SYC Cruising Flotilla

Nick Halsey

The Southport Yacht Club powerboat official season of events commences in September with Sail Past and Blessing of the Fleet on 10th September 2022. The cruising season for the SYC Cruising Flotilla spans the period between August through the summer and ends in June the following year. Generally, the committee plan up to twelve cruises throughout the year, which includes the Christmas Luncheon at Main Beach.

Since the last edition of InSync we have held several cruises including the Valentine’s Day Cruise 12th - 16th February, which was led by Phil Barlow. The cruise started at Sanctuary Cove and moved to Tiger Mullet Channel and then on to Jacobs Well for Valentine’s Day lunch at Harrigan’s Calypso Bay, where 26 people sat down to lunch. The fleet relocated to Dux for an afternoon of fun. The theme for the afternoon was “What you were wearing when the ship went down”. A prize was given to the best costume.

The next cruise was due to visit the Brisbane River between 5th - 13th March, this event was cancelled due to severe flooding.

We planned a Sandy Straits Cruise between 9th April - 2nd May 2022. Due to the swell left behind by ex-tropical cyclone Fili, the open water section from Bribie to Mooloolaba was postponed in the hope that over day or two the seas would begin to abate. After meeting at Canaipa Point the fleet moved to Karragarra Channel and lunched at the MacLeay Island Hotel.

The following day the fleet headed to Bribie Island. Strong winds and large swells were continuing to make the entrance to the Mooloolah River dangerous with breaking waves on the outer bar. Several of our group were slower boats incapable of speeds needed to cross safely. As a result, the taller boats spent time in Moreton Bay at Little Sandhills and the Blue Hole, whilst the smaller boats went under the bridge at Bribie and into the passage anchoring for three nights at Mission Point. Long lunches became the norm.

Although the wind and swells were declining, all the marinas in Mooloolaba were fully booked over Easter and unless we added another couple of weeks to the cruise, the tides for crossing the Wide Bay Bar were against us. While some cruisers were able to extend their cruise, others were not. Our depleted fleet of two became three at Dux. Anzac Day was observed at Boat Club in Tipplers Channel and boats returned to home ports.

The 6 Day Cruise 27th May - 1st June 2022, was led by Gordon Leck. We commenced with drinks and nibbles at Paradise Point and then proceeded to Slipping Sands in fine weather and enjoyed drinks and nibbles on the beach. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the Committee decided to abandon our planned stay at Dux and took the fleet into Cobby Cobby Passage, to ride out the forecast 40 knot westerly winds. After two days in Cobby Cobby, the fleet was able to move on safely, some heading directly home and the rest of the fleet finishing the cruise with lunch at Tipplers Café.

Finally, the End of Season Cruise 24th June - 26th June 2022. This cruise commenced at Santa Barbara on the Coomera River where nine boats anchored, and one boat crew arrived from Sanctuary Cove by Uber. We all met ashore at 5pm for drinks and nibbles. 18 people went to the newly opened Indian restaurant “Kesari” for an evening meal. It was a great success.

The following morning, the fleet headed to Dux. At Dux, the generator had failed, so all crews met ashore at noon for a BBQ lunch. The end of season presentation took place in the afternoon instead of the evening. 26 skite plates were made for boats that had attended three or more events during the season, of which 12 were in attendance to collect. for their ongoing support and sponsorship in funding several random number draws for SYC Members during the year, and we look forward to a continued partnership with them.

The following season commenced on 27th August, with a 5 day cruise up the Logan River, and hopefully followed by a trip to the Tweed River, a Melbourne Cup lunch and a 7 day cruise to Moreton Bay before the Christmas break.

For the latest cruise information for all Power Boat activities please look at the Club web site: 2022_2023-Cruising-Calendar-JULY.pdf (southportyachtclub.com.au) .

Nick Halsey

“What you were wearing when then ship went down”

Mission Point. Long lunches became the norm