Wilsons Promontory

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Tue 16 May 2023 02:26

Noon Position: 38 03.5 S 146 37.2 E
Course: NE Speed 7 knots
Wind: SSW F5
Sea: moderate Swell: SW 2.5 meters
Weather: cloudy, cool
Day's run: 147 nm (noon to noon)

The wind gradually increased towards midnight and by 0300 we were down to a double reefed main and 50% jib poled out to starboard, running before a fresh NW breeze. At around 0520 a front passed through and brought some showers along with a big wind shift into the south. Anticipating the shift, I had allowed Sylph to drop well south of the rhumb line for Wilsons Promontory which meant that when the wind shift came through we were able to drop the pole, and beam reach to the S'ly breeze, whereas if we had followed the rhumb line we would have ended up close hauled against strong winds and rough seas, not at all conducive to a good night's rest.

We rounded Wilsons Promontory at 1030 this morning, dodging a few ships passing through the traffic separation scheme, and we are now running off to the NE with the fresh breeze in the SSW, once again with double reefed main and 50% jib poled to starboard, and making good an easy seven knots.

So, all in all, we have made excellent progress and I am happy that we left when we did (though I suspect the ship's cat is not quite so happy with the skipper's decision). Tomorrow the forecast is for light winds so likely a bit of drifting, but on Thursday the wind should pick up again from the west, perfect for making our next major landmark, Gabo Island.

All is well.