The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

CHAP. VII.] DIRECTIONS. 365
especially as nothing is to be gained by approaching it. At page 360
directions are given to proceed along this coast to Tanjong Rajah.
Approaching Gaspar Strait from the Northward.—
In consequence of the northern entrance of Gaspar strait being so near the
Equator, the winds, even in the strength of the monsoons, are very
uncertain, producing a corresponding uncertainty in the direction and force
of the tides and currents. A sailing vessel approaching the strait from the
northward will, therefore, have to be principally guided by the winds and
currents which she may herself fall in with rather than by relying upon
experiencing those which ai-e here mentioned as most likely to be met with
at certain seasons.*
In the early part of the north-westerly monsoon, that is, from the middle
of November to the middle or end of December, northerly and north-
westerly winds are said to prevail, but Horsburgh mentions an instance
of vessels meeting with strong West and W.S.W. winds in December.
As the monsoon gathers strength, and becomes more regular, the wind
draws to the eastward of North, and late in the monsoon easterly and
south-easterly winds are often met with between Banka and BillitoQ.
Horsburgh remarks, that, vessels intending to pass through Gaspar straits
will, probabably, find the southerly current usually found running in the
south-west part of the China sea during the northern monsoon, set to the
south-eastward as the distance is increased to the southward of the line,
and it also appears from other sources, that it is most necessary to be pre-
pared to meet a south-easterly current about the entrance of this strait,
particularly if the wind be westward of North ; but a vessel can be only
guided by a correct knowledge of her position, and by the winds and
currents she may herself experience, in forming a judgment as to the best
means of avoiding the many outlying dangers at the northern entrance of
Gaspar strait.
In thick weather it will always be an anxious time for the navigator
whilst approaching Gaspar strait, for unless good sights can be obtained
he can never be certain of his exact position, and we would again strongly
advise him under such circumstances to steer for Banka strait, where the
soundings on the edge of the bank extending from the Sumatra coast will
enable him to proceed with safety, although he may be quite unable to
distinguish the laud.
Vessels returning from Singapore or China eai-ly in the northern mon-
soon, when the wind is generally North or N.W., and intending to go
through Gaspar strait, usually pass between Toty and Docan islands, ofE
* See the full description of winds and currents in Carlmata strait, which probably
do not differ much from those in Gaspar, page 368.