Pastime of Sydney- 2009 Adventures

We got to the jetty so Penny could do some last minute shopping. It was so rough that the boat slamming into the jetty burst one of our three fenders.

Then, with some apprehension, we approached the bar. There was quite a swell of over a metre rolling in. With only 8 inches of water under our keel, we did not want to get dumped on the shallowest spot between crests of the waves. We made it through (just) and anchored in the only spot with some Southerly shelter. It was pretty miserable and improved a lot when we put out our home made "rocket stppers". These were brilliant....at least until night fall when the very strong winds abated, leaving us lurching broadside to the big waves. We had a sleepless night with the bouncing around.

So today, after a particularly heavy rain shower, we headed of to Broulee, which is only about 12NM away. We had a cold and "vigorous" trip with the 3metre waves on a 3 metre swell and 20-30kt winds into our faces much of the time. Fortunately, at the start and at the end we could use one sail which greatly steadied the boat and stopped the aweful lurching motion.

We are wondering why people actually sail down South! We have decided we must be mad. The temperature today has been max 17deg and it has been raining for a couple of days...

We are quite comfy now anchored in the lee of Broulee Island at the South end of Broulee. Some soup and warm clothes are helping restore our equilibrium.

Tomorrow, we hope to make Eden which is 80NM away.

Thanks for the messages, particularly Val and Mike- loyal reders!

Best Regds,
Dave & Penny