backgrounds

The prevailing wind on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, is south east. Coral cays are nearly always at the north west corner of the reef. Continental islands, like the image, will usually have a sandy beach in the north west. The opposite will occur in the northern hemisphere, and will be less defined where the trade winds are less distinct.

When the south easterlies are blowing you can rely on their steadiness of direction, with two exceptions. If you are within about 3 nautical miles of the mainland or a really large island you will probably experience a land breeze starting maybe at midnight, to which you may be on a lee shore. The other exception is much better known - if the official weather forecast is for a distinct change you should definitely pay attention. Wind force and direction during the time of the south east trade winds is easily predicted and the forecasts are almost always reliable.

The sand is actually of coral origin, not weathered rock. It does not hold as well as real sand. I find two anchors in tandem, on a single rode, are effective. Chain is necessary as rope line will become abraded. Do not anchor near live coral. Anchor in the sandy patches where there is enough room for your anchors, the scope, and room to swing (or use a stern anchor).