Regarding Swanson dart 22 day sailor.
Now I have the logistics of getting the boat from Yamba to Mooloolaba. Thinking of pinching a flat bed truck from work and
bringing it up. It should lay flat on her side supported by a few truck and car tyres. An Etchells trailer was also a thought. So of course
is doing a 5 to 7 day trip up the coast. Sailing in the day and finding shelter in the evening. Yamba to Ballina,Brunswick,Tweed,Southport,Morton bay and up to Mooloolaba. Any thoughts? I'm using an average speed of 3.5 Knots.
Just wondering how far i can go north on each day. Depends on so many factors of course but I can't see why i couldn't use these ports apart from adverse conditions. And we all know when you plan something the weather has other things on its mind.
Need more information.
Is the boat in good condition?
Is the rig up to the task?
Does the boat have a reliable engine?
What is your experience? Do you know the coast?
Will you have a tight time limit?
I wouldn't hesitate to sail a well found Dart that distance. Just wait for W or SW winds and go.
Probably do Iluka to Southport in one hit, with the option of stopping in Byron.
W and SW winds aren't that common except at certain times of year (now passed). In practice you'll be looking at a choice of SE or N/ NNE, with an obvious desire to go with the SE.
Byron is not somewhere you can go ashore. It is anchoring in the lee of a headland somewhat protected from S winds.
Brunswick would be pretty challenging, I was looking at it the other day. Its narrow, shallow, waves were breaking right across the bar in less than one metre of swell.
Select to expand quotepsychomub said..
Need more information.
Is the boat in good condition?
Is the rig up to the task?
Does the boat have a reliable engine?
What is your experience? Do you know the coast?
Will you have a tight time limit?
I wouldn't hesitate to sail a well found Dart that distance. Just wait for W or SW winds and go.
Probably do Iluka to Southport in one hit, with the option of stopping in Byron.
In answer,
The boat appears to be in excellent condition for its age.
Rig looks good with baby stays
Near new 4 hp two stroke outboard. approx 30 hours.
Coast is coast. I sailed an Etchells a few times from Newport to Palm beach NSW
No real time limit.
Byron is not an option as no port. If a south east wind than anchor in the lee of the cape. If really really pushed.
Thanks for you input.
Wouldn't rely on Ballina as a highly likely option as the bar is often a challenge. Sailed a 32fter from Ballina to Southport in a lightish sthly in about 18hrs
The south setting current can make things difficult , I sailed overnight from Gold Coast to Evans head , the return trip was 3 days against wind and current. If you had good conditions and were making progress you would be better to keep going, but the truck would be easier.
