We have a 37' catamaran based in Sydney and are thinking of doing the Airlie Beach race week this August. We do not have a lot of free time from work so will probably bring the boat back south in September. I keep hearing stories of endless bashing into south easterlies and was wondering what experience people have with this trip. Do you get weather windows of lighter winds or winds not on the nose. i would expect the wind to ease as you get further down the Qld coast. I spent many years in Brisbane and during August/September you get a mixed bag of big westerlies and clear light wind days.
In short, Is it as bad as everyone says it is???
HI
I sailed my S&S 36 back from Airlie to Brisbane in Sep2105. Had no problems at all. A bit more motoring than the sail north but all in all an easy trip. Waited out a little 3 days blow in 1770.
Hi Doug.
If you can put your return trip off until October your chances get better, The South easterlies taper off at the end of September, Start of October and if you don't get the much sought after northerly you will at least get a calm to motor in.
Yes the trades can be nasty when a developed SE wind blows and it is made worse by the tidal influence of the Shoal bay/Broadwater sound areas where tides of seven meters can stand the seas up quite a bit.
What sort of cat are you going to compete at Airlie in ?
Thanks hangtime. the cat is a pescott summerhaven 11.4 called Loose Cannon. Not definite yet for ABRW as still have to try to fit in work commitments but I'm trying.
