Sorrento to Portland

We decided to stay in Sorrento. We had the use of a mooring belonging to Building Products, Australia. Just by chance I had met one of the business partners in Marina Yarra Edge and he was happy for us to use the mooring. It was off a number of millionaire’s properties that had their own private jetties and salt water swimming pools and close to the edge of the 5 knot zone. Some inconsiderate boaters zoomed past creating a wake that sent us rocking. However, the worst wake came from the ferry called “Queenscliffe” as it left its berth and began to accelerate; the sister ferry, “Sorrento”, seemed much more considerate.

Brown rain stains on the genoa

Nearby, there was a public beach where we landed the dinghy. From there it was a short walk uphill through a park or along the shore to the ferry port and uphill to the town. We walked across the Mornington Peninsula to the “back beach” and watched the surf breaking from the Bass Strait. In the past steamers brought holidaymakers to Sorrento and a steam tram took them to the back beach. Today, the route is a tarmac road lined with private houses. We were able to buy supplies at Ritchie’s IGA supermarket, so we were ready for our next passage.

Sorrento Bay moorings

We left at first light at 0600 on Wednesday 29^th January. We had to negotiate The Rip once again. Slack water was at 0710 and we arrived at the right time. We met the ferry on the way and passed safely. About 30 or more small fishing boats zipped past us, so we had to keep a careful watch. We motorsailed through The Rip and continued motorsailing until 0300 the next day. A number of dolphins came to play at the bow; always delightful to see, but making us wary that bad weather was coming.

The back beach, Sorrento

We sailed for 5 hours watching the barometer drop from 1016hp to 1007. The wind backed during our passage from SW through SE, E, NNW to WNW. Thursday soon became hot and sunny. Jeremy called Scott, Portland Marina Manager, and organised a berth for us. Scott gave us Hugh’s number to arrange showers at nearby Portland Yacht Club. I called Hugh and arranged to pick up a key to PYC.

Marina side of Portland Harbour

We tied up at 1430. After a cuppa, we went to Tourist Information close to the marina. We had a quick look around the town, picked up the key from Hugh and had showers at the yacht club.

Portland Harbour with the commercial port in the distance

Yesterday, we used the laundrette and shopped at Woolworths. In the evening, we were invited to a games and pizza night at the yacht club and met many friendly locals.

The next weather window is likely to begin in the evening on Tuesday giving us enough time for a trip to Robe.