Maiden Voyage - Hastings to Cleeland Bight
Our first proper trip since relaunch, and first time in Bass Strait! The leg was about 37 nautical miles, or 68 kilometres long. Our final destination was Refuge Cove at Wilson’s Promontory which was 103 nautical miles from Hastings, or 190km. We considered doing it in one leg overnight but the with a favourable forecast and no time restrictions we completed the sail in 3 days, anchoring overnight at Cleeland Bight and Waratah Bay.
The BOM wind forecast for 13/05/19 was great with 20-25 knot Northwesterlies. There was a decent swell from the SW this day. The Red Bull Cape Fear surfing comp was held on the same day at Shipsterns Bluff in Tassie.
Departing Hastings Marina at sunrise
Water storage. Heart of Gold has 2 X 100L flexible bladder style water tanks under the V berth. They fit snug and probably hold about 80-90L each when full due to the shape of the cavity. We also have about 20L extra water stashed in water bottles in various places.
Looking North from Hastings towards the Yarra Ranges
We timed our departure with the outgoing tide which at times had us running at 7 knots out through the channel leading to Bass strait. One area near McHaffies reef was a little sketchy with had steep standing waves. Here we’re passing the Nobbies on Phillip Island.
We had a downwind run in about 20-25 knots for most of the leg. Partly furled jib poled out and first reefed main. Looking at this pic the spinnaker pole could use a downhaul to prevent it lifting. Cape Woolamai in the distance.
Navik windvane steered beautifully. It will keep the boat sailing on a certain point of sail, constantly adjusting the tiller to maintain a straight course. Hands free sailing, although if the wind shifts direction, the course will change as the Navik steers to maintain the wind angle. This is the same windvane that broke when sailing across the Tasman. Dad was able to fabricate a new bracket out of steel to replace the cast aluminium one that failed during that voyage.
The view forward from the cockpit. Bulkhead compass mounted in the washboard was installed by the previous owner. We remove this board when not sailing and have a second board with no compass to lock the boat up with. Raymarine chartplotter is mounted on a series of RAM mounts and pivots from the cabin into the cockpit. Obscured by the companionway doors are wind and speed instruments on the port side and depth to starboard, Marine speakers by JL audio. All relatively protected by a strong canvas dodger which the stainless steel frame is partly visible.
Albatross
The Pinnacles, Cape Woolamai
The San Remo bridge connects Phillip island to the mainland. It has a stated clearance of 12m, although a police officer from Phillip island told me clearance is actually 13m. Heart of Gold would be able to go under the bridge, making for a shorter trip but we preferred to sail around offshore. Parks Victoria provides temporary moorings inside Cleeland Bight where this photo was taken from.
Moored up in Cleeland Bight for the night, Stoked on a successful first trip!