Hugh Robertson Sailing · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor transits the Queensland coast from Cairns to Cooktown in three days, navigating strong 15-to-25-knot southeast trade winds.0:04 The passage relies on a furled jib to manage heavy conditions while keeping the aging mainsail stowed.2:09 Overnight stops include the Low Isles, where the boat anchors on the north side, and the East Hope Island, where the vessel secures to a public mooring.0:46 The entrance to the Hope Islands anchorage requires careful navigation to avoid surrounding coral heads.3:49 Heavy squalls and rain at the Hope Islands mooring generate significant wraparound swell, causing the boat to roll throughout the night.4:50 Upon arrival at the Endeavour River in Cooktown, the boat runs aground on a sandbar after passing on the wrong side of a yellow marker.6:25 The visit includes a tour of the Cooktown Museum and a hike up Grassy Hill, both sites associated with Captain Cook’s 1770 repairs to the Endeavour.8:29

Boats in this video

More from Hugh Robertson Sailing

26 differences from most other cruisers, part 2 of 2Apr 202626 differences from most other cruisers, part 1of 2.Apr 202630 stories of sailors less fortunate than me during my ocean-sailing years on Sea ChangeJan 202630 mistakes I made and things that broke on my solo circumnavigation on Sea Change, Part 3 of 3Dec 2025

From Hugh Robertson Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.