Northern Gold Coast Raid Days One & Two

[@garymalm]

Just found this. Are you planning another raid this year. Friend has a 22 foot Sabre in Southport. Would be a good outing for him. gary

[@peterbarnes8737]

Only just accidentally found your channel. Hope you do not mind if I comment. I guess you had a good time, but to start with I DETEST the southern end of the inside area of the Straddies and Moreton Island and much prefer to launch at Rudy Marrs where there is a lock-up yard to leave my car and trailer safely. From there I can take at least four different ways to sail to the Jumpinpin and and Bedroom areas and to the less crowded areas of the North, away from the Gin Palaces Etc. that tear up the waterways with their 500+ HP engines! Lots of interesting passages between the islands around that area where I get relatively clean air above the mangroves. Made it down to Southport once and another time only went as far as Tipplers. Not for me down there at all. Love the northern areas but prefer again the Frazer Island and Sandy straits area. Lot of towing from Brunswick Heads where I live, but well worth it IMHO. Just spent 3 full weeks in that area and have visited many times over the years. I have a Farr 6000 that I've made many improvements to make it more a cruising boat. Not at all interested in racing. Cranky old bugger eh?

[@aistringy]

Thanks for the info Peter. I hadn’t heard of Rudy Marrs. Googling it I discovered its actually spelt Rudy Maas and their website now lists the ramp as permanently closed. Like you, I wouldn’t have chosen this area to cruise myself as we like to get as far away from civilisation as possible. However we weren’t going to turn down an opportunity to join this unique raid, visiting exclusive anchorages that we normally can’t access. Would we do it again? Absolutely! We did have the best time exploring with other Cygnet owners and experienced some great sailing. Rarely have I had a tail wind getting there and coming back. We’ll be back next year for sure.

[@t555p]

Nice video! Nice boats! I live and sail in the Great Lakes in Michigan. What boats are these? I have a Compac Eclipse which looks somewhat similar. Tom

[@aistringy]

@@t555p Hi Tom, sorry I only just discovered your reply. Thanks for the comments. The boat is a Cygnet 20, built at Cardiff, NSW Australia by BWCY. www.bwcy.com.au/bluewaterCygnet20.htm Yes, there are many similarities with your Compac Eclipse, though differences as well beginning with the all carbon fibre spars, gaff rig and pop top. Here is a recent article, written by a Cygnet 20 owner smallboatsmonthly.com/article/cygnet-20 UInterestingly BWCY have just exported their first Cygnet 20 to the USA, where it is based on Lake George in the NE of New York State. If you’re ever down that way keep a lookout for ‘Sonnet 29’ on the water!