Sydney 19 April 2008

Wow, what a week that was! It has been one of busy, and for me exhausting preparation but now illywhacker is ready for her passage south - the first passage ever without us. I was pleased with how well the yacht came alive after 12 months under wraps. Sails went on smoothly, engines, generator, pumps all started, instruments worked, heads pumped - all as if she had been just lying quietly in her berth ready for the occasion. Arrangements for Lyndall'scare also went well as friends queued up to drive her to medical appointments and keep her company at home. Ralph and Leigh arrived in Townsville during the week and received exhausting and no doubt, confusing instructions on the workings of illywhacker. Jim arrived today and hopefully will understand my pages of notes on the electrics. All that remains now is for the large High pressure system to move East and for the strong southerly winds (coming from the direction of our course) to ease. This is expected to start tomorrow and I am anxiously waiting to hear that the passage has begun..........