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Skills of our mentor and skipper Denis Richardson saw us shelter behind Anser Island where we had brief respite from increased pitching and rolling of our vessel “Baby 2” and a good opportunity to fill our main tanks from our reserve of 9 x 25 litre containers. Calculation at sea is a vital part of the journey as running out of fuel is not an option as one can appreciate. However our expectation of the consumption of fuel for the Honda motors was spot on 6 litres per hour for each engine with an average speed of 8.44 knots at 4750 rpm. Once clear of the islands in the southern end of the Prom we entered Bass strait proper at 39.1565 degrees south we rounded the Prom and its series of small barren islands (Skull and Wattle Islands) and it was time to alter our heading to north east anything further north would great bonus as we would be shelter somewhat by the peninsula to the west of our position. This is a good position to be in for winds from west ‐south west but no assistance for easterly winds or swell. However we had planned access to a safe mooring from all elements in Refuge Cove if needed. As luck would have it the conditions remained calm and our predicted window of opportunity for good weather for crossing the notorious Bass Strait was correct. We had planned a 3day window of opportunity to
allow plenty of time for the 36 hour journey to Gabo Island which is located on the south eastern extreme point of the continent. Access to update weather information was derived via wireless to our computer and was available along the southern and east coast with the exception of a few hotspots here and there. It is important to say that we maintained our position of 7 nm off the coast on a couple of occasions up to 17nm. As night came on us we activated the Furuno radar unit which provided a clear profile of the Coast line and this coupled with our computer based navigation system provide accurate positioning and view of any obstruction in our path. Overnight in Bass Strait was uneventful with the exception of a beautiful moonlight night and a slight surge in the port side motor. We travelled through the Bass Strait oil fields and ran parallel with 90 mile beach. The oil platforms were well lit and could be seen from at least 10 nm. We took turns having sleep but with at least one person on permanent watch. Just prior to day break we arrived at the bar to Lakes Entrance. We decided that we would not cross the bar in the dark and remained in stationery mode for a couple of hours before attempting the crossing into Lakes Entrance. Preparations were made with all having inflatable lifejackets on prior to entering the bar. Denis took over the controls and we made a bumpy but text book entry into the Lakes. Entering the Lakes we struggled to locate suitable mooring but eventually settled for tying up to commercial wharf for a short period until we could locate fuel (petrol) which we were informed was unavailable at Lakes and we would have to travel 19kms to a town called Metung located between Lakes Entrance and Paynesville. I had arranged for the local Honda Dealer from Paynesville (All Power Marine) to inspect the surging motor at Metung. The trip from Lakes to Metung was breath taking glassed water with native vegetation growing to the water’s edge with the occasional house strategically located along the foreshore. This was truly a magnificent piece of Australia and reminded me of the many travel shows
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