Close Hauled to Eden
We are in Eden! Arrived in Twofold Bay Friday night around 21:10. <br><br> We had a good night's sleep at Broulee. We had intended to get up at 0500 or so for the 80NM (about 150Km) passage down to Eden. Not having been to Eden before, we had hoped to arrive with some twilight left. <br><br> However, at 0500 and indeed for quite a few hours after, it was pouring with rain and there was no wind. So, we had a bit of a sleep-in and left at 08:15. From the start, the wind was from an unexpected direction and probably a land breeze. This suited us and we sailed close-hauled (ie the yacht is as close to the wind as it can be and still move forwards). With current against us (because of the long blowing Southerlies), we made slowish but okay time to Narooma. Then the wind swung around to 12-15kts from the SE which is perfect for Pastime. We were soon romping along at anything up to 7kts (close hauled) all the way South from Montague Island. Given the seas into us, we only got a couple of big waves over the bows and did not get more than a spray of salt water. It was cold (16deg) so we had on four layers of clothing. Amazingly, we received no rain- fantastic! By the time we reached Twofold Bay, we were more than a couple of hours ahead of schedule. <br><br> We saw one large seal on the way but no dolphins this time. <br><br> When we got into the Bay, it was pitch black due to clouds and the fact that the moon had not risen. There was a lot of light from the big woodchip mill, but none of that was useful. There four four large ships. We had hoped to anchor in "Snug Cove" but it was starting to look a bit dicey as we had no visibility. Then we turned on the computer so we could use the electronic charts to get close to our destination. For the first time, Mr Microsoft (our non-friend) decided that Windows would no longer recognise our mouse. So, forget the electronics. We manually plotted a different course to the bottom of the Bay and anchored there about 45mins later. No dramas, but we were a bit tired and slept well. <br><br> We had averaged a touch under 6kts for the passage down and were delighted with this plus the fact that it had been such an excellent sail. <br><br> Then, this morning, we pulled up to the wharf and John from Coastal Patrol kindly brought down our replacement rubber ducky in his 4WD. How kind! Carrying it back would have been a pest and we have not seen a taxi here. <br><br> The first weather window for a while opened up this morning and six boats left for Tassie. <br><br> We will leave early Sunday morning and hope to arrive at Deal Island in Bass Strait some time on Monday night. <br><br> We might get seas up to 3M in Bass Strait according to the forecast, but hope they do not get quite that big. <br><br> So, the next blog will hopefully be from Deal Island.We will be there for a few days waiting for a strong low pressure system (and nasty winds) to pass through then it will be off to the Tamar River and Launceston. <br><br> For the first time, we have no internet on the boat because there is no 3G coverage in Eden. So, this comes to you over the slow HF Radio link and Sailmail. <br><br> All the best, <br><br> Penny & Dave
