Don's company, Enersight, was looking for a place to hold its general meeting. The team was in Brisbane, Australia, so a sailing destination was in order. Fortunately, Whitsunday Islands in Northern Queensland was nearby.
The sailing team:
President Neil Buckley and his wife Christine,
Chief Technology Officer Deane Stewart,
V.P. U.S.A. Pete Tyler,
V.P. Business Development Don Merritt & his wife Mary Campbell
See the "100 magic miles" for more on this location: 100 magic miles
Peter, the mad sail trimmer
Deane and Mary
The absolutely incredible Whitehaven beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whitehaven Beach
A couple was flying in on a float plane to get married that day. Talk about a sensational back-drop for a wedding.
The most pure silica beach: when you walk on it, your feet literally squeak! A total spa experience just by walking the beach!!
Someone sculpted a beautiful sea turtle....well done!
\
A photo to demonstrate how absolutely giant this beach was....just over 7 km long
Our 49 foot Jeaneau manufactured (French) mono-hull named "Avanti" was brilliant....4 cabins each with it's own toilet/shower
Now this made Mary's day: a "married" pair of "Welcome Swallows" at the bow of the boat: common to all habitats in Australia - perches on fences, wires etc. Feeds on insects...makes high pitched sharp "seeep"
See Wikipedia for more information: Welcome Swallow
The girls are enjoying the soft light of the twilight sunset with Deane
Captain Neil and his Co-Captain Christine!!
The Entertainment Officers: Mary & Don
Quality time between Mary & Christine when the 4 captains were debating the next destination!
\
\Sunset Whitehaven Beach to be followed by the alignment of 3 planets: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter. Brilliant!
Don had his guitar on deck at the ready for beautiful silent moments!!
Bird watching.....endless!!!
Lots of time to practice photography!
Looking comfortable at the helm of "Avanti"
Passengers listening to the 8:45am and 5:45 posts from the company "Sunsail" and waiting for our update regarding our location and future sailing plans www.sunsail.com
Eastern Osprey & baby in large nest: a very busy Mama flying out to fish and returning with food at Langford Island. Eastern Osprey
This is NOT our yacht....however we are purchasing it for the next company AGM!!!! Haha!!
Barney was our Sunsail "rep" who took care of us all along: from England....should really consider marrying Mary's daughter!! Lovely young man with lots of education and good looks to boot!
Hamilton Island, Whitsunday, marina
Barney says only $4000 per week for an apartment in this tower! If you quadruple your grocery bill, you will totally fit in with the Hamilton Island, Whitsunday crowd!!
Don at the helm when all other captains passed out!!
Christine & Mary enjoying the day...big winds but beautiful!
Charlie the seagull & his wife followed us everywhere.....Mary is sure of that!!!
By gosh, Charlie turned up at another island with his wife....could that be true? Haha!! Okay, all seagulls look alike & they all want your lunch! But this guy just seemed to say "I'm Charlie!!"
Prime example of the rock formations on shore
Time for rum punch says the Captain!!
Always sunny ends to the day.
25 knot winds on our last day made for a bumpy passage.
Travelling home to the Marina and viewing beautiful "retirement homes" for the crew!!
Wow your boat looks cool!!!!����
ReplyDeleteThanks Ethney! Yes the boat was cool and it was a wonderful trip with your Dad!! We are back in Brisbane having fun and hope to see you soon! There is a great playground near my apartment so I will have to take you there. Maybe I can take care of you guys for an afternoon while your Mom studies?
ReplyDeleteDon wants to know everything you are doing in Port Douglas. He is looking for lots of ideas of fun things to do because he is going to bring his daughter, Alex, to Port Douglas this July. Also, where do you think we should stay? Love you all so much! Mary xo