The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. VI.] DIRECTIONS TROM THE SOUTHWARD. 325
Frederick Henry rocks, the shore bank should be approached to those
depths off Batakarang point ; standing towards the rocks, a vessel should
tack when the water deepens to 9 fathoms, which depth will keep a vessel
about one mile westward of the rocks, there being from 12 to 16 fathoms
close to them. Working through eastward of Frederick Henry rocks
(should the buoy be adrift), it must be remembered that Monopin hill
bearing E. ^ S. leads one-third of a mile southward of the rocks, and
bearing E. by S. leads the same distance northward of them. The clearing
marks for Transit rock must also be observed. See page 315.
Mr. Stanton strongly recommends vessels working in either direction
through the strait, or proceeding through with a fair wind and contrary
tide, to avoid the Sumatra coast and keep on the Banka shore, between
Lalarie point and Tanjong Tadah. He observes that hitherto it has been
the custom for all vessels to work along the Sumatra coast, where they have
not only a strong wind but a constant current to contend with, consequently
sailing vessels have been delayed two or three weeks, and instances are
known of vessels being a month making the passage through Banka strait,,
whereas a smart sailing vessel, by keeping on the Banka side, taking
advantage of the tides and following the directions given below, may make
the passage even in the full strength of the monsoon in three or four
days.
The advantages gained by keeping on the Banka coast are as follows :
A vessel may carry a fair tide all the way through by starting from
either extremity at low water, as the tidal waves from the China and
Java seas meet near Nangka islands ; prominent hills and points, with
a gradual decrease in the soundings give confidence to mariners when,
steering for the land ; a strong land wind will be generally experienced^
during the night, when the regular monsoon is blowing in the middle of
the strait and near the Sumatra coast ; and in the strength of the
monsoon regular tides will be met with on the Banka shore, while strong
currents will invariably be found setting to leeward along the Sumatra
shore.
DIRECTIONS.—Banka Strait from the Northward.
—A vessel having passed the Tujuh or Seven islands, and steering to the
southward for Banka strait, will find no diflSculty in clear weather in
determining her position, which can be readily done by cross bearings of
Gunong Penyabung (Saddle hill) and Monopin hill ; under such circum-
stances the strait can be entered on either side of Frederick Henry rocks
by attending to the directions given at page 324. But in thick weather it
often happens that no land can be seen until the vessel has arrived
very near to the entrance of the strait and at such times it is imporlant to