Matey's musings: Stop the boats!

'Stop the boats!' was the shrill cry heard this morning.

Having spent the night in the Johnstone River, just inside the entrance so we could make an early start in the morning, we were delighted to be woken by a succession of motor-boats, all revved up for the Innisfail fishing competition. Almost all of 15 or so boats screamed past at about 20 knots, completely ignoring the standard courtesy that you slow to 6 knots to pass a moored or anchored boat (to reduce the wash effect), especially in channels. So much for courtesy and respect. Not-so-fond memories of the Brisbane River returned where every few minutes we lurched and rocked as a ferry sped past.

We were also delighted by the low-flying helicopter filming the manly exploits in the channel. We upped anchor and were off, as sitting there rocking and rolling wasn’t particularly pleasant, and yet more boats screamed past. Out to the reef to see who can catch the biggest fish! Once out of the channel, we put the sails up and slowly ambled on our way, happily, in a different direction from the testosterone-pumped competitors.

While Captain was sufficiently angered to yell and gesticulate to slow down, Matey contemplated the value system of such kindly souls. She found herself absently wondering who they might have voted for ...

Meanwhile, it’s flat calm and while we managed to sail for a while the early morning breeze from the land died and the engine is now slowly pushing us north. It’s always preferable not to have the motor on but there is definitely something to be said for a calm and smooth sea.

We haven’t encountered Customs on the water before but a small plane just swooped past overhead. Not long after, they were on the radio checking us out. ‘Maybe we should have claimed asylum’, said the Captain. If only we could seek asylum for the environment from the regime of our illustrious government-elect ...