Considering amount of ships lost in vicinity and part of Bass Straight , I believe it would be
some abnormality , coast line, current , swell, wind.
ones coming in, no wind , no waves but 10 m swell coming from Bass S. , I was 4 fingers, surfing in, was ok
cant imaging any cutting corners,
vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/vhd/heritage_shipwrecks
There are days when conditions are so bad that no matter what lead you decide to use, It would be advisable not to negotiate the entrance to Port Phillip and put off your journey untill conditions improve! I have seed the forward third of a small ship, a coastal trader, out of the water as it's punching its way out. I have seen a larger ship do a U turn and abandon it's approach while entering. Here is a vid of the New Pilot boat that Hart Marine built in rough conditions using the 4 fingers west lead.
Select to expand quoteMorningBird said..
Looking at the chart it looks to me you would really have to stuff your Nav up to go near Corsair Rock.
Why are people so concerned about it?
Surprisingly easy to do if you don't follow the advice, and try to enter into the ebb in an under-powered (sail or motor) boat. Bloke I know got caught on port tack trying to make headway, pulled towards Corsair by the east-setting ebb, loathe to change direction due to standing big waves. He finally managed to pick a lull and tack through, and slowly crab across to the west. Shouldn't have tried it in a Top Hat with only an outboard for power!
Also saw a fairly large yacht trying to sail in against the ebb. He twigged in time and started his motor and headed back across to the west. He cut it pretty fine - I had my VHF mic in hand ready for a pan-pan or mayday on his behalf.
The thing is, the ancient (ice-age) Yarra course includes an 80-something meter deep submerged gorge which curves around to the east. That sets up an ebb current that will sweep you across to Corsair if you're there at the wrong time.
I seemed to remember a couple of times where clearing the heads in a race was a little difficult and in browsing through old copies of the ORCV mag. Blue Water came across the following. There were 20 starters and from memory six got caught out ,I'm sure a couple ended back inside, and lost a few hours.
Came third and even found trophy Whoopee. now I'll have to clean it.
Select to expand quotecisco said..
That is a classy drink tray!!
Is that what it is. The only time I ever used it was to serve the crew cheddar and sayo bikkies on the way home . Now I will have to clean it up .
Guitz's second photo is, I think, SS "Time". I remember seeing the remains of her near Corsair Rock in the late 50's/early 60's, when using the original ferry run by the Farnsworth brothers. On those ferries, I have also seen 5+ metre seas going between Portsea & Queenscliff. Yes .. I have a great respect for the Rip.
And, those pilot boats: my research to date indicates they run twin 1000 HP motors. And remember they have not signed the Kyoto Protocol and the coxswain is not paying the diesel bill !!
Those pilot coxswains are not paid enough! I have been through the rip a few times but only in warships and the conditions were always benign. The only time I have ever been seasick though was in 1964 crossing the rip in HMAS Castlemaine. Ship had mostly empty tanks and it was not a pleasant trip.
Select to expand quotewongaga said..MorningBird said..
Looking at the chart it looks to me you would really have to stuff your Nav up to go near Corsair Rock.
Why are people so concerned about it?
Surprisingly easy to do if you don't follow the advice, and try to enter into the ebb in an under-powered (sail or motor) boat. Bloke I know got caught on port tack trying to make headway, pulled towards Corsair by the east-setting ebb, loathe to change direction due to standing big waves. He finally managed to pick a lull and tack through, and slowly crab across to the west. Shouldn't have tried it in a Top Hat with only an outboard for power!
Also saw a fairly large yacht trying to sail in against the ebb. He twigged in time and started his motor and headed back across to the west. He cut it pretty fine - I had my VHF mic in hand ready for a pan-pan or mayday on his behalf.
The thing is, the ancient (ice-age) Yarra course includes an 80-something meter deep submerged gorge which curves around to the east. That sets up an ebb current that will sweep you across to Corsair if you're there at the wrong time.
That is what I meant, Crossing any bar against an ebb tide is poor navigation. It seemed to me from the chart that if your nav is appropriate for your vessel you shouldn't get near Corsair Rock.
Please be aware of commercial shipping, sometimes it is difficult for us to see you
Don't be afraid to communicate with Lonsdale VTS on 12, a great tool
I have seen a poorly lit yacht at night 100m away from being run over by an outbound cargo ship whilst inbound myself
I have downloaded this article and given it a good read. A bit academic but Some interesting info:
Understanding the waves at Port Phillip Heads, Melbourne, Australia
omcinternational.com/media-centre/
