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when is the best time to sail - sydney to ballina?

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Created by captainadar > 9 months ago, 12 Mar 2014
captainadar
NSW, 4 posts
13 Mar 2014 12:37AM
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hi mates
im new in the forum and in auzi .
sail before only in the other side
need to live the mooring in sydney in the next few weeks - sooo ill be happy to get any tips about the right time for sail with a31 ft from sydney to northern rivers {ballina}
or any other tips for a few sailing day and nights



nswsailor
NSW, 1458 posts
13 Mar 2014 2:20PM
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Why do you want to go to Ballina captainadar?

That port is regularly closed because of its bar. You can be trapped inside for weeks!
What I mean by 'closed' is that its very dangerous for yachts with limited HP to exit the river.
You will notice that all the fishing boats extend their anti-roll gear when entering and exiting, its that bad!

I can say all this as I made the mistake of going into Ballinain in 2011 and I escaped on what VMR called the best
day in weeks and it was a very exciting but dangerous exit that I made. NEVER GOING BACK!! EVER!

But if you need to go north about now is the time, just wait for a southerly to go through and
jump on the back of it until you loose it to the NE'ers. Wait for the next southerly etc etc.

From Sydney to Pittwater to Swansea/Newcastle to Port Stephens to Camden Haven to
Coffs Harbour to Richmond River to Ballina or Gold Coast. Easy.

Have a great trip and don't forget to call into the Camden Haven.

captainadar
NSW, 4 posts
14 Mar 2014 7:19AM
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Select to expand quote
nswsailor said..

Why do you want to go to Ballina captainadar?

That port is regularly closed because of its bar. You can be trapped inside for weeks!
What I mean by 'closed' is that its very dangerous for yachts with limited HP to exit the river.
You will notice that all the fishing boats extend their anti-roll gear when entering and exiting, its that bad!

I can say all this as I made the mistake of going into Ballinain in 2011 and I escaped on what VMR called the best
day in weeks and it was a very exciting but dangerous exit that I made. NEVER GOING BACK!! EVER!

But if you need to go north about now is the time, just wait for a southerly to go through and
jump on the back of it until you loose it to the NE'ers. Wait for the next southerly etc etc.

From Sydney to Pittwater to Swansea/Newcastle to Port Stephens to Camden Haven to
Coffs Harbour to Richmond River to Ballina or Gold Coast. Easy.

Have a great trip and don't forget to call into the Camden Haven.


im living not far from ballina - and looking for a mooring to hold my yacht .
any other better option in the area that is better ?

Jedibrad
NSW, 527 posts
14 Mar 2014 8:29AM
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Yamba

CapnJack
19 posts
15 Mar 2014 10:43AM
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captainadar said..

hi mates
im new in the forum and in auzi .
sail before only in the other side
need to live the mooring in sydney in the next few weeks - sooo ill be happy to get any tips about the right time for sail with a31 ft from sydney to northern rivers {ballina}
or any other tips for a few sailing day and nights



We live at Ballina and have crossed the bar many times in a 38' cutter. Yes it can be dangerous, but early mornings on a rising tide 3/4 full can often be good. If the fishing boats have gone out the night before, it'll usually be OK in early morn.
From Sydney, If you do not have ideal conditions to cross, I'd stop at the Clarence and wait for ideal conditions, you can free anchor off Iluka.
Do not close with the south wall as it has silted up there recently. Follow the leads they are over the deepest water. and when next to the CG tower just stay close on the north side until the leads taking you southish across the stream.
Hope that helps.
PS: Left there last June, now in Albany WA.
jackandjude.com/

santanasaga
NSW, 123 posts
19 Mar 2014 10:32PM
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I live in ballina and agree with jack, cross the bar on the flood towards high tide. Recently the bar in ballina has been better with deeper depths (5m) and therefore safer crossings but dont be complacent. Marine rescue can give good advice. Over 2.5m swell think twice about crossing. Drop me an email when you arrive. I can help out with a tender untill you find one.
As for sailing north, a southerly is useful. Current can be painful. I check currents on bom and head out wide if needed to use counter currents. Other times best sitting in close to 20m contour and using the longshore current heading north. If you have the time experience and well found boat heading to lord howe can help...
Best luck
James sv santana



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"when is the best time to sail - sydney to ballina?" started by captainadar