I have been sailing in Lake Macquarie in my 34 ft yacht 18 months and want to take my sailing to the next level and go for a sail outside
can anyone give me some advice on using the channel I have used it before but not in a yacht. I didn't have to worry about the bridge or depth at the bar etc
any advice would be appreciated
First up, I'd go out as part of a group of two or three, not on your own so you can follow. Have a hand held VHF on deck so you can listen in.
Remember that all on board will have to have PFDs on as it's a bar crossing. The channel on the east side is pretty well patrolled and I've seen them ping plenty.
Once you've done it, it's pretty easy. I've been going in and out since 1974 and have seen all sorts of catastrophes, including broken masts where they didn't have enough steerage in the tide. We had one fellow follow us in once and I told him to stay close behind my Adams10 transom. He deviated a little and ran aground in his Mottle820. I've run aground twice but considering the two verses how many over the decades, it's not bad.
You probably know most of this.
But this is my list.
look up Swansea bar camera
Call Marine Rescue LM if unsure of conditions.
High tide going out and coming in, if you can.
Book the bridge at least 60min prior.
life jackets.
Have someone spotting if you can. depths can change. Especially after storm events.
Be careful of the public moorings. When I was bringing my boat home from Gosford in December, we tied onto the public mooring. The wind and tide were against each other and we ended up with the mooring rope under the boat. Was lucky not to get it caught on something. My mate, who sails a lot, noticed it and we opted to get off it and motor around for the last 10min before the bridge opened.
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/using-waterways/bridge-opening-times.html
www.marinerescuelakemacquarie.com.au/index.php/information/visiting-lake-macquarie
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/using-waterways/web-cameras/swansea.html
Cheers
The few times I've gone through the channel on other boats, they motor all of the channel. Sails are dropped way before the channel. They are experienced sailors.
Select to expand quoteBJRobinson said..
The few times I've gone through the channel on other boats, they motor all of the channel. Sails are dropped way before the channel. They are experienced sailors.
It is ok to sail the channel, and I always have the main up for a bar crossing. Just drop them for the bridge.
I last went out over xmas & ran aground going out (even with a spotter on the bow) so I asked Marine Rescue for an escort when I was coming in - they love the opportunity to get out & guide you if they're not busy. I draw 2.1 so I always go in or out 2 hrs after high tide - there is a 3 hr delay in the channel & this gives me a rising tide to lift me off if I run aground. I always motor as I have very little wiggle room the way it is now.
Be mindful of the flood tide if your aiming to be at the bridge at high tide ( going up stream ) east of swan bay where the martime / VMR pens are the current rips there the bridge area also. The VMR that coordinate the bridge. Also offer a pilot service
