TOWARD DARWIN - Australia, July 2011
 
 

After rounding the northern cape of Australia - Cape York - we sailed west over the Gulf of Carpenteria, The Australian version of Bay of Biscay. One night 330 nm later we threw the anchor for the third time in Gove. Bec ause of the great people in Gove all our stays there have been longer than planned. So also this (for now) last time. We sailed slowly from Gove toward Darwin to see more of the Australian north coast. In Darwin we suddenly "got short of time" when we discovered that it was impossible to renew Heidi`s visa for Australia. We filled the ship with food and supplies in a hurry and waved good bye to mainland Australia, for now...
The tidal difference in Gove was good for painting on some more antifouling. Frances from s/y Kylie lives in her yacht in Gove together with her husband Ted and their son Bjørn.
Empire`s local swimming pool...
Through the "Whole in the Wall" for the third time. The current can run with 9 knots. This time we sailed through with the current running in 5 knots...
Captain cocos swinging his sable... Fiiiiiish!!! The hair saloon is open 24/24.
Empire`s youngest crew is seldom sitting still - and luckily they are enjoying each others company.
Fanny Bay, Darwin - There were many yachts anchored in the bay. Most of the yachts were heading north with Sail Indonesia, a group sailing from Darwin through Indonesian water.
Nightcup on board German yacht Symi together with sailors from Swiss Felixx. Rigg check before heading off for Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Soon ready for The Indian Ocean!
Exciting market in Darwin with a lot of differnt smells.
You can find many dangerous animals in Asutralia - here are a few of the harmless ones.
We came close to some crocodiles in Darwin Croco Park. Marius and Heidi also tried Croc fishing...
Empire was watching from the side line when "Sail Indonesia" started.
Eirik`s new hiding place. Swedish Lovisa waving "see you" as they leave Darwin for Cocos (Keeling) Islands - a few days before Empire. Ready for departure, next stop Cocos (Keeling) Islands - in the midle of The Indian Ocean.
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