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
Boats in this video
More from Hugh Robertson Sailing
From Hugh Robertson Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.



