The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson
Sailing Yacht Truce
I checked out of the marina this morning - I could have stayed weeks longer. It’s a honey trap, sooner or later it will drain the funds and suck you dry. Time to move on. Moving only a short distance, just four miles to an anchorage at Turtle Island. Here I want to get back into boat mode and get shipshape after the marina stay.
I love Gladstone marina. Now, I am not a big fan of marinas, they are just a necessity in certain parts for refuelling, provisioning, sheltering from weather, repairs or a good shower. However, Gladstone marina is exceptional. Knowledgeable and helpful staff, excellent facilities, showers, lounge, courtesy bus into town and all set-in park surrounds, quite chill and relaxed. I don’t expect it’s a place for serious repairs and maintenance (there is no sailmaker) but a great stop over marina.
The morning of the 13th of June, as soon as the marina office opened, I dropped off the gate pass and said my goodbyes. Ten minutes later Truce was passing the breakwater heading out of the Marina. I could not get away from Noumea fast enough. I am sure New Caledonia is a wonderful place (many people say so) but to me Noumea is just a frustrating expensive place.
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 