Tragic Waters.

   The run from Newcastle to Port Stephens, 26 nautical miles, is across the Stockton Bight. Scrub-capped dunes run its length. It has been a couple of tragic days in the Bight. The day before yesterday two old mates drowned while checking their cray pots, yesterday a prawn trawler exploded and burnt to the waterline with the loss of its crew.

   

   "If you're going to fall overboard, don't do it today," accompanied a goodbye wave. Sensitive to the above tragedies I did not need to know that the Bight is a breeding ground for Great Whites.

   A stiff breeze of 20-30 knots made for a good sailing day.(Is there such a thing?)

   Apart from a bit of windburn, all is well on the Fair Dinkum. We are here until Saturday, weather pending.