Approaching Cyclone -- All Is Well (So Far!)

You may be aware of the cyclone approaching Cairns, Australia, where our boat is moored to a cyclone-rated mooring approximately 3 miles inland from the mouth of the harbor, against the south-eastern shore.  The insurance company that covers the boatyard which owns the mooring has recommended that we stay on the mooring, since boats that are being taken into the mangrove creeks are already incurring damage from collisions with other boats.  Given that advice, agreed to by the yard owner, we intend to keep the boat on the mooring, with three independent sets of attachment points, as well as stern-attached drags to minimize swinging.  The proximity of the mooring to the south-eastern mangroves will help shelter it from the wind, and, more importantly, given its location well up the inlet, we do not expect significant wave action.

At present, cyclone Yasi is a Cat 3 storm, forecast to intensify to a Cat 4 storm in the next 18-24 hours.  The projected track centers on Cairns.

You can track its progress here.

We will update the blog as events unfold, and as internet access permits.  For now, all is well, and keep our little vessel in your prayers!