Great Barrier Reef 2018

Sailing up the East Coast of Australia has been delightful, flat seas although cyclones have been threatening with no results and now we are past Cairns and have picked up our Pilot, Wes Gamble. We have heard him before and his stories of Pilots duties, the reefs and Torres Strait Islanders in particular is fascinating and so very informative. Ships have to have a Pilot on board when cruising the reef areas for safety and the environment. His tales of life on board ships are entertaining but serious as well pointing out the dangers Pilots can deal with just like any sailors. The Islands we passed on the way were so picturesque, and listening to Wes made us keen to visit sometime in the future. Safety and welfare of the reef is paramount and we now have an idea of some of the issues that are being faced in this area. Great talks and beautiful pictures as well.