After a restless night on the boat during which I had been awoken by rain dripping on my face from an open roof window, I was not impressed to be woken at the crack of dawn.

Breakfast on deck was nice though and after the previous night’s rain, everything looked ‘cleaner’, the water seemed a clearer blue and the vegetation on the land seemed a more stunning green.

With 16 people jostling for two small cubicles you have to be ready to run in while you can. I had a brief wash as the shower was a mere 20 seconds. Whilst this is understandable due to the limited fresh water supply, it was still slightly traumatic as I am used to 20 minutes and I soon realised I would not be able to wash my hair whilst I was here. The fact is though, you get so wet when you are sailing that you are never really dirty even if psychologically you think you are because you have not had a proper shower. It was a small comfort to know that at least everyone was in the same boat, pardon the pun.

There is no need for cosmetics aboard ship as they simply wash off. All you need is SPF 30+ waterproof suncream as you burn so much easier out here and it’s much more dangerous as you cannot feel it because of the wind. Within one day I was transformed from uber city girl backpacker, to a completely natural girl without cosmetics, decent clothes, no shoes and hair that had to be constantly tied up in a knot. Scary. Not to mention that there was no connection to the outside world with no phones or internet. Believe it or not all of this was strangely liberating. It was like I was shedding a mask. Instead of listening to annoying mobile phone ring tones I was listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the boat. Instead of ‘talking’ on social networking sites I was chatting face to face. Instead of watching TV I was watching the stars disappear and the sun rise as nature begin a fresh day. As for lack of cosmetics etc, nobody cared in the end. It was blissful and a stark reminder as to how much I take for granted and miss out on when I am lost in the ‘rat race’.

Sailing soon began in earnest as we literally raced other boats to our first stop (and won) and I realised I had missed my opportunity to use the toilet. I could not for the life of me fathom how to flush the toilet during sailing and I was too scared to flush it the other way in case it regurgitated! On making subtle enquiries I was amused to find no one else knew how to flush the thing either and so I had to settle for crossing my legs until we anchored (not an easy thing to do when you are surrounded by water) as I did not feel like asking Ann, she seemed a little out of this morning.

Whitehaven Beach was our morning destination which in the past has been voted the most beautiful beach in the world. I can see why that is. We anchor just off the beach and whilst the crew played ‘Hammertime’ by MC Hammer, we were escorted to the beach in a small powered boat where we were reunited with our shoes.

The beach is quite stunning, particularly when viewed from the lookouts. The sand is pure white and silica based and it feels you like you are walking in flour, very easy to walk in. It is so pure that you can clean silver jewellery with it. The water is a gorgeous sparkly turquoise and is quite breathtaking and flawless in its beauty. Unfortunately, you need to use stinger suits in the water. Even more unfortunately, it rained whilst we were there. I expect it at home, but I really begrudge rain in Australia. However, we were compensated with a beautiful rainbow stretching over the beach.

The afternoon was spent racing to our next destination and at times the boat would almost be vertical in the water. When the boat needed to change direction quickly (tack) we would have to move to the opposite side of the boat as quickly as possible when the crew ordered it, as it would turn vertical. It was a huge adrenaline rush. I did not feel afraid of the water at all and neither did I feel sea sick like some people.

We spent the rest of the afternoon snorkeling on a different part of the Great Barrier Reef. I was more afraid this time as there were no life jackets, just floating devices called a ‘noodle’ which did not look like it would keep me afloat. After another slight panic in the speed boat, one of the crew decided to just push me in the water. Charming. It took my breath away, but the noodle did work, but I know what I would have liked to have done with it instead. As always the Reef was stunning, it really is incredible to think of the life that lives here and it has been a privilege to see.

These lazy days on the boat have been so much fun that I am sad to leave when we arrive at Daydream Island. The captain informs us that we will wobble a bit for a couple of days.

As for Ann, I heard her talking to another crew member about her psychologist appointment, so I think my assessment of her was correct. Great cook though!

Ah, life on the ocean wave. I can see the attraction. I am glad to have found my sea legs.

Next Stop: Mackay, Rockhampton