The Queensland Cruising Yacht Club Cruising Division was born from a group of members wanting to feel confident about going to sea and what better way to do that than travelling with other boats.
It is an excellent way to get to know your boat and becoming one with it, learning its sounds especially at night, and gain the skills to anchor correctly so you feel safe and secure during an overnight stay .
While at anchor we compare stories about how our boats went on the trip. If any concerns arise there is always someone nearby to assist and chat to regarding any problems or offer to help if required.
Even when returning to the Marina we all chip in and assist each others boats to dock into their berths.
Places we have previously visited
Brisbane River - Enjoy a cruise down to Kangaroo Point Cliffs to watch them and the city light up.
Brisbane River Colmslie - This location is near the sugar terminal and the Gateway Bridge. Here we have Raptis Seafoods in handy vicinity and a nice little beach nearby on which to enjoy a party.
Hamilton Reach near Portside - Located here is an interesting park landscaped beautifully with tables, etc. A great place to anchor close to and visit by the use of the tender boat. From this location it is possible to watch fireworks at Portside from your boat. We all enjoyed doing this New Years Eve 2010.
Mud Island - While anchored at this location get pleasure can be gained from fishing, crabbing or even walking on the dried coral around the lagoon. Most of the time a protected anchorage can be found at Mud Island no matter what the weather conditions. This venue also provides good views of planes and big ships coming and going.
Kooringal - This venue is by far the favourite of the multihulls where they can dry out on a large sand bank (fondly nicknamed ‘Cat Quay’). This trip should only by done on big tides that allow boats in and out safely. As a number of beacons are missing it is best for new visitors to this location to follow one of the experienced people through from the Blue Hole into the channel where it is very shallow. Keel boats can anchor where there is sufficient water depth at all times near the sandbank. Many a BBQ and cool drink has been consumed at this location in the shade underneath a multihull. This area provides plenty to do with Crab Island adjacent to explore and pools at low tide containing interesting marine specimens to inspect. Dugongs have been sighted here as well.
The list goes on - In the summer months winds are inclined to be from the east and many other destinations along the western side of Moreton Island can be achieved i.e. Tangalooma, The Sandhills, Deanbilla, etc. etc.
Google Maps or the new Nearmaps are a great place to check out the many locations available.
Contact for further enquiries - Les McCallum ‘Seaway Star’ - 0407 584 451
Safety first must always be the priority and as result depending on weather conditions trips may be postponed or cancelled at short notice or destinations may be changed suddenly in preference of a more favourable anchorage.
...