Departed Port Phillip
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1600 Position: 38 19.0 S 144 35.7
E I've had a busy and enjoyable time in Melbourne. Thursday I caught up with my brother Mark, and on Friday again with Mark and also nephew, Archer. During the day on Friday, with the winds easing slightly and shifting into the west, I weighed anchor, motored to a fuel dock some three miles up the Yarra River, topped up with fuel, then proceeded to Williamstown where we tied up to the Ferguson St Pier for the night. Saturday was spent doing the essential chores preparing Sylph for the next leg of our voyage back to Adelaide, namely topping up with water, doing the laundry, and purchasing victuals. Then, to top our stay off, I enjoyed an evening with sailing friends, Peter and Janet. This morning was an early start, arising at 0530 to be underway at 0605. I wanted to get across Port Phillip to be at the Heads to make slack water at 1545. Initially winds were light so we motored until 0835 when the wind filled in from the SSE, allowing us to shut the BRM down and start sailing. It was a headwind but I had allowed for this and despite having to once more tack our way across the bay and back through the Western Channel, we arrived at the Heads at 1530. Conditions were a little lumpy, but nothing of concern, and with the tide still ebbing slightly we were soon clear of the disturbed water of the Rip and out into Bass Strait, where we have settled on a heading for Cape Otway, 60 miles to the SW, close hauled on the starboard tack. I am hoping to be able to get around Cape Otway before the wind swings around into the SW, which unfortunately is probably not going to happen and I expect we will have to beat into a fresh headwind for several hours tomorrow forenoon before we can bear away to the WNW. Conditions for the next couple of days, once we get around Cape Otway, are forecast to be light and variable, but on Wednesday the wind is expected to turn S to SE for 24 to 36 hours, which will be a fair breeze for Adelaide. The aim is to get ourselves in a good position to make the most of it. All is well. |