11/05/2026
Mother’s Day on the water!
At 0845 “Bundy” slipped astern from her berth, I pointed her Bow to the east and idled her over to the fuel wharf at Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM). Once Bundy was tied up, my crew and I stepped onto the wharf and made our way up to the Quarterdeck Restaurant where we were to meet up with our military veterans and their partners that were coming on today’s cruise. The Restaurant was already packed with customers celebrating Mothers Day with a special breakfast. Fortunately the staff could squeeze in a few more Coffee orders. Whilst waiting for my caffeine fix, I noticed a few of our passengers had turned up.
By 0930 all the names on our list had been ticked off. Our passengers & crew started to make their way down to the wharf. After our compulsory safety talk and correct wearing of a life jacket demonstration by our beautiful Kim, who is not only a crew member & a Vet’ herself but also a very highly qualified ER registered nurse.
By 1000 everyone was onboard and my crew were handling lines whilst I was up on the Flybridge on the sticks and the helm. Once clear of the wharf we headed out into the Coomera river. Today, we had a total of twenty three onboard all excited for our return trip to Paradise Point where we would anchor up and enjoy a bbq lunch. Since some people had made bookings to go out with their partners for a Mother’s Day dinner, I planned for a 1500 arrival back at GCCM.
The cruise down the Coomera river was reasonably quiet to boating traffic and was quite a pleasant run. I’ll never tire of the views and some of the magnificent houses that adorn the river’s foreshores. Lucy, the two Jen’s,Kim & Mel were in the Saloon preparing nibblies to pass around to all onboard. A turn to Stbd once at the mouth of the river and into the Broadwater. The wind had increased to around 15 knots SSE and was a tad chilly, nothing a light pullover or jacket couldn’t handle. After about fifteen minutes of running up the Broadwater we make another turn to Stbd into the beautiful waters of Paradise Point. We pass Clive Palmers Mansion(s) as we follow the Navigation markers, eventually we find a spot where we can drop our Rocna Anchor. Once Bundy was secure swinging on her anchor chain, the call to lunch was made, Billy had taken charge of the bbq and cooked a heap of flavoured sausages and patties.
The girls had a nice salad laid out on the Pilot house table along with rolls, various sauces and salad dressings etc. Everyone grabs a plate, knives & forks and helps themselves. I managed to catch up and have a chat with most, it was so good to see everyone smiling, laughing, just enjoying themselves and the food.
At 1340 it was “cable party close up” as Deano, Stuey and Billy took charge of hauling the anchor up and washing down the chain & anchor. Of course the anchor needed some persuasion to swivel into the correct position so it could be bought up and into its snug home area of the bowsprit.
We got underway and caught the incoming tide back up the river which helped make the regulatory six knot speed limit at minimal engine rev’s possible.
We arrived alongside by 1500, helped our passengers off the boat, said our goodbyes to a fantastic bunch of Veterans and their wives/partners/sons/daughters. We had Bundy back in her Berth, all shut down & secured by 1600. Lucy made the crew a brew before they all headed off. Another great day out on the water aboard Bundy with a great crew and passengers.
