Bali to Lombok in a 35 ft Monohull: Bad Idea?

[ianmchenry]

Hey everyone!

The Air Gadis has made its way to Benoa Harbour in Bali and we are looking to head over to the Gili islands for a few days.

The pilotage claims currents up to 8 kts through Lombok Strait and gives the approximate directions (though not speeds) based on the season and time before/after high/low tide.

But we were wondering if anyone had any experience making this crossing and had any advice. Our engine can only get us going about 6 kts, so we cannot power through very strong currents. And the crossing is long enough that you don't seem to be able to time it to ride a slack/favorable tide the entire way.

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[SaucySailoress]

Sounds to me like you'll need to takeyour time and use your anchor when the tide runs against you!!

[sharkbay]

Hi,

The strait is over a kilometre deep (the Wallace line) Although there are guides on the tides and currents, they did not work for me and finding my way North near the Bali coast ( sail to land in case of engine failure) to the wider part of the strait where the current is less, while trying to stay in bands of less unfavourable current before crossing properly worked for me. I have seen over 4 knots, but only in the narrow part S of Benoa.

In 2009 I spent some days in the area in May and again in July and never found any sustained northerly current independent of tide.

Also- have you noticed that many of those small fishing trimarans are happily doing their stuff without any engine at all? It can't be that bad when they're around.

Are there any locals with better info?



Hope this helps.