Cleared Port Phillip Heads
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Noon Position: 38 44.8 S 145 26.0
E We cleared Port Phillip Heads, passing Point Lonsdale at 0345, right on slack water. In fact the only minor problem we experienced was that the wind died out completely as we were approaching Queenscliff, which made for glass smooth conditions but meant that we had to motor for a bit over an hour to navigate the Rip and manoeuvre clear of an incoming passenger ship. Once clear of the Heads, at 0400, a light breeze returned from the north and we were able to set sail again and shut down the motor. The breeze has since freshened and we have been beam reaching along the coast making on average a comfortable five knots. Our next major stop on our way to Townsville is Sydney, there to pick up all the gear I left at my sailing club, the RAN Sailing Association, for the Sydney to Hobart and of course to catch up with friends there. The forecast for the next several days is highly variable, including calms and some fresh headwinds on Wednesday, so it is likely that we will want to stop somewhere for shelter and a bit of a rest along the way. Where exactly that might be we will wait and see. All is well. |