 'Mad Mile', a section of water that is deep, but lumpy, directionless and disturbed. FUN!! Actually it wasn't too bad and having done the research and chosen the right weather, tides etc., we found it wasn't scary, but we were glad to be through. We are now anchored inside of Inskip Point for tonight and will move up the Strait to Garry's Anchorage tomorrow.

We're in!

 

* Pigroot - horse kicks up its heels prior to a buck!