We finally arrived in Darwin a few days ago. After anchoring near the quarantine berth, we awaited notification from the Australian Border Force (ABF) that they were ready for us to approach the dock. Biosecurity was our first hurdle, and their inspector meticulously checked our provisions, filtering out anything not allowed in the country.
The lock!
One of the challenges of long passages is the ever-changing itinerary. Ten days prior to Darwin, our plan was entirely different, placing us in a different port with different regulations on permitted items. However, we completely understand and respect biosecurity measures to prevent invasive species. Cooperation is key, and causing a fuss over confiscated items won't change regulations.
The ABF and biosecurity officers were professional and efficient, making the clearance process smooth. But then came a challenge I'd never encountered before – a marina lock! The Lagoon 50 is 8.1 meters wide, and the advertised lock width is 9 meters – not much wiggle room. To add to the anxiety, one side of the lock had protruding metal fittings, and judging by the white scrape marks, they'd claimed victims before. With a healthy dose of luck, a skilled crew, and some careful maneuvering, we emerged unscathed.
Back to square one! We had to restock the items confiscated by biosecurity, and then delve back into weather analysis for the next leg - the potentially treacherous Torres Strait. Unfortunately, our delays still don't have us at the end of cyclone season. However, the easterlies are starting to blow, forcing us to tread carefully with our planning. The various weather models offer conflicting forecasts, making it difficult to predict what lies ahead even in the next three days, and 7 days is impossible.
Adding a personal touch, the last few days of the trip were marred by an unfortunate toothache, which luckily found relief while we were in Darwin.
Yesterday, we left the marina and navigated the lock again, with a cautious eye on those white battle scars. One perk of being the skipper is getting to steer while Rhona tackles the lines and fenders, a true juggling act to keep the port stern clear while securing the bow line on the starboard side. It makes steering in a straight line seem like child's play!
We're currently waiting for updated weather information and an email from our trusted meteorologist who will analyze our route. Hopefully, with clear skies and a well-defined path, we'll be underway soon.
Stay tuned for our next update as we navigate the Torres Strait and continue our adventure.