When a weather windows appears, we have to take it, otherwise we will be stuck in one place for longer than desired and need to compromise on the schedule later down the track. So on Friday, after the VDL social BBQ when all the discussions of weather synopsis and predictions had subsided, Joel and I made the decision that we would leave early the next morning (Saturday) and head towards Stanley before the north westerlies set in for a couple of days. If you recall when we got to the Tamar Yacht Club, we had bow lines attached to pylons, and so with much muscle power Joel had re-tied the bow lines with longer lines so that I would be able to let us off without assistance. As it turned out Ron, who drives the dinghy, guiding yachts in and out of their pens, was up early too and there to render help when required. It was a smooth exit ( too busy though to be taking documenting photos!) and we enjoyed the ebb of the Tamar as we left. About 2/3 of the way out we noticed a large shipping vessel also leaving the Tamar and the wave of wash on their bow was a timely reminder of how small we were! Thankfully by increasing our engine speed we were able to stay on course but it was cool to hear the marine traffic watch announce our boat name over the radio for the pilot on the ship to watch out for.⚓️ |
We weren’t the only boat making the decision to take this opportunity to push on from Beauty Point, and five other VDL boats were also out on the water on Saturday. The rest of the fleet are staying until Monday or Tuesday I believe. So it was fun to have other boats around on the monitor all heading in similar directions. Two boats went in to Devonport, 1 to change crew and carry on and the other to stop for the night. We saw the Spirit of Tasmania leaving for their day crossing, but it was a very quite morning after that. |
Now to avoid the prevailing winds that were due Sunday we set the alarm and at 5am (!) got up in the dark and pulled anchor to motor the 15 miles to Stanley. It was lovely really to arrive so early in the morning and know we had the whole day in a familiar town to enjoy. Of course getting into little Stanley Harbour was another problem, with fishing the dominant trade here we didn’t want to be stepping on anyone’s toes, or rather their boat lines! Another VDL boat, Woolloomooloo was already here, having been an hour or so ahead of us they pushed through the head winds to arrive the night before. They gladly took our lines as I threw them up the 6ft or so to the dock. That’s another factor here in the north west, the tides. They are huge! So we needed to adjust our lines long and loose to accomodate the 9ft low tide (you don’t want to be hanging by your lines!) |