The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP.iv.] CAPE OP GOOD HOPE TO STJNDA. STBAIT. 223
the wind blows almost constantly from some western point, and seldom'
with more strength than will admit of carrying full sail ; Whereas in A
higher latitude the weather is frequently boisterous and sWmy, with
sudden changes of wind.*
In the South-east Monsoon, that is from the middle of ApriL<
to the middle of September, vessels, having passed St. Paul island, should
not edge away too quickly to the northward^ but should endeavour to
reach first as far to the eastward into the south-east trade wind as the
meridian of Java head, crossing the southern tropic in about 102° E. In
this season a westerly current runs along the. south coast of Java, and in
the months of June, July, and August, when it is at its greatest strength,
it will be indispensable to be well to the eastward, or otherwise the vessel
will be liable to fall to leeward of Java head. In the vicinity of Java the
south-east monsoon also veers sometimes to East or E.N.E.
In the North-west Monsoon, that is from the middle of
October to the middle of March, but especially in December and January,
the southern tropic should be crossed several degrees to the westward of
the meridian of Java head, when a direct course can be steered for Sunda
strait, or to make Engano island, or the land about Flat cape, the southern
extreme of Sumatra. Great care must be taken during this monsoon
nofr to fall to leeward (eastward) of Java head, for the westerly winds
blow with great violence along the south coast of Java, and their strength,
united with the strong current setting to the eastward, make it imprac-
ticable to work to windward along this coast ; a vessel may thus have to
steer to the southward, and re-enter the south-east trade, in order to make
sufficient westing to fetch Flat cape. When nearly on the parallel of Java
head, and . one or two degrees to the westward of it, a direct course may
be steered for the strait, with an allowance for a probable current setting
to the southward.
If contrary winds be met with shortly after leaving St. Paul island,
in- November, December, or January, a vessel may steer at once to the
northward, and cross the tropic in 80° or 90° E., when she will meet with
westerly winds to carry her to Sunda strait.
Changing of the Monsoons.—During the periods when these
changes occur, thaf is from about the middle of September to the end of
October, and from about the middle of March to the end of April, the
winds are variable and uncertain. It is advisable at those times to make
sufficient easting in the south-east trade, to bring .Java head nearly North
* Some navigators prefer making their easting in a higher latitude than 39° or 40° S.
whilst others steer a more direct course for Java head than is here recommended : but the
above direotions are those usually followed in H.M. ships, and are generally believed to
be the best.