The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. IV.] THE SISTERS.—NORTH ISLAND. 259
conspicuous tree on the north end of the island may be seen from the
distance of 14 miles.
Pulo Sina, the small islet, lying little more than 1| cables southward of
North island, is covered with bushes, and there is a channel with depths of 8
to 9 fathoms, between the steep coral reefs fringing Sina and North islands.
A coral patch of 3^ fathoms, with 6 to 8 fathoms close to, lies with Pulo
Sina bearing West, distant about half a mile, and a patch of 5^ fathoms
lies nearly 2 cables K.N.W. of it. Sumur hill open eastward of fulc
Logok leads eastward of these patches.
Between North island and the mainland there is a channel nearly a mile
wide with 18 to 20 fathoms water. Vessels taking it should pass about
1 4 cables westward of the island; keeping the summit of Bimau island
open just eastward of the northern Sister, will lead clear of the edge of
the 5. fathom bank extending from the shore.
Anchorage.—Between North and Sisters islands the coast is edged by
a mud bank ; at 2 miles from the shore will be found good anchorage, in
from 8 to 12 fathoms, mud, with North island bearing N. by E. Small
vessels will find good anchorage between Sisters islands and the main, in
a or 3 fathoms water.
In the easterly monsoon, there is a considerable sea at times ; vessels may
then anchor under the lee of North island, in 10 to 16 fathoms, mud and
sand. The holding ground is generally good in these anchorages, but the
bottom should be ascertained before anchoring, as many isolated patches of
coral exist.
WORKING through SUNDA STRAIT during the
NORTH-WEST MONSOON.—The best route is between Zutphen
islands and Stroom rocks (p. 241), giving Zutphen islands a berth of
1^ miles, thence work up by short tacks along the coast of Sumatra to
Hog point. In working through the passage between Sebuko and
Sumatra, pass either northward or southward of Tiga islets, as the strong
currents and hard squalls may allow, thence to the northward of Tims
island, and between it and Sungal, or through Lagundi strait.* In this
manner a vessel wiU make a quick passage through the strait, if the wind be
not too variable, besides having the advantage ofanchoring on the east side of
Sebuko island, or in Lampong bay, if the currents or winds be too strong.
There are, however, on record, many instances of vessels having worked
out of the strait along the coast of Java, during the westerly monsoon, with
more ease and celerity than could have been effected by stretching into
Lampong bay, in consequence of the westerly current having at those
times developed its chief strength along the former side of the strait. See
tides on pages 230-231.
* This route is not known to have been effected by the earthquake of 1883, but great
caution should be observed.
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