Report at 1430 local time. Departed Southend yesterday morning. Overnight trip crossing from South Australia to Victoria around midnight. As advised we stayed outside the 150m depth line in SA and the 100 metre line in Victoria during the night and had no issues with craypots. Once we crossed into Victorian waters, the winds came up from a useful direction and we had a fast sail to Port Fairy. We have tied up to the town dock in this popular seaside town. Can't wait to have a shower, go for a walk and buy bananas.

Report at 1600 local time. Departed Southend this morning. Slow motor or motorsail down the South Australian Limestone Coast. Just crossed the 100 metre depth line; have been advised that we should not see craypots beyond the 200 m line. Plan to sail, or motor, overnight, for arrival in either Portland or Port Fairy tomorrow.

A seven hour motor sail on flat seas and a gentle 1 metre swell from the south-west took us from Robe to Southend in Rivoli Bay. Now anchored behind the fleet of fishing boats in 4 metres. Managed to dodge all the craypots but picked up kelp on approach to the anchorage. Post anchoring Peter dived in to cut kelp off the starboard rudder. The port engine is now behaving well.

Arrived safely in Robe this afternoon (Monday) and have tied up in the marina. It was a lovely sailing day with northerly winds from 8 to 12 knots. Came across craypots only once we were south of Cape Jaffa; and only a few in number. It looks like we may have to enjoy the delights of Robe for a couple of days while the southerlies blow. Currently working on the port engine, in the hope that this time we fix the overheating issue.

Came through Backstairs Passage with the tide late morning yesterday. Motored overnight in calm conditions. Now sailing under jib and reefed main. No craypots sighted yet. Planning to make landfall later today, at Robe or Cape Jaffa, to hide from tomorrow's forecast southerlies. All is well on board.

Departed Port Adelaide at 9pm local Saturday 22 December. Port engine overheated. Sailed overnight on a lumpy sea. Pulled into Second Valley at dawn to deal with the engine issue. Problem solving involved Peter diving into the sea to check inlets, removing raw water pump and using the Pilot Bob method which involved using the deck wash to flush sea water back through the saildrive and clear the blockage. After two and a half hours, the issue is resolved and we are ready to head off once more. Would like to stay and enjoy one of our favourite places but the wind is right to go.

 

Making final preparations to depart after a year of shore leave. Hope to set sail late this evening and head towards Tasmania. Will stop along the way as dictated by the winds.