Thanks for the info!
Was thinking to get a laminated chart, so the link will come in handy~
Will also buy a radio, It will be handy. Many times I have found a mobile
gets more coverage than a radio and a better way of getting help. I know
from my year in the NZ coastguard that 80% of our callouts came from
mobiles, with very few from VHF.
Good points re: reefing in the main, this was something i was thinking
about
too. I may skip this though... I dont have enough time to send the sail
off to a sailmaker, and would be a bit hesitant about trialling self made
reefing on a holiday - could bring things to a halt. My plan is more to
not
sail on days when the wind is over 15 knots, just hang out on the beach or
motor if needed. Having the roller furler means i can drop both sails
pretty quick.
I totally agree on the lifejackets! and good information re bullets and
currents. I try to plan for tidal currents when considering my route to
make better time and have an easier life, but it's very hard to be
accurate
with this without local knowledge.
Do you think i really need to carry flares? I will be beaching the cat in
the afternoon and camping on the beach... I've always considered flares
more a night only kind of a thing. They're probably a requirement though
for this area?
What are the mosquitos like at this time of year?
I took heaps of pictures when i was sailing in pittwater, but I rode my
new
bike up from sydney to mount isa and lost both my mobile phone *and*
camera
on the way :-( I hadnt transferred any of the pictures to my notebook
either. Will try to take a bunch on thie holiday, I bought a waterproof
camera bag for my new camera.
Thanks!
Shaun
"D Parker" <nospamozskipper@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:4750c32c$0$24881$5a62ac22@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hi mate...
>
> Mobiles dont get good coverage around many islands-relying on one is
> dangerous. Very dangerous.. Buy a hand held vhf to use. and log in with
> VMR before and after each sail. The motor is a great idea. Whitehaven
is
> a definate stoppover point as is Nara inlet which has some public
moorings
> to tie up to.
>
> There are no public toilets in the isolated areas..So you will need loo
> paper and make sure you are allowed to "dump on a log" if needed.
>
> Speak with national parks. Many areas dont allow camping. Though I guess
> if youre sleeping on the Tramp its not really camping. Rather, its
living
> on board ;-)
>
> You will need an anchor if you want to stop and fish. Otherwise, I cant
> see a reason to carry one if you are going to beach the boat at night.
>
> You should wear a life jacket at all times on a cobra- Its a small
boat!!.
> Not wearing one is foolish in that area of the country as there are lots
> of "bullets" that whiz around headlands and points etc. Having said
that,
> It may be and idea to tie a couple of empty milk bottles (or foam bouy)
to
> the head of your mainsail. Should you go over, the bottles will keep the
> mast afloat and prevent the cat from going turtle.
>
> A laminated chart is also a must have! think you can get them here
> www.boatbooks.com.au
>
> You could consider putting a reef in the main- or even pick up a smaller
> main as backup. Say something off a hobie 14 or NS 14 for instance.- It
> would make a good boom tent regardless . If the sou-easters come in they
> can be quite strong. Up to 25knots which is a bit wet and hairy on a
> cobra. The last thing you want to do is cartwheel the cat with all that
> gear on board.
>
> You should have a ball however. There are some wonderful places to
explore
> and fantastic little bays that the big boys cant get into.
>
> The currents there are very strong in places. But because Cobras are
quite
> fast the currents may not effect you greatly. But watch for "overfalls"
> all the same. The water can be quite confused in them. You will find the
> current stongest in the deepest water and weakest close to shore. So, if
> you find yourself battling a current, go and hug the shore.
>
> Oh yeah.. Flares!! Orange smoke for Day and red flame for night.
>
> Keep us posted.
|
