Cruising with SV Aeolus: Bums Bay Burnout

I am writing to you from my favourite corner in the bar of Southport Yacht Club, just a few miles from our anchorage in “Bums Bay”. Yes, we got stuck here! The weather along the Australian east coast has been chocking with few protective anchorages. First we attempted to go south to Tasmania and then “home” to Port Lincoln. We got away too late in the season and decided to turn around and go north to enjoy Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. So, back on the Gold Coast we again ran into Ruth and Neil on Ruthea. We thought that we would accompany Ruthea north, but things took a different turn. We are still here and Ruthea has probably left Darwin for the Indonesian Rally. We have enjoyed many family visits including Ib and Danial in April. Birgitte, Mia and Tom have boarded Aeolus many times and helped us with transport and general mail.

But what has put an end to things was a routine check-up by the local GP in Jacob’s Well. A blood sample showed a raised PSA level indicating a risk of prostate cancer. The specialist gave the final diagnose after biopsy and sending me to various x-ray checks. Fortunately, the cancer seems to be localised so more waiting is expected before heading to Brisbane for an operation – life sucks! It is funny, that as a child doctors pay a lot of interest to one’s mouth, ears and eyes. As you grow old they seem to be more interested in the other end! Well, I am not alone. It seems that the queue of older males with prostate cancer seems long and nobody knows why! I have been lucky because it was discovered in an early stage. For now the breaks are on and Aeolus has been put up for sale. Check https://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/hans-christian-38t-1987/123619