Hugh Robertson Sailingvideo

S3 E18 Port Clinton in Queensland

12 February 2025 · 10 min · 325 views · Port Clinton

What this video covers

A solo sailor navigating the Queensland coast from Pancake Creek to Port Clinton encounters 30-knot winds and heavy seas while rounding Cape Capricorn.3:41 During an overnight passage, the boat, *Sea Change*, runs under a sliver of jib and eventually bare poles to manage building wind and three-meter swells.4:53 The wind vane struggles to maintain course in the extreme conditions, causing the boat to round up five times during the night.5:36 Squalls bring driving rain and surfing speeds of eight knots.5:52 Upon arrival at Port Clinton, a restricted military training area, the sailor anchors in 15 to 20 feet of water near mangroves.7:43 The region experiences extreme tidal ranges of 4.5 meters, requiring careful monitoring of the anchor position.8:54 Despite the challenging weather, the sailor explores the estuary by dinghy, observing a five-foot saltwater crocodile.10:10 Facing a strict deadline to reach Cairns for a flight, the sailor shifts to a schedule of one-day stops.10:43

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Boats in this video

Pacific SEACRAFT 34Their boat

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