Approaching Cape Otway
|
Noon Position: 38 54.1 S 143 16.5 E
There has been a strong wind warning out for this section of the coast since yesterday. Consequently, I have been sailing somewhat conservatively overnight with a reef in the main and the jib partially furled. For the most part the winds have been about ten to fifteen knots and we have moved along at a reasonable five to six knots but, apart from the odd rain cloud passing over when we the wind increases along with the rain for a short period, thus far we have not had any strong winds. Indeed, we are now ten miles west of Cape Otway and the wind has eased to about ten knots and we plod along at around four knots. I have unrolled the jib and am tempted to shake out the reef in the main but given the numerous rain clouds about will continue to err on the side of caution. Our next challenge will be entering Port Philip Heads and negotiating the notorious Rip. I am hoping we will make it in time for slack water at a little before midnight, otherwise we will have to wait for the next slack water at 0450 tomorrow morning. If it is blowing strong out of the south by the time we get there, then we will have to heave to off the heads for a while which I expect is likely to be rather unpleasant. As always, we will deal with events as they unfold. For now we focus on getting around Cape Otway. (The wind appears to be picking up.) All is well. |