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Old 20-02-2016, 23:37   #1
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Port Davey Approachs ???

What is considered the best approach for Port Davey when arriving from South West Cape?

The southern approach between Breaksea Island and Shanks Island or north between Breaksea Island and Boil Rock?

While it may be weather dependant, let's assume it isn't heavy westerly
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Old 20-02-2016, 23:55   #2
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

wottie, we've always done it from the southern side. A remarkably well protected entrance, in a place that often needs it!

And if you arrive late in the day, Spain Bay, just outside of Breaksea, is a good spot to overnight.

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Old 21-02-2016, 00:02   #3
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Thanks Jim.
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Old 21-02-2016, 00:11   #4
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Jim,

Re Spain Bay, on the AUS176 chart, there appears to be very small isolated spot of land near the middle of the entrance but then again the chart suggests this area un-surveyed - have you eyeballed Spain Bay in real life and if so, is that little spot there or not???


EDIT:

I note that google earth shows something sticking out of the water!!!
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Old 21-02-2016, 00:52   #5
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Wottie, if you keep to the right hand side of the entrance, there is no problem... it is quite readily visible in even poor light. The shore is steep to on the right...

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Old 21-02-2016, 01:03   #6
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Nice picture of waves crashing on your "spot" on google earth!
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Old 21-02-2016, 01:09   #7
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Thanks for that 2nd Wind,

Yup, that helps you locate that reef, but it really is visible, less so in overcast and calm conditions, when you must pay particular attention.

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Old 21-02-2016, 03:15   #8
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

I've always gone in south of the breakseas, but I've often left via the north passage. No particular reason, it just seemed right.

Both are pretty straight forward. Much of the swell seems to get dissapated by the gradually shoaling bottom, and there doesn't seem to be nasty tidal effects. So even outside the breakseas conditions seem much better than on the coast.

It certainly has been an easy part of the voyage on all my trips so far. I guess in a real snorter of a westerly neither entrance would be fun, but then that whole coast would be even worse!

Again I've always gone straight into schooners cove most of the time. Bit of a swell creeping into Spain Bay last time I was there.
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Old 21-02-2016, 03:43   #9
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

If you don't draw too much, into Hennat Inlet along western shore, or even behind Lourah Is is well sheltered. I have always found holding good, but others have differed! Good dingy trip down inlet, then walk across to Stephens Bay, if you can find a way through the scrub around the edges!!
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Old 21-02-2016, 16:28   #10
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Hi Wottie
All the advice is good. You can see the reef in the middle of the entrance to Spain Bay. Spain Bay is a good place to anchor for the night before an early start to return to the east round the south of Tassie.
Jeremy Firth suggests approaching inside Swanson Island and Nares rock when coming from the south but we think that takes you a bit close to land. Better to come in wide and pass between the Breakseas and Shank Island. It is marked "SOUTH PASSAGE: on the Navionics charts. We left to return south the same way. Further to travel going north of the Breakseas when we don't think it is any safer.
Only go in good weather! We copped 70 knot gusts in Bathurst Channel and left to return two days later with swells still at 5 m. Hairy leaving but not unsafe. Great sail back to Dover in the day. This was when doing the VDL-C in 2013.
If you go to Bond Bay watch out for an uncharted rock at about 43°15.132S 145°54.867E. That is not a precise position. All I remember is we hit the rock leaving the bay going slowly. No damage, but we did have a lot of weed on the prop and keel.
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Old 21-02-2016, 18:11   #11
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Port Davey is quite good to get into. We took the North Passage as we were coming down the West Coast. Also in about 65 - 70 knots and not a cloud in the sky with some higher bullets coming through between the mountains as we got closer. Once inside it's some of the best cruising grounds you'll find anywhere. Wild country with plenty of exploring to do. ENJOY
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Old 21-02-2016, 20:52   #12
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Re: Port Davey Approachs ???

Welcome aboard, kim123!

Ssshh! Y'all don't want all those Yanks coming to Pt. Davey!!! Don't let's tout it!

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