read testimonial - Schionning Designs

cockpit it was evident that the weather had changed with rain and a 2 meter ENE swell. Water was
spraying off the starboard side hull as it cut through the swell. I relieved Janis and took over the
helm checking the Navigation computer and our track over the last 4 hours. I could see that Janis
had been constantly correcting our heading to account for the swell. This continued over the next
few hours until we reached the Tweed River entrance, the swell had increased to 2.5 meters and
choppy. “Baby 2” was rising and leaning into the swells as they approached from the starboard side.
I consider the option of entering into the Tweed Bar but decided against this as I was much more
familiar with the Gold Coast Seaway. I steered “Baby 2” to the NE on a gentle angle to gradually set
her up for the Seaway entry. On Passing Point Danger the rain came down in buckets reducing
visibility to 75 meters. The further north we went the rougher conditions became with the swell
increasing to 3 meters and the wind gusting to 25 at times. I was thinking the last few miles and this
was what was on offer, we pushed “Baby 2” along making no more than 4.5 knots. The last few
miles to the Seaway certainly tested our skills, equipment and “Baby 2” all performed well. ON
approach to Gold Coast Seaway I radioed in to the Tower and was advised that the Seaway was
passable but rough. I decided that we would take a heading into the Seaway at 250 degrees and
came in closer to the north wall. On my approach “Baby 2” responded magnificently the Honda
motors pushing us through and we entered the bar without mishap.
I radioed to Seaway Tower that this was our home port and thanked them for their assistance
cancelling our OTC sheet. (Sheet with details of vessel persons on board, emergency contact
numbers, our next port and estimate time of arrival there.)