Sorrento to Queenscliff cruise 3rd April 2016

[SimonP]

The Victorian TS16 Association is running this cruise for members. Guests would be welcome

Sorrento to Queenscliff Cruise
3rd April 2016
Hartley TS 16 Association of Victoria

We will be cruising across southern Port Phillip Bay from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, well clear of the Heads, weather permitting. Both towns are renowned for their old world charm, architecture, cafes, galleries and shopping. This cruise is ideal for those who prefer sailing as a means to an end, not an end in itself.

We will be launching from the Sorrento Boat ramp, with all yachts to be on the water, ready to leave, at 10 am. A fee of around $10 is payable for boat launching and trailer parking at the ramp.

The cruise is 11 km (average 2 hours) each way. An outboard motor is advisable in case the winds are unfavourable.

There will be approximately 2 hours free time in Queenscliff to relax, have lunch (either self-catered or bought), and visit the varied galleries and shops. We plan to leave Queenscliff between 2 and 3 pm, depending on conditions, leaving ample time for the return crossing and yacht retrieval. If time allows we may be able to sail past the "Chinaman's Hat" seal and the "Pope's Eye" seabird colonies.

Free overnight accommodation is available for up to 8 people in the leader's beach-house at Blairgowrie, 6 km from the ramp, on Saturday if members do not wish to travel from home to Sorrento on the morning of the cruise. Preference will be given to those members who reside furthest from the launching site.

Please note that all Association cruising rules apply
As this is a sailing and motor cruise both the skipper and the boat must have current registration.
The Water Police may be patrolling the bay and will be enforcing blood alcohol and drug laws, as for drivers on the road. Note that the maximum passenger carrying capacity of a TS16 is 5 adults. A child up to one year old is not counted, and each child under 12 counts as half an adult (but try telling your children that!)
We will be traversing “Enclosed Waters” in the bay. Refer to the current Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook for safety equipment requirements or go to http://www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/m ... ed-vessels
Please ensure that your painter and cleats are sound, to enable you to be assisted or assist any boat having difficulty
We will be mooring in Swan Bay, and may need to raft up. Please ensure that you have enough fenders for both sides of your boat.
Plan for your comfort: remember to bring warm, windproof clothing, sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent.

Please direct all enquiries, suggestions and expressions of interest to the cruise leader Simon Purser 0407 515 379 (text message preferred) or email purser@arc.net.au

[SimonP]

What a great cruise we had on Sunday!
Five Hartleys, beautiful weather, tides just right, a pod of dolphins, light winds on the way to Queenscliff, easy mooring in Swan Bay and a leisurely two hour wander around lovely scenic Queencliff. My wife loves the galleries and I love the op shops and cafes.
We had a lively beat back in a steady 10 knot breeze past the Pope's Eye gannet and Chinaman's Hat seal colonies
A couple of boats had equipment breakages, but all got back safely
A lovely way to celebrate my birthday with my wife, one of my sons, and a great bunch of fellow sailors

[dbs]

Pics from SimonP:

[ColinO]

Hello Simon
The picture that shows you guys tied up to bank with the timber posts. Are there any issues there with access, rocks, drying out or time limits for staying overnight? Would a few 18's and 21's fit there. The last time I was there there was a jetting with a sign stating that trailer sailers had prioity but members of another forum said locals and fishos just ignored it. Glad to hear that you had a good time. We were sailing around French Island last weekend in moderate to fresh conditions on Sat. to get to Spit Point and "better motor to get over the hump" conditions on Sunday morning. As an aside, when we arrived back at Hastings, the Water Police were checking all the fishos but ignored the 5 of us. We were all compliant but even when questioned they didn't have a solid reason why we were left alone.

Colin. 18-21 Yc.

[SimonP]

Hi Colin

We tied up near Swan Bay mainly because the new marina is toughening up on day visitors
When we have sailed across in the past it's been fine to tie up to the marina visitor berths for an hour or two, but now they charge a fee and insist on a third party insurance policy number

There are no rocks but it does become very shallow at low tide
Our cruise was timed to coincide with rising water
There are no signs regarding overnight stays, but once again you might have to consider the tides
On a solo trip last year we tied up overnight while staying in a B&B overnight, and the boat was fine
You'd be OK with a couple of TS18's, but a 21 might be pushing it for space and water depth
You definitely need good fenders, as some of the posts have rather nasty rusty bolt heads sticking out of them

You were brave to question the Water Police on why you weren't being checked! That's like driving past a road-side laser a couple of times just to check that you really are under the speed limit!
Everything is legal on my boat, but I would still have high-tailed it out of there