Portland to Robe

We spent a pleasant final evening in Portland. There were three visiting boats on our part of the marina: Sal Darago, Butcher’s Bird and Cavatina. All the crews went on board Cavatina for sundowners. Butcher’s Bird and Cavatina had recently crossed the Great Australian Bight going east, so we were able to discuss anchorages while we socialised.

Kathy at breezy Portland Bay

When we woke up the next morning, both of our neighbours had gone, one towards New South Wales and the other to Tasmania. The wind was good for us to leave, but there was a 4 metre swell, so we waited until the afternoon. During the morning we filled all our water tanks and containers and prepared a three day chicken stew.

We left our berth just after 1400 on 4^th February. At first we had to motorsail close hauled until we rounded Cape Nelson. The engine was switched off at 1600 and apart from a 45 minute motor while Jeremy took down the mainsail and poled out the genoa, we sailed all the way to the approach to Robe – 140nm. Dolphins came to ride our bow wave.

Jeremy at the old Customs House, Robe

On the way it was Jeremy’s birthday. Happy Birthday. You’re how old?! It was cold, particularly at night. I wore my Damart triple force thermals underneath all the usual sailing attire. As the day progressed the wind strengthened. Our wind instrument went berserk and started giving us wind speeds from 10knots to 65knots. It was probably blowing 20-30knots from the SE and we were zipping along with just the poled out genoa. Later, I persuaded Jeremy to reef down.

As we approached Robe, we had to be careful to avoid shoal patches and reefs. Jeremy phoned the Harbourmaster and booked a berth in the marina. He was told about the entrance buoys and advised to keep 1 metre from the red buoy on our approach. It was a bit scary watching the depth sounder record only 0.6m below our keels, but we were soon through the short channel and into deeper water in the marina. Once we were secured the Harbourmaster came by and gave us a gate key, a map of Robe and a form to fill in for the marina office. The first night cost 48AUD and the second night cost 25AUD, approx. £26 and £14. We stayed two nights.

The bay at Robe

Before we went ashore to enjoy the delights of Robe, we planned our course for our next passage to Adelaide. The wind was continuing south easterly and looked like it would be best to leave on Friday. We checked the tides for an 8 mile wide gap called the Backstairs Passage, where the tide can run at 3-4 knots.

Robe Marina

Once ashore, we paid our marina fees, went to Tourist Information and decided to have a go at the self guided historical walk. We had a map and written information so what could go wrong? Unfortunately, the map had many blue dots on it but no numbers to go with the written information. Fortunately, all the buildings had blue plaques on them, so eventually, we found most of them.

Can you spot Sal Darago?

We celebrated Jeremy’s birthday a day late with a steak lunch in the historical Caledonian Hotel washed down with a local beer. In the afternoon we continued our walking tour and provisioned at the supermarket.

Jeremy and Kathy at Robe

Robe has a lovely, relaxed, holiday atmosphere and a vast, sandy beach. It’s definitely worth a visit, but if you intend to arrive by yacht, check your draft.