Most Blue Water rally yachts have now arrived safely in Mackay, Australia. Aqualuna and Lucy Alice are due to arrive tomorrow (Wednesday 18th August) and Peregrina is due to arrive on Thursday. Three yachts have sailed direct for Cairns: Spirit of Nina, Chsalonina and Bali Blue and are due to arive on Thursday. Sadly, two yachts are now due to leave the rally for a spot of independent cruising in Australia and Asia: Simanderal and Aqualuna. Sol Maria (Gavin Morris, Lisa and Shay) from New Zealand have joined the rally.

Arrival in Mackay marks the completion of the Pacific Ocean crossing and with the rigorous inspections by the Australian customs and quarantine services now behind them, everyone is now catching their breath after some boisterous sailing from Vanuatu. The prospects of some highly rewarding cruising lie in prospect for the trip form Mackay to Darwin but prior to this many crews are taking advantage of their first visit to Australia to  fly to Sydney and elsewhere for some touring ashore. Tomorrow there will be a cocktail party hosted by the Mackay Tourist Board and the Mackay Marina and Shipyard followed by a barbecue. On Thursday a briefing for the passage to Darwin is due to be held in the Mackay Yacht Club.