Singapore to Australian East Coast

[barney1964]

Hi all,

suggestions on the optimal route, time of the year and distance would be appreciated.

Its about 3,400 nm at 30,000 feet - what about sailing around bits of dirt?

What time of the year is preferred - when should be avoided?

At say 5 knots, and generally 'not dilly dallying', how long should this trip take. (ie) could a bit over a month at least get you to say, Cairns or Townsville?

Any other tips or tactics?

Cheers & sincere thanks

Barney 1964

[Mr B]

Avoid November to March, Cyclone season,

But a Cyclone is 300 miles in diameter, So you can sail around them,

The QLD coast is like 5000 miles or so, Allow 500 miles to avoid for Cyclone, The rest of the coast is good sailing at the same time,

Aussie weather tells you Precisely where the Cyclones are and which way they are travelling,

The whole diameter of a Cyclone travels at about 6 to 12 miles an hour, They are easily avoided

[barney1964]

Thanks Mr B, that's good advice.... sometimes, with landforms and reefs, finding searoom can be a problem in some of the waters envisaged .... I am interested if some replies will be split beyween (a) leave Australia to port / (b) leave Australia to starboard!! I am hopeful a suggested route through Malaysia and Indonesia may be suggested.....

[ozskipper]

My only choice to get to townsville would be leave australia to starboard. Unless you really really really want to see the west coast , SA, Vic etc.

bear in mind that once you round cape york and start heading sth, you will be sailing into the winter trades if you choose the "safer" winter season for your trip. Inside the reef will give you plenty of nice anchorages along the way as well as shallower waves. But you will still have trades on the nose for a large proportion.

You would plan to aim for Darwin first to complete customs etc.