2023 Paul was lucky enough to start the year with an Australian sailing adventure to complete his Yachtmaster Ocean. Departing Sydney a sail down the East Australian coast to Eden and then out to Lord Howe Island before returning to Sydney a distance just short of 1500 miles.
While sailing the crew conducted Astro sight reductions as part of their Ocean qualifying passage, caught the odd fish and had an enjoyable sail. We enjoyed the delights of the World Heritage listed surroundings of Lord Howe Island a visit almost spoilt and cancelled as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle approached. Carefully monitoring the cyclone Gabrielle brushed Lord Howe during our stay there and unfortunately went on to devastate the North Island of New Zealand.