Search for a catamaran

If you live in the Whitsundays you must get out on the water and enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Whitsunday islands. 

Anchorage in the Whitsunday Islands

We have been looking for a sailing catamaran for little while, something like a Hobie 18; something small and cheap that we could take out for a bit of fun and sail to an island beach, have a snorkel and camp out for a night or two.

Searching on Gumtree we found the following ad:

"International 23. Good condition needs paint. Sails good condition. Near new 4HP 4 Stroke Yamaha with charging. Raymarine autopilot. VHF. GPS/sounder. E-pirb and safety gear. Built 1984."

As it was moored only down the road at Bucasia, North Mackay, we thought we'd take a look at it. 

Arriving as the tide was coming in around 4pm, we could see the hulls were in fine shape as she sat up on the sand bar.

Crowther International 23

Tide's coming in

We needed at least 4 metres of water to navigate out of Bucasia Creek and take her for a test sail in open water. Clayton, the vendor, grew up in the area and happily pointed out the local landmarks: Brampton Island to the North East, Green Island off Shoal Point, Dolphin Heads, and the infamous Eimeo Pacific Hotel perched on the cliff top with "a million dollar view". 

Motoring out of Bucasia Creek

A lovely 12 knot south easterly was blowing as we hoisted the main, then the headsail, taking turns at the tiller. Our host kindly brought along some cold beers to enjoy with the late afternoon sail. 

Impressed with the performance of the vessel, albeit she needs a little cosmetic touch up, and the possibility of many adventures, we made an offer that wasn't refused. Lying back on the trampoline, soon to be our bed under the stars, I wondered if the boat had a name. "Yes, it's Lady K", says Clayton. "You're kidding?", we said in unison. Clayton chuckled and admitted he could never have made that up in a hurry. Gary and I smirked at each other. It was providence. "Guess we have ourselves a boat then, Katherine", says my husband.

And so begins the Adventures of Lady K.

You can just make out the original name, Lady K, on each hull

Lady K