Lakes Entrance bar Victoria Australia

[Sandy Beaches]

Hi all,
I am planning to bring Meltemi (Wauquiez Centurion 40) up form Tasmania in the next month or two heading for the Gippsland Lakes for a month or two.
Obviously I must cross the Lakes Entrance bar which has a poor reputation. I have been told that due to sustained recent dredging that bar conditions have improved a lot and that it is nowhere near as hazardous as in earlier times.
Does anyone have direct, recent experience of the bar and any useful advice to make my planned passage that much safer. I am quite experienced in boating and sailing but have not crossed this bar. I will have an experienced crew with me so will not be shorthanded. I certainly wont be sailing in. Motor only. Being cautious I would like as much knowledge as possible before I attempt it.
thanks all
Ian

[Connected]

In 2012 a group of us sailed from Geelong and crossed the bar without problems, as have several others from RGYC since. There were 7 boats in our group and we were treated like royalty - the Harbour Master even came out and escorted us in. We draw 2m and there was plenty of water. Get the tide right, avoid swells from the E and SE and follow the leads, which are much simpler than in the past. There is a good website covering the bar conditions and I would also advise contacting the Harbour Master in advance for advice. PM me if you need more info. I could probably put you in touch with others who have been over more recently.


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