Hey all, just after some opinions/advise.
I'm planing on heading up to the southern part of the reef over Xmas, for about 3 weeks. So yes, limited time. Is it worthwhile crossing the WBB and taking the route through the Great Sandy Strait, or would you just continue from Double Island Point north rounding Fraser and then direct to Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave?
Got wife and two young kids on board.
Not sure if it's better to day-hop up the coast and stop in various anchorages on the way up and down (got not issues sailing through the night), or head up there as quick as possible, spend a few days on the reef/islands and then day-hop all the way back.

Hi Jev,
With the wife and kids on board, I'd definitely take the WBB option. The Sandy straits is great sailing , pretty, lots of anchorages , flat water , it's tick tick tick. The top of Fraser around Breaksea Spit has surprised me a few times. Looks all idyllic but It can get gusty and fresh and low fast moving clouds can be unpleasant. I've had more strong winds there than not. If you stand off too far as you go round Breaksea keep an eye on the current. It's normally opposing and when the depth plummets the current can be a good few knots.

Summary: much gentler up the inside mate, but if you and the crew want a more daring ride, go outside. It can be good sailing!
My two cents,
SB

agree with shaggy...going inside is going to be much nicer for the family.

time your tides right and you wizz through GSS at 9ks !

if you have time, a stop-over at the lagoon inside double island point is well worthwhile - esp if you are a cat

cheers,

Awesome guys, thanks for the advice!
I think I'll take it a bit slower and go inside.

good call

don't forget to contact VMR Tin Can Bay to get the latest waypoints for the bar crossing

cheers,

I am a big fan of being very aware of the kids. To that end you could deliver the boat to TinCan the weekend before with a friend or with a volunteer and then hook the family with lots of gentle cruising before the trip home. Or the trip home could be done as a bonding idea with your eldest. When we cruised as a family the kids loved it when we did shorter trips and they got to play with their toys more often.

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PacificStar said..
good call

don't forget to contact VMR Tin Can Bay to get the latest waypoints for the bar crossing

cheers,

Yea, will definitely do.

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Kankama said..
I am a big fan of being very aware of the kids. To that end you could deliver the boat to TinCan the weekend before with a friend or with a volunteer and then hook the family with lots of gentle cruising before the trip home. Or the trip home could be done as a bonding idea with your eldest. When we cruised as a family the kids loved it when we did shorter trips and they got to play with their toys more often.

Yes, that's a good option.
So far I never had any dramas with the kids, even on overnighter or rough days. They tend to sleep a fair bit on passage and keep themselves busy playing, drawing, 'helping' me out, etc.
Plan at the moment, depending on wind, from Scarborough -> Mooloolaba -> Double Island Point. 2 day trips, that should be easy on them. Then cross WBB and make our way up north until it's time to head back.

Sounds good