March 15th, 2024 đWilliamstown, Melbourne
Zia and I are currently hanging around Williamstown, Melbourne, after a boat crashed into Windfolaâs transom and did nearly AUD $20,000 in damage â including crushing our precious windvane autopilot!
After sailing all the way here from Bundaberg, we are still planning on going south of Australia to reach the Indian Ocean⊠but our timeline has blown out and weâve missed the appropriate season to cross the Great Australian Bight (February/March) and to cross the Indian Ocean (May/June). Next week, our boat is slated to haul out with Penfold Marine for repairs, and hopefully weâll be on our way west just a few weeks later.
Now that we arenât rushing to make it to the Indian Ocean by May 1st, we can take our time exploring South Australia. Iâm really looking forward to this off-the-beaten track sailing through the St Vincent and Spencer Gulfs, despite the fact that weâll be on the edge of the Southern Ocean in Winter! đ± Maybe itâs finally time to install a heaterâŠ
Best of all, with more time in just one state, Iâll be able to apply for a âworking with childrenâ card, which means I may finally be able to connect with youth in Australia, rather than just fundraising and interacting with adults. It will be awesome to have more time and reach to make a bigger positive impact as we sail on!
I'm trying to make lemonade out of lemons in my mind, anyway...