Sometimes, indeed almost always, the simplest advice is the best. While we were waiting to install the new furler onto the inner forestay at Port Lincoln I was told that to sail South Australia in the winter we should ".. wait for a high to develop in The Bight that has a centre pressure of 1030Hp or more and then go like hell, for as far as possible." This advice has been invaluable in our passages over the past 4 weeks.
Tomorrow we set off for a short journey to American River at Kangaroo Island. It is a shame that we will not go further because the optimal conditions for sailing in winter, in this part of the world, are coming together. To explain this, I have attached the predicted synoptic charts for the next week.
Friday 2/8/2014
Saturday 3/8/2014
Sunday 4/8/2014
Monday 5/8/2014
Tuesday 6/8/2014
Wednesday 7/8/2014
Thursday 8/8/2014
As you can see, a massive high is developing in The Great Australian Bight, then slowly moving east. It is predicted to have a centre pressure in excess of 1030Hp and will sit over us for at least 3 days. This system is typical of those that we have moved with over the past 4 weeks and they have each delivered prefect sailing conditions.
So it is possible to have good cruising in the South of Australia in winter. What you require is good weather information, a safe and secure place to hide between systems and then just wait for a high to develop in The Great Australian Bight with a centre pressure of greater than 1030Hp and then go like hell!!
In all this, TIME is the factor and as our good friends and mentors, Andrew and Carolyn would say "... there is always another weather window. You just need to wait." So wait we will, fish and explore before catching the next 'pressure bus' that will take us further down the road of this adventure.
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