Mark wrote -
I am planning some small coastal excursions in the spring which will involve several hours of non-stop sailing solo.
G'day Mark,
I am a more than a little interested in these coastal excursions of yours. That's why we had a recce around Port Albert etc recently. To see if a similar 'adventure' might be considered. Our conclusion was Westernport could be considered but only if the tide was taken into consideration. Of course, Port Phillip Bay does offer an Investigator many opportunities to sail from place to place.
I have sailed a OTB regatta at Bateman's Bay on my Maricat and I certainly felt the ocean swell there but never thought about poking my nose outside. It's an interesting phenomena for an inland sailor - feeling the ocean swell.
I had a bit of a look at Google Map. And I noticed your yacht club had some links to PDF format charts from NSW Maritime. Based on the charts it does look like there are places for you to hop to from Bateman's Bay.
One of the issues for us on our own reconnaissance was: If we launch here, then where can we go from here, and what's there at that end to support our trip?
So Mark, what journeys are you considering?
In fact, maybe we can widen the discussion. What trips do people do from time to time where they overnight somewhere other than where they launched. I'm not talking about out and back in one day stuff but the little adventures possible in our sturdy little craft.
Coastal Excursions
Coastal Excursions
Last edited by Dr. Peter on Wed Jul 18, 2012 7:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Peter
Pip #127
Pip #127
Re: Coastal Excursions
Peter:
Thanks for the interesting post and I think it might be useful if we had a wider discussion on this topic.
I am a cautious sailor, and so in planning my excursions beyond the Tollgates I plan to take it slowly. Approaching the Tollgates if I turn to port then I head North my options are really limited to two destinations, Durras, and Ulladulla. I plan to try for Durras first - its about 6NM from the Tollgates not a long distance but you are in the Tasman now and it can get very blowy and the swell can be up to 7 Metres not far off shore. I have been sailing off the Tollgates quite often and I am also a volunteer for Marine Rescue NSW here at Batemans Bay, as a consequence I have had the opportunity to experience the seas off shore albeit mainly from the luxury of a large rescue boat.
I think the Durras run will be ok if I pick the right conditions, also once you get there there are two areas of the bay you can shelter and anchor if needed but I plan this as a long day trip, all around about 20 NM. I also plan to do it with one of my sailing companions with his yacht alongside. Ideally I would have someone else on board also but may not be possible. This trip will commence once the weather warms up a little probably late August or early September. Ulladulla is a long trip about 6 hrs from BB and may never be achievable in an I563 but it has a small safe harbour for mooring and is worth considering for the future.
If you turn right at the Tollgates you head almost due south the main destination there is Broulee where there is a sheltered anchorage in the lee of Broulee island. Again similar distance and should be a day trip.
Further south is Moruya which has a bar crossing into the river for anchoring. Thats an overnighter and can be tricky crossing the bar. This one I'll think about.
I plan to spend some time this week on the Tasman side of the Tollgates to get some more experience out there.
Boat preparation:
That damned forward hatch. I put rubber sealer on it about a year ago and the hatch is firmly secured but I worry about that as a weak point for water permeation. Although when I wash down water never gets in. I have the old one hinge model. Have thought about sealing it permanently but I like it open for cooling in the summer. Not much to do abut that at this time.
Thats it for now. Comments welcome.
Cheers
Mark
Thanks for the interesting post and I think it might be useful if we had a wider discussion on this topic.
I am a cautious sailor, and so in planning my excursions beyond the Tollgates I plan to take it slowly. Approaching the Tollgates if I turn to port then I head North my options are really limited to two destinations, Durras, and Ulladulla. I plan to try for Durras first - its about 6NM from the Tollgates not a long distance but you are in the Tasman now and it can get very blowy and the swell can be up to 7 Metres not far off shore. I have been sailing off the Tollgates quite often and I am also a volunteer for Marine Rescue NSW here at Batemans Bay, as a consequence I have had the opportunity to experience the seas off shore albeit mainly from the luxury of a large rescue boat.
I think the Durras run will be ok if I pick the right conditions, also once you get there there are two areas of the bay you can shelter and anchor if needed but I plan this as a long day trip, all around about 20 NM. I also plan to do it with one of my sailing companions with his yacht alongside. Ideally I would have someone else on board also but may not be possible. This trip will commence once the weather warms up a little probably late August or early September. Ulladulla is a long trip about 6 hrs from BB and may never be achievable in an I563 but it has a small safe harbour for mooring and is worth considering for the future.
If you turn right at the Tollgates you head almost due south the main destination there is Broulee where there is a sheltered anchorage in the lee of Broulee island. Again similar distance and should be a day trip.
Further south is Moruya which has a bar crossing into the river for anchoring. Thats an overnighter and can be tricky crossing the bar. This one I'll think about.
I plan to spend some time this week on the Tasman side of the Tollgates to get some more experience out there.
Boat preparation:
- I have done a lot of work on Aminee over the past year and its in robust condition, but recently made some more changes in anticipation of being in more challenging waters. First off I have resealed the pop top and added securing latches so it can't pop off of if get a knock down. Its tight and firm now and basically waterproof from large waves.
I have also made a half washboard to slot in place in rougher weather but also allow access to radios etc. This is basically to prevent was freak wave flooding the cabin.
New strong tiller and self steering device.
Extensive check on all rigging for wear and or weak points.
Careful check on mainsail for wear and made small repairs.
New Mainsheet.
Installed EPIRB and checked all safety equipment
Have remote GPS tracking in place so I can also be followed via the web, but NO AIS s too expensive
That damned forward hatch. I put rubber sealer on it about a year ago and the hatch is firmly secured but I worry about that as a weak point for water permeation. Although when I wash down water never gets in. I have the old one hinge model. Have thought about sealing it permanently but I like it open for cooling in the summer. Not much to do abut that at this time.
Thats it for now. Comments welcome.
Cheers
Mark
-
SoloSailor
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2010 2:43 pm
Re: Coastal Excursions
Hi Mark,
I saw your photos in the gallery section; Aminee looks great. Enjoy the sailing. I look forward to reading your trip reports.
Warm regards,
Mel
I saw your photos in the gallery section; Aminee looks great. Enjoy the sailing. I look forward to reading your trip reports.
Warm regards,
Mel
-
Ozzie
- Posts: 1728
- Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 1:07 pm
- Investigator Boat Name: Spritzig II
- Location: Lake Macquarie
- Contact:
Re: Coastal Excursions
Mark. I have long pondered the front hatch problem and would consider that for blue water work you need multiples of these
http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/prod ... s_id=11107
These are toggle down clamps for caravan pop tops . A larger stronger version of the small SS ones Bias sell. I have a small bias one but have not fitted it yet as it seems a bit anemic but probably would do for enclosed water. I may fit two, one either side . If you were worried about the single hinge you could fit one large one at the top and two at the bottom . They are 20 dollars each but actually pull the hatch down tight and importantanly are easily opened in an emergency . I think you can still get ones with a locking T slot that you can put a small padlock through. But you could use this for an easily removable pin for added security in rough seas. I have two of this type on my caravan for a folding step.
Other option I thought of was a tight fitting brace across the door slotting into two U brackets bolted on the hatch either side of the window. Once again quick to remove in an emergency.
The rest of your preps sound A1. Following you posts with interest.
http://caravansplus.com.au/catalog/prod ... s_id=11107
These are toggle down clamps for caravan pop tops . A larger stronger version of the small SS ones Bias sell. I have a small bias one but have not fitted it yet as it seems a bit anemic but probably would do for enclosed water. I may fit two, one either side . If you were worried about the single hinge you could fit one large one at the top and two at the bottom . They are 20 dollars each but actually pull the hatch down tight and importantanly are easily opened in an emergency . I think you can still get ones with a locking T slot that you can put a small padlock through. But you could use this for an easily removable pin for added security in rough seas. I have two of this type on my caravan for a folding step.
Other option I thought of was a tight fitting brace across the door slotting into two U brackets bolted on the hatch either side of the window. Once again quick to remove in an emergency.
The rest of your preps sound A1. Following you posts with interest.
Ozzie
Investigator #143 "SPRITZIG II"
The Mariner - “It’s too strange here. It doesn’t move right." ...
Enola - “Helen said that it’s only land sickness."
Waterworld (1995)
Investigator #143 "SPRITZIG II"
The Mariner - “It’s too strange here. It doesn’t move right." ...
Enola - “Helen said that it’s only land sickness."
Waterworld (1995)
Re: Coastal Excursions
This is the most simple if you dont have a window in the forehatch. However you need to drill a hole in the middle of the hatch for the bolt, and seal with rubber gasket and washer. Then a strong piece of wood on the inside, a large wing nut, and you are done! It is a classic "strongback" as used in sailing ships of old.Other option I thought of was a tight fitting brace across the door slotting into two U brackets bolted on the hatch either side of the window. Once again quick to remove in an emergency.
I recommend an autopilot for solo sailing http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... =autopilot
They are expensive, but have the advantage of quick on/off. Disadvantage is the latest versions only have magnetic compass control. I had one many years ago which also had an economical wind vane, but nowadays it is complex and big bucks if you also want the wind vane option. Both the Autohelm and the Simrad units are good, with the Simrad said to be more waterproof, but no digital readout.
Main hatch slides: Mark, your hatch slides in your video look like they are marginal. The fibreglass hooks on the edge tend to break, and then cannot hold the hatch down. We have some discussion on this site about it, I will find the link when i have more time.
Edit: http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... lides#p320
In the meanwhile, check out Palamida's hatch slide, you get a quick glimpse near the end on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VomD6Xf0rM.
It has added a locking down strip on the side of the hatch.
Ian B
Ex Investigator 563 #50 Yara
Ex Investigator 563 #50 Yara
Re: Coastal Excursions
Ian
My hatch has previously been modified to have what look like aluminium slides put in place and that is what is slides on, i.e. the hatch does not slide only on the fibreglass. This makes is quite firm if not a little sticky as it runs on that funny old material screwed to the pop top runners (looks like the stuff you used to see circuit boards made on when I was a kid!). I keep looking for something to replace them with, Nylon polymer strips I think would be good but haven't found anything suitable. Regardless, the hatch is secure with this reinforcement so not too concerned.
Thanks for other comments re front hatch, will ponder best solution. However its firmly locked in position currently with the previous owners own mod and won't open unless I release the couplings in place, I am more concerned about water egress but will run some experiments on that again with a hose to understand what might need to be done.
Cheers
Mark
My hatch has previously been modified to have what look like aluminium slides put in place and that is what is slides on, i.e. the hatch does not slide only on the fibreglass. This makes is quite firm if not a little sticky as it runs on that funny old material screwed to the pop top runners (looks like the stuff you used to see circuit boards made on when I was a kid!). I keep looking for something to replace them with, Nylon polymer strips I think would be good but haven't found anything suitable. Regardless, the hatch is secure with this reinforcement so not too concerned.
Thanks for other comments re front hatch, will ponder best solution. However its firmly locked in position currently with the previous owners own mod and won't open unless I release the couplings in place, I am more concerned about water egress but will run some experiments on that again with a hose to understand what might need to be done.
Cheers
Mark
Re: Coastal Excursions
Hi Ozzie thanks for feedback and link. Checking it all out.
Regards
Mark
Regards
Mark
Re: Coastal Excursions
Thanks for the reply, Mark. Its the sort of information that makes me think - hey, what about putting in at Bateman's Bay. I find relatively short sailing legs add to our sailing pleasure so the short hops you describe sound attractive too.
I like that there are options both north or south it's just the sort of adventure (with a careful look at the weather forecast) that appeals to us. Being out on the Tasman would add an extra element to the whole adventure.
Going North could you overnight at Durras and then go on to Ulladulla the next day? If you left very early in the morning from Durras then you could have a lot of daylight to reach Ulladulla. Going South would it be possible to stage at Broula Island and then go on to cross the bar at the best time?
I like that there are options both north or south it's just the sort of adventure (with a careful look at the weather forecast) that appeals to us. Being out on the Tasman would add an extra element to the whole adventure.
Going North could you overnight at Durras and then go on to Ulladulla the next day? If you left very early in the morning from Durras then you could have a lot of daylight to reach Ulladulla. Going South would it be possible to stage at Broula Island and then go on to cross the bar at the best time?
Peter
Pip #127
Pip #127
Re: Coastal Excursions
Peter
you are correct in your comments, all are possible under the right conditions. I have travelled up and down this part of the coast by car looking at the various harbours etc and working out what is achievable for an I563 I think my proposals are realistic. If you are ever up this way let me know in advance and we can plan some sailing excursion.
best
Mark
you are correct in your comments, all are possible under the right conditions. I have travelled up and down this part of the coast by car looking at the various harbours etc and working out what is achievable for an I563 I think my proposals are realistic. If you are ever up this way let me know in advance and we can plan some sailing excursion.
best
Mark