Best weather to head north from Sydney in May?

[Boracay]

I'm planning to head north from Sydney anytime from next week onward so I'm looking for a really good weather window.

So far I really need wind less than 20kts (preferably less than 15), wave period greater than 8 seconds and swell less than 1.5m. Got to keep the senior crew happy.

I'm planning Sydney to Broken Bay (about 25nm) then Broken Bay to either Lake Macquarie (about 45nm, but only if the bar is good) or Port Stephens (about 80nm).

My estimated speed is 7 kts.

Any suggestions on how to choose the best weather window?

[dirkdig]

I have found the website www.bom.gov.au to work really well.
Go to marine and ocean tab and look at the predicted wind.
Found it to be spot on most of the time

[stillbuilding]

Can go with anything other than a Northerly or brutal SE.

We had several motor-sails against NE winds from Sydney to Port Stephens and managed OK but bit choppy. From there up you probably just pick your two day window and go for the next port. Unless you get a good Westerly or Southerly and want to cover ground quickly - then just go for it as far as you can. Good weather reports and advice from Volunteer Coasties on VHF all the way.