Hi everyone
I'm planning to sail my jeanneau 34 to New Caledonia in 2017 in May. Some people recommend leaving from Coffs Harbour.
I was wondering what the best weather pattern is. On a forum is read that it is good to wait for a slow moving low around Sydney. What are people's thoughts on this? Bob Mc Davitt also gives regular recommendations as to when to depart.
Also what is the best way to travel with other yachts. Is there any particular forum or web site that may help?
Thanks
John
I did it in 2014. My advice was to not leave from North of Coffs and to go on the back of a receding southerly so you can make as quick a dash eastward as possible.
In the event it was a huge stuff around but quite enjoyable. Winds were all over the place but we made it!
Via Lord Howe and Elizabeth Reef both of which are well worth visiting!
Hi John i did it in May this year left from brisbane, japie is right, wind was all over the place, some days no wind other days to much
But overall was quite a good easy trip
Thanks
I don't mind when it gets light, my Yanmar only uses a litre an hour. And it means it's calm
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/down-under-rally-go-east-info-day-tickets-27289500631
These guys organise a group trip over with help with customs etc. They are going again in May 2017. I am hoping to go to this info day myself as it is on my to do list to do the trip.
I have sailed to New Cal from Coffs - and had a great run - a tad under 7 days on a 31' boat...
The benefit from leaving south is as you get into the SE trades (which can be reinforced) you have a better angle and don't need to tack to lay NC. making as much easting while you are still south is the best move.
We waited for a fresh SW change to come through and then jumped off from Coffs into 25-30kts. this petered out about 2 days later, we had calms for a day and then the SE filtered in for the rest of the trip.
Remember this is the Tasman/ coral sea and it will throw a few punches occasionally. some good weather routing software and grib files is a great help in predicting sailing options.
Don't leave with a large high greater than 1030hpa over australia also helps. Fair sailing!
