All, in light of recent discussions on storm tactics i'm interested to know what the potential scenarios are between Melbourne and the north coast of Tassie.
Who's caught a hammering in the paddock and how did you deal with it? Did you head for shelter or ride out? And why?
cheets,
jon
I've sailed PPB to Stanley, King Island and Flinders Island direct or via Deal and Refuge Cove on various occasions. With the quality of forecasts these days, you have very little chance of being "hammered" unless you are being foolish. Take an SSB receiver (if you don't already have a HF set), an external 4G antenna and induction cradle for your mobile, as well as your VHF. With this set-up, I could get forecasts via VHF, SSB or internet almost everywhere in BS (caveat: I did it pre-5G so mobile coverage might be less).
My worst was Flinders to Deal in a 25 - 30 knot SW. It was pretty stirring, with the occasional wave of 4 or 5m, a few breaking but nothing the boat couldn't cope with with 1/3 furled jib and 3rd reefed main.. But I could easily have sat it out somewhere in the Furneaux group.
Do yourself a favour and buy the CYAV's fabulous "Cruising Victoria" cruising guide. Every Victorian (and those passing through) sailor should have this book. It covers all of Bass Strait plus the islands and Tassie north coast. Then you'll have a good understanding of weather patterns, tidal flows, passage times and hidey-holes, which you can factor into your planning together with the forecasts. The RYCT cruising guide also covers the northern coast well.
Obviously time of year is a huge factor. February - April is best.
Cheers, Graeme
Only crossed it twice but I had no issues with the forecasts I got. I worry about the anchorages on Flinders with their weed but I reckon you should be fine if you have time to spare and you watch the forecasts.
Select to expand quotewongaga said..
And this.......
Great video, thanks. Walkie north would be a great spot to anchor.
