Solo to the remote Montebello Islands of W Australia
July 17, 2026 · 25 min · 630 views · Montebello Islands
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigating the Montebello Islands off Western Australia relies on high-tide windows to transit shallow, reef-strewn channels with a 2.2-meter draft.▶ 9:22 Navigating between Jonquil Island and Man on the Rock Islet requires precise positioning, as depths can drop to 3.5 meters, leaving little margin for error.▶ 22:38 The region features low-lying islands and significant tidal ranges, necessitating careful use of Google Earth to identify sandbars and hazards not always clear on charts.▶ 17:54 The sailor frequently encounters wind speeds of 16 to 20 knots from the east, which often die down by sunset, creating calm conditions for overnight motoring passages to destinations like Dampier.▶ 21:41 Anchorages in the area, such as those off Tremere Island and Chianti Bay, require constant monitoring of depth and wind shifts.▶ 15:44 The islands remain a restricted area due to historical British nuclear testing, with radiation warning signs posted on shore.▶ 17:52 Detailed passage planning is essential to avoid grounding and to time arrivals with high water.▶ 23:32
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