We had sunny skies and little wind while anchored at Sydney, which was great for getting out and completing the various jobs that needed to be done. Both Mark and I had to renew our Coxswains certificates which meant that Mark had to make an appointment with an Optometrist to have his eyes checked and I had to complete my First Aid renewal which is easier said than done when in a different State with no fixed address.
When in Tasmania I completed some research and found that St Johns Ambulance Victoria run an online training course, to complete the course they send you a package containing bandages, training epi-pen & asthma pump along with a miniature blow up Annie doll for the CPR component. The next problem was trying to pick a date for the course where hopefully we would have good internet reception and a town where St Johns could send the package to the Post Office. Thankfully, it all worked to plan as the package was waiting at the Eden Post Office where we picked it up on the way through. The course involved online theory modules that you complete prior to a zoom meeting where you undertake the practical components with other students and a trainer, thankfully it worked out perfectly as we were in Sydney.
It was great to get ashore and explore whilst also getting some good walks in with Lucy. We also got the mountain bikes out and rode to Darling Harbour and the City.
We gave George the choice of two activities that she could do whilst in Sydney and she chose the Sydney Aquarium and the Maritime Museum (OK, we may have offered a little gentle persuasion on the second one).
After being in the city for 5 days, it was time to move on. We picked up anchor at 0800 and waved good- bye to Peter and Sal on Music Maker who were staying for a few days longer. Once offshore we had 10-15 knots of wind with a 1 metre swell – perfect! As we neared the entrance to the Hawksbury we passed a number of racing yachts (they were heading the opposite direction 😊).
As we sailed into the Hawksbury we were blown away by the number of yachts. Pittwater was like a breeding ground for sailboats, there seemed like thousands moored in all the different bays.
We arrived in America Bay at 1230 and anchored among the hundreds of mooring buoys owned by various clubs. It was understandable why the area was so popular as it was like Port Hacking. A large waterway that offered many places to explore and anchor with National Parks close by. It has the best of both worlds.
Clever dog, Lucy, I can’t even stay standing on one!! 😂😂