24/04/2013
Those crazy Mandurians have been at it again - an Abrolhos Cruise!
Report by Melian Tomsett (Fontaine Pajot 40 Cat "Indian Summer 1") -
The Mandurah to Abrolhos cruise this year was a great success, with 7 yachts taking part. Indian Summer 1, Seeker and YKnot left on Friday 5 April, and headed straight there (Abrolhos Islands), with Semi Circle, My Way, Anthelia and Periwinkle leaving the following day to go up in stages arriving the following week.
Initially, we all headed for different areas as we all had different time schedules. On Thursday 11th April, Semi Circle, Anthelia and My Way arrived in the Pelseart Group to meet up with Indian Summer 1 and Seeker in Middle Island. They arrived in 35 kt winds which made it hard for them to anchor securely and as other boats from less sheltered bays had all come to get some shelter - there was little room. Unfortunately we were not able to get together that evening because of the high winds, so all tucked down for an early night.
It was another four days before we all managed to get together again this time in the Easter Group of Islands on Morley Island. YKnot had returned from the Wallaby Group, Seeker and Indian Summer had come up from Middle Island and Semi Circle, Anthelia and My Way came up from Pelseart Island where they had been exploring the magnificent corals.
In Morley Island we had the whole bay to ourselves. We were also joined by an adorable seal who spent most of his time swimming with us he showed no fear just wanting to play. There was even one time when he swam back to our boat. The corals here were truly exceptional with an abundance of fish. For the fishing enthusiast, the Abrolhos is second to none - and we caught mackeral, tuna, snapper, sweetlips and baldys. Spoilt for choice. After two weeks in one of the most beautiful group of Islands, most of the boats headed home. Semi Circle and My Way will be staying on for a couple of weeks and then will be going on up the coast to the Kimberly.
The Abrolhos Islands are unique. They offer little shelter as they are flat and spread out, but they offer a completely different type of holiday. There are very few people there as the cray fishing community has nearly all gone. There are some emergency facilities such as a nursing post and daily flights to Geraldton, but mainly you need to be completely self-sufficient even with your fuel and water.
On most of the popular bays there are a few moorings but no other boat facilities. The whole experience of sailing with others to this untouched part of WA was fantastic. We will definitely be going back and encourage anybody who would like to join us next year to pencil in next Easter for the 2014 Mandurah- Abrolhos Cruise.
