Noon Position: 38 45.43 S 143 40.61 E
Alongside Apollo Bay
Wind: WSW F4, moderate breeze
Sea: calm Swell: nil
Weather: mostly sunny, cool
Day's run: 13 nm

A couple of more tacks up the coast saw Sylph off the entrance to Apollo Bay boat harbour. The bay provided a good lee protecting us from the sea and swell and as we approached the harbour entrance I handed sail and started the motor.

There was a small dredge working the entrance which we had to pass close by (two diamond shapes marking the clear side) and the dredge's crew waved a friendly hello as we entered harbour. Once inside the harbour I finished getting lines and fenders ready then motored into the berth the harbour manager had assigned us. It was a starboard side tie-up and, with the wind blowing us off, I was grateful to have a fisheries officer on the dock to give us a hand to get alongside. (For the uninitiated, a starboard side approach means that the paddle-wheel effect of the propeller when the engine is in reverse causes the stern to walk to port, away from the dock - not very helpful.)

We have spent a peaceful evening alongside, the saloon feeling extra cosy as we sit below and listen to the wind whistling in the rigging outside.

Reviewing the weather forecast, our ETD remains Saturday morning.

All is well.