Ninian Bay

'Sarf & West mate, Sarf & West'
Pete Bernfeld
Fri 14 Jun 2013 10:09
Barrow Islands
14:20.48S 144:38.39E
13/06/13

Anchor up 0550, anchor down 1750.

I left Mrs Watson's Bay at Ogmigawdwhattime (0610), heading for Ninian Bay. 53nm and a perfect day for a sail with the proverbial (for once) 15-20kts of wind almost up the chuff with a following swell.

Needless to say Calypso overtook me. They estimated Barrow Isles at the entrance to Ninian Bay at 1530 and I reckoned on being there at about 1730. To be honest I could of done with just a touche more wind but hey, let's not complain it really was fantastic sailing.

Calypso indeed arrived off Barrow Isle at 1530 and dead low water, which made snuggling into the northern tip of the bay a bit of a problem. The other alternative was a 3.5nm trip into the bay, which of course meant a 3.5nm trip out of the bay the next morning. They tucked in close to Barrow Isle and it seemed to be reasonably sheltered. On my arrival I agreed, worked my way in a little closer and both boats had a fairly tranquil night. The swell wasn't too bad and the wind probably never reached 20 kts.

I rowed over to help them eat a mackerel that Paul had caught and very tasty it was too. The barometer is still quite low so the prospects are good for a reasonable sail tomorrow. Just a 'shortie', 33nm to Stokes Bay in Stanley Isle, part of the Flinders Group.