Around Wilsons Promontory 17th June

From Oberon Bay we looked out and decided the sea and wind had settled a bit from yesterday, so we headed out to have a go at rounding the Prom. This is the southern most point of mainland Australia and also ours on this trip. We tacked up to the point in the lee of the Prom and thought we were doing OK. Once we poked our head around the bottom end things changed dramatically. The sea was a rough mixture of swell and current and us punching into it. Wind (20kn) and spray were going everywhere. Some of the waves were huge and Rene bucked, tossed and belly flopped off backless waves all the way around the southern end. FUN!! Unfortunately, due to the conditions, we didn't really enjoy the dramatic scenery all around us. Also there is a Traffic Separation Zone here that directs shipping around the point. You are allowed to go directly across at right angles only if necessary. Of course a ship came along and we had to keep an eye on our position and it as well.

The lighthouse came into view and then thankfully it wasn't long before we could bear away and head for Refuge Cove on the eastern side of the Prom. It was still rough, but at least a little more comfortable off the wind. Soon Refuge Cove entry came into view and we blasted in through the opening amongst the rolling swells. Once inside the sea calmed down and became flat. We tucked into the southern corner, which seemed to be the most sheltered and were glad to drop the anchor after four hours of unpleasant, 22nm sailing.