Got kicked out of Crockets at 1am when the wind changed from SE to NW and came in quite hard.
The forecast had two bob each way and said either NW or SW .
Some fishermen were on each side of the passage so that did not help.
We up anchored and motored across to Briants Corner and re anchored.Not much sleep had after that as it was quite windy for a while.
One of the fishing boats helped out by putting his lights on lighting up the anchorage like Elizabeth Street.
Got under way at 5.30 after a light breakfast to pull the pot.Bingo five Crays two size was happy with that.
Steamed out into the passage and a 1.5 meter NE sea with a 15 knot SW wind.Not the best reception.
Bashed it for several hours until we got a phone call from St Helens Sea rescue."where are you"
Off StHelens Island will be 20 minutes.Say 9.15.
We were nearly up to the bar when they called again on the radio,50 meters from your vessel I replied.
Good oh I will hand you over to the boat now said the voice,Thanks.
The Barway did not look very inviting,four sets of waves all breaking.well no time to worry we were off.
If they could do it with their little boat we should be able as well.
I remembered Don Muirs advice years ago,don't worry what is on top it's the underneath which is important.I knew there was plenty of water there as it was high tide.
So in we went,we were a bit close to them so I slowed down .They were in a couple of troughs ahead and we were up on top of a wave looking down about 12 feet ,they looked a bit small there but had obviously done it many times.
Through without even wetting the deck.Might be different story coming out!
Can I call up Clyde for your fuel? ok sounds good ,thanks.
Tied up at the temporary fuel berth near the new MAST jetty.A couple of locals turned up to have a look like they do in places like this.
Clyde arrived and we refueled with no fuss.Just like a F1 pitstop.Out came the card and a reasonable price too,no gouging up here.
Made a donation the the Rescues Fund and recieved the advice,you better get going the tide is running out and the Bar will be acting up a bit.Keep to the course we used coming in and keep away from the wreck buoy.i
Thanks so we made our way at a more leisurely pace down the bay than we came in.I checked the steering pump belt.it was good so no worry there.
Before long we were at the entrance and on course so we just kept going at about 8 knots.
There were still four waves breaking but it looked ok.
The first wave made a bit of spray and the next two were good,however the last one was breaking and went nearly over her ,water was running off the fly bridge.I was glad I was steering from inside!
We were through and heading for our appointment with a couple of crays for lunch.
It could not have gone better,we anchored under Eddystone light with a few fishing boats at 12 noon.
They were anchored in a large slop created by the NE left over sea.But that is what they do up here.
Had an hour off then got under way to tackle Banks Strait renown for its rough wind over tide seas.
The forecast told of Westerly wind up to 20 knots and they were right on.Fortunately the tide was running in the right direction.
As we approached Swan island the wind swung from the SE to West and so the sea changed as well.
We persevered for a while but as Deal Island was many hours away we decided to run away with it a bit and have a spell behind Preservation island for a while.
Perfect there ,white sand,calm blue water and red lichen covered rocks.Arrived at 3.30.
Had a snooze for an hour there waiting for the wind to die down a bit.
Got under way about 5.30 and headed for Deal again the wind had eased but the swell had not much.
Decided to pull in under Prime Seal Island for the night at about 7 pm.
A long difficult day but we were within striking distance of Port Phillip on Monday.
Had dinner and as we turned the wind changed to NE as expected,hope it stays light!
Lunch under the Eddystone light.
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