Making Miles
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Thu 12 Feb 2026 01:25
Course: NE Speed: 7.5 knots
Wind: SW, F5 strong breeze
Sea state: 4 - moderate Swell: SW 1 meter
Weather: partly cloudy, mild
Day's Run: 147 nm
The wind gradually built up and by 1940 we were running wing-on-wing before near gale force winds with three reefs in the main and 30% jib. The conditions made navigating the traffic separation scheme off Wilsons Promontory a bit tricky. Initially I had intended to take the east bound traffic lane but as we were approaching the TSS, the wind backed about twenty degrees pushing Sylph more to the north. At this stage we were running with the wind off the starboard quarter and to come to starboard would have required us to drop the pole and reach across the building seas, something I did not want to do. Instead I chose to bear away a little and make for the inshore traffic zone close in to Wilsons Prom. The point here is that the "Rules" require vessels less than 20 meters in length and sailing vessels to "avoid impeding the passage" of a power driven vessel using a traffic separation scheme, so, given that there were a few ships transiting the area, I was wanting to ensure we did not cause any of them a problem. Suffice to say, we managed to do so but it did require a near constant lookout to stay navigationally safe within the confines of the inshore traffic zone and keeping out of the way of the large merchant ships going in the opposite direction.
By midnight we were clear of the TSS and I could relax a little and get some sleep. The winds eased back to force four, a moderate breeze, overnight and at 0800 this morning I shook out a reef in the main and unrolled some jib. The wind has since freshened again to force five to six but Sylph is coping well with two reefs in the main and 60% jib, making good speed without straining her gear excessively. The wind is expected to ease a little late this afternoon, so for now we will leave things be.
With the fresh winds behind us we are last making some decent miles, making good a day's run of 147 miles. The wind is expected to go light and turn into the north late tomorrow but with a little luck by then we will have made it to Twofold Bay.
All is well.
(Sent via satphone)