It's starting!

After the previous owners said goodbye to the boat for longer than expected, we set sail on January 5th, 2024. Put it down, do 3 laps because the gas station is busy, and off you go. One last look at Sydney. This huge city with so many faces. Farewell to my daughter Elena.

Out onto the open sea. I'm scared. Am I up to it? What awaits me? My thoughts often turn to home. My grandson Theo, whom I hold so dearly to my heart.

The first few days on a boat are always difficult. How does it drive, how does it react? I mastered the first two takeoff and docking maneuvers well. How does the Kithara behave at sea? How do I get along with her?

The first day is merciful. It goes in the South Pacific from Sydney to Port Hacking Point. 20 nm, it is sunny, light wind. Very relaxed. We anchor in a bay.

Then we continue to the Shellharbour Marina. A new, very chic marina. 35.6sm.

Then to Jervisbay, at anchor, 40nm. We stay there for a day because of strong winds.

On January 9th Are 50 nm on the plan to Bateman Bay. They have it all. The predicted light wind was 35kn, waves up to 6m. The Kithara stomps through the waves, the background noise when it hits a particularly high wave is enormous. The wind is roaring in your ears.

Water alarm in the bilge, coming wave. 11 hours and we'll be there. A quiet anchorage awaits. Peace comes to the ship. I trust her, the Kithara. She did a good job today.

Trust must grow. Also in the crew. After strenuous first days, we grow together. One person notices what the other can do.

I realize that I can do more than I thought.

What a person I love very much said to me has never been more true: if you never do what you're afraid of, you'll never become who you want to be.