Friday 21 December Sydney Harbour entrance

Before we started cruising, before we'd found Jackster I told David my number one, bucket list ambition of our round the world trip was to sail into Sydney Harbour. At 3pm today, 4 years, 5 weeks and 3 days since we left Florida my dream became a reality.

Entering Sydney

Obligatory 'I'm here' shot

We'd had to motor 15 miles from Pittwater to the entrance against light southerly winds. Not exactly sailing in under full sail but turning in through the Heads and catching our first glimpse of the city; Sydney-Hobart yachts sailing back and forth, local boats, ferries, canoeists against the backdrop of the city scrapers was magical (for me). I took the helm to bring us in and then passed it to David while I jumped up and down with glee, snapped photos and spoke on the phone to pal Neil who's office overlooks the Bridge. OK so I wasn't the most attentive crew member but this was a glorious way to return to the city where I'd lived and worked for six months in my twenties.

view from the deck early morning

Entering from the ocean you have to come halfway down the harbour before a turn to the right reveals the double icons of the Opera House and the bridge. Our intended anchor spot in Blackwattle Bay was reached by turning left after the bridge, heading towards Darling Harbour and then jinking right to bring us into a lovely sheltered bay with three small areas where one can anchor for free with a secure dinghy dock behind the fish market.

Our first visitors were fellow Brits Sue and Bill from Camomile who brought the anchorage cheat sheet of where to find services around town. We persuaded them to join us in a 'we re here G&T' and enjoyed a lively catch up chat.

It's the longest day of the year here. We had dinner with a view of the super yacht marina to one side and Glebe Park with it's joggers and dog walkers on the other. An excellent end to an excellent day.