Sydney to Melbourne Yacht Delivery - Info?

[Jim Mc]

Hi all , If anyone has done the trip , Sydney to Melbourne [ not cruising , just delivering ] and would share their experiences, in time taken between ports , crew numbers and do's and don t's ect . would be much appreciated .
Regards Jim

[stillbuilding]

Stops will be weather dependant. If you get a good northerly just go for it quickly with the right wind. Can keep out a bit and pick up the SE current or just hug the coast.

Bermagui, Eden, Refuge, Westernport are all weather stops. Usually a good 1.5 - 2 day sail between so not too onerous.
Can do many other ports if the weather threatens - just get in before it hits.
Read Lucas' book "Cruising the NSW Coast", listen to all the weather updates.

Coast watch or whatever they call themselves are good to stay in touch with for weather changes and contact.

Take enough crew so you can share the watch. Depends on your boat and availability I guess. One good experienced crew is good, others if possible.

Take lots of snacks, can pre cook food for the overnights if hugging the coast.

Count on being stuck somewhere for a while so couple of good books and your favorite flavours. No mobile phone reception in Refuge but pretty good otherwise right up the coast.

Northerlies are OK for Refuge to Melbourne/Westernport. Otherwise wait for the westerly change to go thru and go for it, accepting a bit of a swell for first part. Once you get round Wilsons Prom you can assess the weather. Cut in between the Prom and the islands to save time. If it is a bit too rough for comfort then pull in behind the Glennies and wait for it to settle.

Check your times for the Entrance. Can anchor under Woolamai or Flinders if the times are not of your choice.

[Jim Mc]

thanks stillbuilding.
Regards Jim

[meanda46]

I motored Meanda back (lack of masts) in Feb this year solo with no autohelm etc.
Day hopping is great until you stop at Eden. From there its non stop to corner inlet well over 24hrs. A good rest and next stop is Western Port or Port Phillip Bay, again 24hrs +
If you dont know PPB, remember to hit the heads at 1/2 tide which is slack water. It runs up to 9kn and can be deadly.
Log on with Coast Guard Sydney and your tracking sheet will cover the whole trip on VHF, in fact you can get sick of the log ons there so many, but you know your covered.
Kiama, Jervis Bay, Batemans bay, Eden and Port Welshpool were my stops

[Jim Mc]

Meanda 46 , Thankyou.
Regards Jim

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by meanda46

... If you don’t know PPB, remember to hit the heads at 1/2 tide which is slack water. It runs up to 9kn and can be deadly...

Slack water usually happens near high tide and low tide, but in some parts of the world, slack water does not coincide with the high or low water reversal. This occurs at many river mouths, or where a large bay opens to the ocean through a small outlet.

PPB seems to one be such:
➥ Port Phillip Sea Pilots - Currents, Tides Tidal Effects, and Weather

[stillbuilding]

I am sure you will be aware of the rip at PPB heads. Books have been written on it and pubs and yacht clubs up the coast are full of experts who have their tall tales.
Too many years ago my wife and I in out 28 footer nervously sat at Queenscliffe waiting for "the right moment" gleaning and reviewing all the advice. Wondered if we should just take up day sailing or buy a caravan instead until a professional fisherman drawled that "he'd probably go right now". So we did! Great run down to the Prom, across to Eden and well after that we were hotshots weren't we.... Gave up the idea of the caravan.

[Normanby]

Reviving an old post...

Jim - did you end up doing the trip? How'd it go?

I ask because I'm driving to Sydney (from Melbourne) next week to look at some Compass 28's. I may buy one.

Given that it's now winter, are there more favourable times of year for such a trip?

And is doing it solo in a 28 footer madness?

I'm sure trucking it down here isn't too outrageously expensive, but i'm sure the boat would prefer to be in her element...

[Coops]

A Compass 28 will cop a lot of stick and just shake her shrouds and laugh. One tough little boat. Hope that you get a good one.
Can be a long and rough trip. May not be madness, but it is masochism solo.

Coops.

[Normanby]

Thanks uncle Coops!
I was trawling some other posts about this and noticed a comment from you about a Swanson 28.
I didn't realise they were full-keeled too. You mentioned that you found them ugly, and i do too, but they sure look to have a luxurious interior.
Are these "tough as an old boot" too?
How would you compare a Swanson 28 to a Compass 28 as far as their ability to take the rough stuff?

[Coops]

Design wise, rough weather, probably not much in it. But a lot of Swansons were home finished and that could make a difference. I have done Sydney to Lord Howe in a 31' Swanson Carmen in some really rough seas and was so impressed that I eventually bought one. The 28 is a bit slower of course and most likely the Compass would sail rings around it, but that is only supposition on my part. If i was living on board a lot, the Swanson 28 would be my choice, for pleasure of sailing the Compass would win for me. Be wary of osmosis in both.

Coops.

[Normanby]

Thanks!

[Alasdair]

I owned a Compass 28 for 4 years. Great safe boat though a little on the slow side. Need to watch sail trim and reef mainsail if wind greater than 14kt to oviod excess weather helm. Ensure it has a decent size diesel. Mine had the Yanmar yse8 and the boat struggled to make 4kt in flat windless water, evan with clean hull and prop. Watch for Osmosis.

[Normanby]

Today I've looked at 2 Compass 28's and one Swanson 28.

The Compasses were the best, the Swanson was very sadly neglected, with numerous deck leaks and consequent mould, wobbly stanchions, etc....

My dilemma will most likely be a choice between:
1. A well-kept boat for around $23k.
2. A poorly kept boat for $16k.

I think I'll wind up going for the well-kept boat, especially since i'll be sailing her down to Melbourne, easier to sail a boat that's right than to work on the boat in unfamiliar waters.

In either case, osmosis is a deal breaker.

[sctpc]

Go No1 cheeper in the longrun and easyer to maintain, plus you may get it cheeper