Hello all,
Any tips on sailing south from Manly in February, through to South Australia, are very welcome. Relative beginner sailors, have bought an older but solid 34' grp yacht, with auto pilot, new rigging & sails, diesel in good condition, new anchor winch, inflatable, safety gear, etc. Two of us aboard. Have copy of Rob's Passage Planner. Wondering what what weather to expect late summer south of Manly?
My 2c worth, get someone to come along that has done plenty of offshore cruising.
I'm guessing this is your 1st offshore cruise so learn as much as you can from someone who knows
Thank you rumblefish, advice noted. Have done Manly to Peel o/n return OK. Strong NE on way back. Columbia 34 did well, had all sails up, lots fun. Rob (husband) has done some offshore cruising years ago, to Vanuatu with experienced sailors. My experience consists of Bruni Island, Derwent sailing on my Grandpop's 33' welded in front yard temptress class, as a kid. Not afraid of strong blows 
Keen to know which anchorages are the good ones, south of Manly, in one day sensible sails, at roughly 5 knts to Refuge Cove. If there are any gems. Gathering that the winds are mainly NE to NNE along s qld coast late summer with some shocker S to SW too? We aren't cruising way off the coast, not enough experience for that yet.
Once you're in South Australian waters you should enjoy lots of SE and SW winds at that time of the year. NE (head winds) will be rare.
Here's some info I've compiled on sailing in SA:
blog.arribasail.com/p/sailing-south-australia.html
Definitely put in at Robe, which is a lovely historic town, and very popular summery getaway.
Kangaroo Island is well worth the (slight) detour too. If you have time, it's worthwhile exploring the north coast of the Island.
