Routing from Singapore to Australia

[PLP]

Good morning all,
We are looking for any info. re routing from Singapore to East Coast Australia, finally Melbourne. Recently acquired a 50' timber ketch which lies in Phuket which we will take to Singapore in June 07, Cornell and others seem to advise againt the 'direct' route via Bali, Timor, Darwin. The alternative apparently is Brunei, Phillipines, North of PNG and Pacific????
peterwatson

[swagman]

G'Day Peter,

We did Bali - Darwin back in mid summer 1990 - ran along north side of chain and dropped down to Darwin from due north. Had light favourable breezes most of the trip - dying at dusk. Can recall we used a lot of fuel!

Have also bashed around the top over to Queensland in another yacht and found it heavy work despite fast 50 foot race boat and keen crew. Wind on the nose most days and recall we were always pleased to find some shelter and take a break. Significant seas and currents around Cape Tribulation - but easy on from there down the east coast.

Good luck
JOHN

[Weyalan]

I am by no means the expert, but I would tend towards going clockwise (i.e. down the eastern side, rather than the west). There are significantly more harbours, achorages and marinas doing it that way. Bear in mind that the East Australian current will work in your favour and could give you 2 or 3 knots of extra speed for free!