The Great Australian Bight Crossing 7-12th Feb, 2014. Technical review.

This post was obviously written after our crossing of The Great Australian Bight. The outline of the conditions at each stage, aligned with the actual synoptic situation gives a practical perspective of the passage. The synoptic charts were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology metEye Archive. As a general comment, we would say our timing was wrong. We should have waited longer at Middle Island for better conditions. Leaving to cross The Bight with an approaching cold front and cyclonic activity developing in Northern Australia was a poor decision. Having said that, summer is less harsh and even though we encountered some 'bad' weather, it was nothing compared to what this stretch of ocean can offer.

Day 1 - Friday 7th February

Wind speed: 10-15 knots
Wind direction: SE
Boat speed: 6-7 knots

Swell Height: 1.5-2.0m
Swell Direction: SW with some SE component

Comments:
Conditions were good with low swell and very little fetch. Boat rode well with very little slamming.



Day 2 - Saturday 8th February

Wind speed: Variable up to 25 knots and stronger 30-35 knots in the evening
Wind direction: SW
Boat speed: Up to 8 knots under reefed head sail, no main

Swell Direction: SW with SE component
Swell Height: 2.5-3.0m

Comments: Approaching cold front generated thunder storms and strong squalls. These moved in a SE direction leaving strong winds, larger swells and a confused sea. The sailing was vigorous under heavily reefed rig.



Day 3 - Sunday 9th February

Wind speed: 10-15 knots increased to 25-30 knots in evening
Wind direction: E/SE
Boat speed: 6 knots

Swell Height: 2.5-3.0m
Swell Direction: SW with large SE component

Comments: Motor-sailed most of the day because the wind angle made for insufficient progress under sail.  Hove-to in the evening and deployed the sea anchor because conditions deteriorated too much. Remained hove-to for 13 hours.


Day 4 - Monday 10th February

Wind speed: 15-20 knots
Wind direction: E/SE
Boat speed: 1.5-2 knots

Swell Height: 2.0-2.5m
Swell Direction: SW with large SE component

Comments: A most unpleasant day. Motored all day at approx 1800 revs to achieve 18 nautical miles. Boat slammed all the time and rigging loosened.



Day 5 - Tuesday 11th February

Wind speed: 5-15 knots
Wind direction: SE
Boat speed: 6-8 knots

Swell Height: 1.5-2.0m
Swell Direction: SW with SE component

Comments: Pleasant sailing day. Tacking into wind but made good ground with wind angle to boat at approximately 45-50 degrees. Motored when wind dropped in the middle of day and then had a exciting sail in the evening. Clouds and rain developed during the day. The swell dropped and the sea was calm.



Day 6 - Wednesday 12th February 

Wind speed: 10-50 knots
Wind direction: SE/E/S/NE
Boat speed: 1-8 knots

Swell Height: 2.5-3.0m
Swell Direction: SW

Comments: In the morning and early afternoon the sailing was the best of the passage. Boat speeds in excess of 8 knots were achieved under full main and jib and then reefed main and full jib. In the evening however, all hell broke loose. A severe storm front developed in the north and then hit us with squalls containing 50 knot gusts and buckets of rain. We motored into Streaky Bay at 1-4 knots for 4 hours to cover the last 12 nautical miles.

Would we do it again? No need: we have done it once and we crossed The Great Australian Bight because we are sailing around Australia. Were we scared? Yes, but not to the extent that we could not control the situation. Did we learn anything? LOTS. We feel we are better sailors for this experience. The boat sails faster and we have no difficulty nor compunction to hove-to if the going gets tough. Would we recommend that you do it? Only if you have to! This is not a stretch of water to 'just have a go' unless you are a John Sanders or an Around The World racing sailor. Cruising sailors will find this a challenge; a challenge that if conquered, will make you a better sailor.