Sailing around Australia.
Discussion
Hello all, I have recently sold my business and am lucky enough to be able to do nothing for five years or so. I am considering sailing around Australia - not buying (renting), does anyone have any Antipodean contacts (by DM if preferred) that come recommended? The vessel must be large enough to stow four motorcycles. I am a seasoned mariner.
VoxPops said:
I'd like to leave the vessel and disembark for extended periods to tour. I have been offered the use of a former military landing craft but four machines though may be impractical!!! I'm not altogether sure either about the flat bottom.
The landing craft would be a good option but would no doubt be uncomfortable as a flat bottom. I would want to keep the bikes below deck away from the salt water and this is where you may struggle getting them below. A motoryacht would possibly be a better option but you are still limited on space especially if you're looking at 4 bikes.
I'd suggest a catamaran would be ideal, probably 38-340ft. Lagoon or Fountain Pajot.
Also, why hire? Just buy and sell when you're done, if you get a 10 year old cat, you really won't lose much cash on it.
Anyhow, circumnavigation of Australia is tricky. There's massive amounts of coast with no contact at all plus some interesting challenges, just google Sydney to Hobart to see.
That said, most people tend to do the Eastern Seaboard e.g. Melbourne to Port Douglas.
A bit more adventure is then Gulf Of Carpentaria, ending at Darwin. After that though it becomes tricky. I've never done it but perhaps Hasbeen (an experienced Aussie Sailer and PH'er) has. I believe the Southern Swells through the Great Australian Bight are particular challenging.
For my part i can attest the following parts of the coast are stunning for sailing: Whitsundays Chain, Lizard Island, South Durras, Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson), Pittwater and if you can get through the depth, then Myall Lakes. I've not done much else and nothing South of Durras/Batemans Bay.
Sounds like a great adventure.
PS presume you have four people or two who like offload and road hence four bikes right?
PSS, here's the far north East Coast in April, 28 degrees and calm. just lovely!
Also, why hire? Just buy and sell when you're done, if you get a 10 year old cat, you really won't lose much cash on it.
Anyhow, circumnavigation of Australia is tricky. There's massive amounts of coast with no contact at all plus some interesting challenges, just google Sydney to Hobart to see.
That said, most people tend to do the Eastern Seaboard e.g. Melbourne to Port Douglas.
A bit more adventure is then Gulf Of Carpentaria, ending at Darwin. After that though it becomes tricky. I've never done it but perhaps Hasbeen (an experienced Aussie Sailer and PH'er) has. I believe the Southern Swells through the Great Australian Bight are particular challenging.
For my part i can attest the following parts of the coast are stunning for sailing: Whitsundays Chain, Lizard Island, South Durras, Sydney Harbour (Port Jackson), Pittwater and if you can get through the depth, then Myall Lakes. I've not done much else and nothing South of Durras/Batemans Bay.
Sounds like a great adventure.
PS presume you have four people or two who like offload and road hence four bikes right?
PSS, here's the far north East Coast in April, 28 degrees and calm. just lovely!
Edited by robm3 on Wednesday 19th April 10:44
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