Gone Cruising

We anticipated a 20 hour trip to Apollo Bay and we had to time it right so as to leave Port Fairy on a high tide and arrive at Apollo Bay on a high tide and in light.

We planned to leave at lunch time with the winds in our favor (Easterlies-no Easterlies cross fingers). Leaving at 1.30pm we had favorable winds of 15-20 knots gusting to 23 knots. Swell and Sea 3 meters from the SW quite rolly but still it was good to be actually sailing (pleasant to the ears) and not motor sailing. The water maker was put on to fill the tanks on the way.

Just half way we experienced strong rain squalls of 30 + knots forcing us to reef the headsail right in until they passed, quite scary as the boat rounded up but they were short in duration. We could see them coming and were worried about traveling through the night and hitting one. Lucky that did not occur but it kept us on our toes. The temperature dropped during the night making us rug up, but we felt quite well protected from the elements in our cocky's cage.

The cliffs where the 12 Apostles are were very impressive but we were too far out to see them. We saw lots of large ships some coming very close again keeping us on the constant lookout. Approaching Apollo Bay the wind dropped, our speed dropping to 2 knots, I passed Apollo Bay 3 times as the tide pushed us back again. Dolphins came close and were leaping and twirling in the air near the boat, in the early mooring light it was fascinating to watch and really enjoy (amazing that this action is natural and not just for the show circuit).

The entry into the fisherman’s harbor is quite tricky. The swell is across the entrance, which is quite narrow. If one does not time it well I can see that there would be problems. It is documented that several boats have come to grief here and there has also been loss of life as a result.

All three yachts are tied up on the itinerant wharf. Very clean and the surroundings are impressive with huge green rolling mountains as a backdrop and a very lovely beach (kid safe) with town in the middle. It is quite touristy but a lovely place to investigate.

This is our last stop on mainland Australia as we now head for Tasmania via King Island.

We waitied again for the right weather window, and during this time the yacht "40 something" rafted upto us (we had met them during the blow in Robe) on thier way back to Melbourne.

Tracy celebrated her 44th birthday with a champagne breakfast, Paul cooking the pancakes and Lilly making a scrumptious birthday cake.

Assorted Photos of Apollo Bay