From the Aussie east Coast....08

[The Spokernaut]

Hey everybody,

This whole web thing is new to me, but it seems it is all the rage for info....

I have been lucky enough to be invited onto a 45' cat leaving the east coast of Australia in the next few months. The skipper, although quite experienced as a sailor has not done major crossings. We are in the midst of discussions as to whether we should head for Africa, via the tropics...or South America... can anyone suggest a good source of information as to routes etc and timing... I am concerned we may end up in the cyclone zone if we head west across the top of Aus too late in the year...

Thanks...

[Hud3]

Hi, Spokernaut.

Welcome to Cruisers Forum!

I'm sure some Aussie sailors or circumnavigators will chime in with advice for you. As far as reading material, Jimmy Connell's "World Cruising Routes" gets high praise from voyagers. Just the two of you going?

[Robertcateran]

There are plenty of cyclone holes up north and you get a fair bit of notice. The calms and squalls are more the hassle.

[The Spokernaut]

Hey Hud,

Thanks for the welcome. There will be a rotating additional crew...the skip and myself being the mainstays...I have Jimmy's book on order....look forward to the read...

[The Spokernaut]

Hi Robert,

Please excuse my ignorance, but, "cyclone holes"...? can you enlighten me??

[cooper]

MUD !!! usually small creeks or bay endings often in the mangroves that you can jamb your boat up and worry about extracting it latter. Lots of stuff to tie lots of ropes too. As far out of any storm surge as you can manage. .....a short distance to the pub.....

[Robertcateran]

Cooper said it beautifully.
I must admit , category 5s are a bit more than I want to challenge. I was living in Darwin a couple of years back when that really nasty one went through. In the worst section, trees were ripped out by the roots or snapped off at the base. Not a leaf or branch left attached. We happened to be in the area afterwards and it was an awesome sight. You'd have to be very unlucky to be directly in the way of a big one