Solo through Hell's Gate in Macquarie Hbr and 18hrs N to anchor in Cuvier Bay, Hunter Island
February 6, 2026 · 3 min · 353 views · Tasmania, Australia
What this video covers
Jeanne Socrates transits Hell's Gate, the narrow entrance to Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's west coast, solo, then makes an 18-hour passage north along the west coast to anchor at Cuvier Bay, Hunter Island.0:06 Hell's Gate requires threading a tight channel close to Bonnet Island, then hugging the western breakwater on exit — straying toward the opposite side puts the boat immediately into shallows.Watch The west coast passage runs in 3–4 meter swells, spaced out but rough throughout.1:00 At Hunter Island, she anchors in the northwest anchorage at Cuvier Bay, just off the northwest tip of Tasmania, where breaking swell on rocks and shoals to the north provides natural protection, leaving the anchorage slightly rolly but manageable.1:46 After anchoring, she gets several hours of sleep she describes as badly needed after the passage.2:26 The western breakwater alignment at Hell's Gate exit is the critical navigation constraint: staying too far off it puts the vessel in shallow water fast.0:35
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