We were up so early that there wasn't enough light to see by! After about half an hour going down the coast towards South West Cape, we ran into sea fog that reduced visibility to 100 metres at times. An hour and a half later it slowly started to lift and the mountains and islands we had so much looked forward to seeing started to emerge from the mist. With a 72 nautical miles day in front of us and an unfamiliar anchorage awaiting us at Rechereche Bay, we motor sailed all the way to ensure we got in while there was still some light. The wind varied in strength starting at 5 knots but building to over 20 at one stage, although the direction was often unfavourable for us. There was a 2m SW swell assisting us for most of the day, enabling an average for the day of 5.2 knots. Having been prepared for the potential terrors of the South Coast, the day's journey was remarkably easy and uneventfull, other than the sea fog. The rest of the day was sunny with some cloud about and great visibility of the coast.
Coming into the Coalbins anchorage in Recherche Bay, we were surprised to see a large number of other yachts, trawlers and motor launches already there. We were sharing the anchorage with twelve other boats, all of whom have obviously been to the just finished Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart. Tegwen was the only non wooden boat there! This is the first time in the whole trip we have been in so much company at an anchorage.
We enjoyed a hot meal on deck around sunset and as the ensuing twilight darkened, there was a fairyland of anchor lights bobbing around us.
