Cruising along the east coast
21 April 2011 | Wineglass Bay
David and Andrea
Back into Hobart where we were very kindly met by Sue and Luke. (Thanks for the car). A memorable night at the Rockwall restaurant with S and L and friends from Launceston, Anne and Charles. On Sunday we left Kettering bound initially for Nubeena, Wedge Bay. Our plans to sail back up the west coast had been abandoned due to the forecast of three cold fronts in the first five days. The wind was light so motoring was the order of the day. Parsons Bay at Nubeena is a nice anchorage with the quiet township on the shore and a small fishing fleet. We did not go ashore as we wanted to spend time at Fortescue bay. Light NW breeze did not allow much sailing and we again ended up motoring past Cape Raoul before threading the channel between Cape Pillar and Tasman island. The dolerite colums of the former shoot straight up for 930m, hanging over the rig in a very spectacular manner. It was then on to Cape Hauy and the totally impressive Lanterns. We had only caught a glimpse of these on the way south due to fog but now had a good look. Things were going to be better though. We anchored in Canoe Bay, settling on Andrea's sandy patch after several furtive attempts inshore of the shipwreck. A quiet but slightly rolly night followed but Tuesday gave us a stable forecast for the proposed walk out to the Lanterns. This track is not to be missed and allows panoramic views of these geological wonders up close and personal. Track times for us were 1.5 hrs each way from the boat ramp. We had consistently NW or W wind forecast so it was north to the Maria island area. Spoilt for choices we finally settled on the fleshpots of Triabunna, anchoring near moored yachts opposite the sandbar. We went ashore and had a Magnum icecream from the IGA. Chatted to some fellows who were doing a crayboat conversion for south Pacific cruising. Today was the next cold front so we had 20-25 NW most of the day making for a fast sail across to Cape Sonnerat (Schouten island) and then a slow grind into the breeze up to Wineglass bay. We got in here about 4pm with the front approaching. Up to 27 kts at anchor but excellent holding in sand. A little bit of roll but easily overlooked by virtue of the stunning scenery. We have had some local Freycinet Pinot Noir, as you do. Two other cruisers and one fishing boat are tucked up here with us. Have a great Easter.