Anyone been to the Swaine Reefs Recently ?

[nautickleone]

Just starting to get my plans together for a 3 week sail from Hervey Bay to the Swaines via Musgrave and Bunker Group, depending on the weather.
Looking for a mid year (2012) opportunity and chasing up some old mates at present. Last visited this area soon after Uni days some 30+ years ago on board a large charter boat out of Gladstone.
So has anyone been to the southern and eastern ends of this amazing reef system in recent years and got any thoughts on anchorages and stop-offs?
Appreciate any other thoughtful comments as well.
Enjoy your day and look foreword to your feedback.
Graeme

[cat man do]

Nice spot in calm weather.
Sailing boats really need wind to get there as its about 95nm from Musgrave or 120nm from Yeppoon, or the ability to motor hard and carry the fuel for it.

You don't want to be out there when there is wind.

[nautickleone]

Thanks Cat man do
Planning about 3 weeks in total so looking for some clues and safe anchorages if the wind gets up abit. Expect to get some good charts in the next couple of weeks but any thoughts from your experience on anchorages in the south or S/E parts of the reef system?
Was also thinking of heading to Sumarez but believe very difficult reef system with more pelagics and sharks.
Graeme

[cat man do]

I haven't gone in that far and charts are not that detailed anyway (hand drawn) I wasnt aware they were still available?
Like I said, you want to be there when the weathers spot on as its pretty much a visual nav and common sense approach.