Yakabout - Off shore, Jervis Bay

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Off shore, Jervis Bay

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Monday, 06 October 2008

Hobie island fleet of four, sailing south

Sometimes, catching fish is a secondary objective. Sometimes it's really just about getting onto the water and having fun. Today was one of those days. I'd arranged to spend the day sailing off shore with a few other local happy Hobie Island owners and was greatful to be invited along. The plan was to launch from Murrays beach, make our way through the heads, into the ocean and head south. With sth westerlies predicted we figured this would make for an easy sail home.

There was virtually no wind when we launched at about 9AM, so we made our way out to sea under pedal power. Eventually a very light breeze kicked up behind us, though it wasn't enough to stop pedalling. We travelled about 10km south down to (what I think is) St Georges Head, where we found a large colony of seals. Many of them were in the water, but almost as many were perched precariously on ledges jutting out from a steep cliff face. That they got up there to begin with was quite amazing. Watching them get back down was also as amazing as it was amusing. I was fortunate enough to catch this on video, although it barely does the event justice.

You wouldn't believe how high these seals manage to climb... somehow

It was here that we realised that our party of 4 had turned to 3, so we moved back out to sea to figure out where the missing sailor was. He was busily sailing away nearby Bowen island and given that there was still very little wind, we figured it might be best if we head back and join him (rather than continue south, which is what we'd planned originally). That was a good move really, because conditions deteriated significantly a short while later and it was good to be close to the bay when that happened.

As we turned north the wind picked up a bit, blowing in from the nth west. This dictated that we tack our way back, which was smooth sailing all the way. We'd timed our arrival into the bay to perfection I think because by the time I'd made it back to the relative safety of the bay rain clouds were threatening. And soon after that the wind went from a moderate blow to gale force winds in record time. I'd been hoping for stronger winds all day, but 45kmph winds were pushing the friendship. So I decided to head back in before things got hairy. All 3 of the other guys had already landed and were busily packing.

I did tow a lure the entire time, although I failed to raise a bite. I wasn't expecting to hook up, but I trolled the lure in the off chance that a tuna might show up and take it. It's still a bit early for the yellowfin to move in though, so I was surprised to come up with a duck. I wasn't at all disappointed, however, because I still had a nice thick snapper fillet in the fridge (now on the fry pan as I type). It won't be long before those tuna show up and when they do, I'm certain to find them with the Island. Watch this space.

Click here if video fails to play

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Comments (2)

07-10-2008 07:25

what a great trip...love the seals...seem a lot more friendly then crocs...

Written by Astro

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07-10-2008 20:22

Actually mate, they didn't seem terribly friendly at all. For sure, they were rather disturbed when they saw 3 Islands heading toward them. Obviously they'd never seen them before, because it caused a mass exodus into the water. Just before I started filming there were at least 30 seals sitting up on ledges.

Ironically, they didn;t seem bothered by the few powerboats in the area, but freaked on the islands. Go figure.

I was hoping to see some humpbacks, but that didn't happen. but it will soon enough :-)

Written by josh

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