SYDNEEEEEE

An amazing dawn exploded in the sky behind us as we sailed through the heads into Sydney harbour yesterday morning. Blue skies, light wind, and sun to warm me up after my final morning watch. The “real” coffee I’d been saving was just as tasty as I was expecting. Conditions were perfect for our last day on the Pacific, as my boat and mind turned towards land. We furled the genoa for the last time, cranked the engine on and motored into the city. Turning a bend in the harbour, the iconic Sydney Opera House appeared on the left. I still couldn’t quite believe that we’ve got to The Other Side! Only now that we’ve reached our final destination does it feel like the trip is over, book-ended by the Golden Gate Bridge in California last October, and the Opera House in Sydney – 10,200 sea miles later.

We picked up a mooring ball at the marina by the brokers, and started cleaning and packing. Dave and I took a taxi into town – the plan was that I would hire a “ute” (pickup) to take the dinghy up to Newcastle … but my driving licence card had expired and I only had a printed copy of my paper licence. If they wouldn’t let me take one, then plan B would be for Dave to drive. All worked out OK, phew. We rocked up back at the waterside with the truck, loaded on the dinghy and all my stuff. I said goodbye to Dave and Eva, and they headed off with huge rucksacks on their backs and heads full of memories.

I spent an hour or so with the broker, showing him around my ship, which looks and feels so different now that she’s completely empty. In great shape though – I hope the next owner treats her well and has as much fun as we’ve had. As the sun set over the Sydney hills, I said goodbye to Rafiki and headed ashore for the last time.

It’s been an amazing journey. Thank you, weather gods, for giving us safe passage, and (amazingly) letting us stay on schedule for over 8,000 miles of passage-making. Thank you Rafiki for keeping us safe and being an amazing home on the ocean. Adios, nana, au revoir…