Ferguson St Pier
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Position: 37 51.5 S 144 54.29
E In my previous visits to Port Phillip I often spend considerable time at anchor. In particular, when the wind is in the north Hobsons Bay just to the west of the old Princes Pier is one of my favourite spots. However, the wind is quite variable at the moment and often from the south, so anchoring is not very practical. Plus I have the additional problem of not having a good rowing dinghy, having left my trusty Walker Bay 8 back in Sydney for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The inflatable dinghy lent to me by a friend in Hobart is helpful but paddles like a Welsh coracle, so I am reluctant to use it for getting ashore in anything but the most sheltered of waters, and only if the row is a short distance. Consequently, in the interests of conserving the cruising kitty, this morning we moved some 250 meters from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (a very friendly club by the way) to Ferguson Street Pier, which is public and free. I also expect we will find better shelter here than the exposed north wall of the RYCV marina (all their regular berths were full), especially when the wind is in the northerly quadrant. On the downside of course one cannot expect any real level of security at a public jetty, nor are there any facilities such as power, water and showers. Also one is only supposed to stay alongside the Pier for a maximum of 24 hours, but I have it on good authority from some friendly sailors from the nearby Hobsons Bay Yacht Club that one can stay for a few days before officials will start asking questions. I will adopt my usual strategy of allowing things to unfold. My plan is to remain in Port Phillip for the weekend, hopefully to catch up with my brother Mark at least one more time before continuing on our way to Sydney. All is well. PS. For those interested, here are links to some YouTube videos that Ada put together of Sylph's Sydney to Hobart race. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBmB9HX43mQ&t=277s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byL4sYEebMI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk_3aDyPDS0
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