We spent a very rugged night rounding the cape at sometimes less than 2knots,tossed about in 20-30+ gusts of wind and converging currents.
We had intended to overnight at Hamelin Bay,
but by the time we were near there it was too late;it's not a bay you enter for the first time in darkness,so we had to make the decision to continue on around the Cape.There was nowhere to rest until reaching a bay near Point d'Entrecasteaux the following day about 4pm.And then the surf was too rough to go ashore.
Finally we're in the Southern Ocean,and have safely arrived in Albany.The dreaded Cape Leeuwin,where the two oceans meet,lived up to expectations.
Next day with some help from the wind we reached Peaceful Bay,a beautiful spot,but it took 6 attempts to anchor in the tiny rock-strewn anchorage,where two boats was a crowd.
We were not thrilled to hear the anchor drag alarm at 3am.The following day we stayed at Dunsky Bay,,near Torbay Head,an idyllic tiny steep beach,clear blue water,surrounded by huge smooth rocks.
We set out from here with ever increasing winds,on the nose of course,tacking backwards and forwards across the bay,right up under the towering wind-farm mills.
It was a terribly rough ride around Bald and Limestone Heads,but the huge rocks above us were spectacular.
On the final run towards the harbour entry channel,we nearly ran over lines of black buoys,probably oyster leases.Once inside the harbour,we headed for the Town Jetty,as advised by our FSC guide,but found only piles of rocks and earthmoving equipment,as they are remodelling the whole area.A quick radio call to the local VMR and we were rerouted to the Princess Royal Sailing Club on the other side of the bay,where two helpful locals guided us into a safe berth at the marina jetty,where we still are moored.
We have been made so welcome here by the locals and offered every assistance,even a lift into Albany the next morning to catch the coach to Bunbury at 8am.to pick up our car.
That provided a scenic tour through interesting old towns,then we took another route coming back and covered more picturesque areas,reaching Albany just on dark.
We are looking forward to seeing more of the places around here,as what we have glimpsed so far has been spectacular,both from the sea and on land.
This last couple of months have been great,taking daytrips all over the southwestern area,from the Swan Valley,Perth Hills,historic Bunbury,Busselton, the beautiful West Coast area and the hinterland.We even drove down to Cape Leeuwin and Augusta to get an idea of what lay ahead.We visited many wineries and breweries and were given a Margaret River tour by local Ned,whom we had met on the way down from Broome,sailing on 'Othello'.
Marika and Khan's visit was a highlight,catching up after more than 18 months.
Unfortunately,because of strong winds,we didn't do much sailing with them,however we progressed from Fremantle to Bunbury,taking inland sightseeing trips,and they managed to swim,relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Bunbury is an historic city with many well-preserved old buildings and houses,strong links to the early settlers.We preferred Busselton as it is a smaller,friendly town,well-situated in the centre of the wine region,close to the West Coast,with its spectacular bays and beaches and surfing spots.
I
It was here we met Dave and Dale on 'Raffles Class'and later at Quindalup,Hugh and Robyn on 'Georgia',both couples living aboard,when not at home on Christmas Is.which sounds like another paradise.
We have met so many friendly,helpful and interesting people here that it's going to be hard to continue on our way in a couple of weeks' time.Many also have knowledge and experience of crossing the Big Bight.We have ordered a new Delta anchor from Fremantle,so hopefully we will have no further trouble anchoring along the Southern Coast,as these are more suited to conditions here than our Ploughs.
We spent a very rugged night rounding the cape at sometimes less than 2knots,tossed about in 20-30+ gusts of wind and converging currents.
We had intended to overnight at Hamelin Bay,
but by the time we were near there it was too late;it's not a bay you enter for the first time in darkness,so we had to make the decision to continue on around the Cape.There was nowhere to rest until reaching a bay near Point d'Entrecasteaux the following day about 4pm.And then the surf was too rough to go ashore.
Next day with some help from the wind we reached Peaceful Bay,a beautiful spot,but it took 6 attempts to anchor in the tiny rock-strewn anchorage,where two boats was a crowd.
We were not thrilled to hear the anchor drag alarm at 3am.The following day we stayed at Dunsky Bay,,near Torbay Head,an idyllic tiny steep beach,clear blue water,surrounded by huge smooth rocks.
We set out from here with ever increasing winds,on the nose of course,tacking backwards and forwards across the bay,right up under the towering wind-farm mills.
It was a terribly rough ride around Bald and Limestone Heads,but the huge rocks above us were spectacular.
On the final run towards the harbour entry channel,we nearly ran over lines of black buoys,probably oyster leases.Once inside the harbour,we headed for the Town Jetty,as advised by our FSC guide,but found only piles of rocks and earthmoving equipment,as they are remodelling the whole area.A quick radio call to the local VMR and we were rerouted to the Princess Royal Sailing Club on the other side of the bay,where two helpful locals guided us into a safe berth at the marina jetty,where we still are moored.
We have been made so welcome here by the locals and offered every assistance,even a lift into Albany the next morning to catch the coach to Bunbury at 8am.to pick up our car.
That provided a scenic tour through interesting old towns,then we took another route coming back and covered more picturesque areas,reaching Albany just on dark.
We are looking forward to seeing more of the places around here,as what we have glimpsed so far has been spectacular,both from the sea and on land.
This last couple of months have been great,taking daytrips all over the southwestern area,from the Swan Valley,Perth Hills,historic Bunbury,Busselton, the beautiful West Coast area and the hinterland.We even drove down to Cape Leeuwin and Augusta to get an idea of what lay ahead.We visited many wineries and breweries and were given a Margaret River tour by local Ned,whom we had met on the way down from Broome,sailing on 'Othello'.
Marika and Khan's visit was a highlight,catching up after more than 18 months.
Unfortunately,because of strong winds,we didn't do much sailing with them,however we progressed from Fremantle to Bunbury,taking inland sightseeing trips,and they managed to swim,relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Bunbury is an historic city with many well-preserved old buildings and houses,strong links to the early settlers.We preferred Busselton as it is a smaller,friendly town,well-situated in the centre of the wine region,close to the West Coast,with its spectacular bays and beaches and surfing spots.
I
It was here we met Dave and Dale on 'Raffles Class'and later at Quindalup,Hugh and Robyn on 'Georgia',both couples living aboard,when not at home on Christmas Is.which sounds like another paradise.
We have met so many friendly,helpful and interesting people here that it's going to be hard to continue on our way in a couple of weeks' time.Many also have knowledge and experience of crossing the Big Bight.We have ordered a new Delta anchor from Fremantle,so hopefully we will have no further trouble anchoring along the Southern Coast,as these are more suited to conditions here than our Ploughs.
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