Ten small sailing boats from the Wooden Boat Association of Queensland returned to the SMBI to camp at Sandy Beach, Russell Island for three nights in late April.
Day trips to Jumpinpin, up Canaipa Passage to the old sand loading location and up the Main Passage to Karragarra were enjoyed.
All but two who slept aboard stayed in small tents at the excellent camping ground. The resident midgies did their best to keep things hopping but did not detract from the enjoyment shared.
The sailors who visited were from the Sunshine Coast, Glasshouse, Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands.
Host, Ian Kirk, said that the participants were impressed not only with the beauty of the surroundings and the excellent sailing; but also the wonderful island lifestyle that was there to see.
Those friendly Russell Island residents, including Steve Morgan and Bob Turner from the Sandy Beach Sailing and Kayak Club, who visited the park during the camp were glowing in their praise of the spectacle the boats provided whether under sail or at anchor on the beach. A splendid dinner was enjoyed one evening at the RSL Club thanks to travel by club courtesy bus.
With a camp ground to be created on Macleay Island in the future, the wooden boat sailors are looking forward to staying there and having the opportunity to cruise the northern waters of our beautiful islands and surrounding waterways.
As usual they will visit and enjoy dining at an island club or businesses proving the value of Eco Tourism to the place we are fortunate to call home.
• Running up the Main Channel
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