Stage 2 - Esperance to Kangaroo Island 2013

Monday 22nd April around 0900 hrs Liz and I plan to sail to Lucky Bay for one night, Duke of Orleans Bay for night two, then Middle Island for possibly two nights.  After Middle Island the next landfall will be Kangaroo Island, with the potential of calling into Coffin Bay SA if the weather dictates. 

At present we are well accommodated by the EBYC, who provide us with a marina pen, hot showers and toilet for the very reasonable rate of $20 per day. 

The next blog update will be when we reach Kangaroo Island.

Esperance Bay Yacht Club

We sailed the 15 nm to the EBYC in 10-15 knots NW wind (the first time the wind became favourable!!!!) and received a warm welcome from Kevin at the Club marina.

This will give us a chance to re-supply with water and fuel and swap my present crew of Gerg and Mike, with my wife, Liz.  The next stage will be the Bight and mobile coverage will not be available until we get to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. 

Investigator Island to Butty Harbour

We left Investigator Island after a big cook up breakfast (not much reason to stay) in a light ENE breeze and again decided to motor sail to Butty Harbour in order to arrive there before dark. 

Butty Harbour was a delightful surprise, a U shaped bay providing good protection from east to northwest winds, crystal clear water and excellent holding.  The Dinghy was unfolded and we explored the sand hills and beach to the east of the anchorage.  The following day we made the decision to stay another night and walk to Butty Head.  This spot was another highlight of our sail to Esperance. 

 

 

 

Bremer Bay to Investigator Island

Leaving Little Boat Harbour, we motored around to Bremer Bay and had lunch at the river mouth just outside the town.  White sand and crystal clear water with good holding would summarize this spot, however strong easterlies may make it uncomfortable for an overnight stay. 

After lunch at 1300 hrs we headed off motor sailing for Investigator Island in a very light ESE breeze.  These conditions stayed with us all night and 15 hours later and quite a few litres of diesel, we hove to 3 nm off the Island to await daylight.

Investigator Island consists of two very large rocks joined by a rocky saddle, forming a U shaped bay facing south.  The holding is excellent, but the anchorage is 15 to 20 meters deep and providse a challenge when pulling up a 15 kg Rocna on the end of 20 m of chain.  An electric anchor winch is beginning to sound inviting.

Dillon Bay Little Boat Harbour - day four

A long day sailing in drizzly cool conditions and yes, the bloody wind was in the east!!!!  We anchored in the usual weed bank in possibly the most picturesque bay so far, crystal clear water, white sand and very green vegetation.  All this was just west of Bremer Bay and about half way to Esperance. 

So far we have not seen another yacht on route or in any of the anchorages and only one commercial fishing vessel.  Considering how beautiful the anchorages and coast line are, this is a bit surprising - maybe its the easterlies.

Cape Riche - day three

Another day beating into easterlies. all but very light, but again rewarded with a great place to drop anchor on the northwest corned of Cheyne Island.  Again we had to anchor in a seaweed bank and again the Rocna held tight. 

We walked to the summit of the Island in cloudy showery conditions, but the temperature was surprisingly warm and a "quick" swim off the boat made up for no shower on the boat. 

Having completed three days coast hopping, we are all becoming settled into the boat routine and the pre-prepared meals made by Carmen and Liz have been most appreciated - well heated up by Greg and Michael. 

Cape R

Cheyne Beach - day two

Only a short day today, arrived at the Cheyne Beach anchorage at 1100 hrs, dropped anchor in a mat of ribbon weed, and watched the herring fishermen load their catch into crates and truck to market. 

Another day of easterlies and lumpy seas, but rewarded with a great anchorage and near perfect scenery.  I'm becoming very impressed with the Rocna Anchor and its ability to hold in thick ribbon weed, showing no sign of dragging even  with the motor in reverse - can be difficult to break out when leaving. 

Two Peoples Bay - day one

Left Albany at 0830 hrs in the rain with a stiff easterly and tacked our way out of the Sound, reefed down the main and rolled in some of the headsail as we passed Breaksea Island to starboard.  The wind gods had decided to see if we were dinkum.  Arrived at Two peoples Bay at 1500 hrs and dropped the anchor in 3 m of water.  Sat back with a cold beer and admired the picturesque scenery as the wind died completely out. 

All ready to go.

Ready to leave on 10th April

The wind vane steering system is now better understood and works well, even down wind, the new main and headsail have been fitted and trimmed up, fuel and water loaded and all owner manuals for AIS, Chart Plotter and Standard Horizon VHF have been read through and more importantly, understood.