We left Hamilton island marina at 9am heading north to The Gloucester Passage (between Gloucester Island and the mainland). We plan to arrive on the high tide as there is one shallow area in the passage that would be touch and go on a low tide.
There was virtually no breeze < 4 knots so we motored all in very calm water. We spotted a whale just off hook Passage that kept us entertained for a little while, in an otherwise uneventful trip.
As we approached the passage, the wind freshened from the SW and made our choice of anchorage a bit more difficult. The most protected anchorage was in the channel, but before the shallow area, and as we planned to leave the next morning on a low tide, that was not ideal. We were also concerned about the strong tidal flow through the channel, so opted for anchorage after the exit of the channel near a very tired resort, known as eco resort. There were campers on the beach near where we anchored.
There were some moorings supplied by the resort that could be used by visitors. Rod managed to snare one, and it was all chain, but nevertheless secured it. In the strong breeze we gave up, we either needed a longer boat hook or longer arms. We just anchored off behind the mooring area. Rod rang the resort to find out what the deal was with the moorings, but only managed to get a disconnected number. Another boat came in after us, and managed to get a mooring after trying for 30 mins, by putting someone in the dinghy to retrieve it.
It was too rough to put the dinghies overboard, so we each did our own thing and resolved to leave the following morning for Cape Upsart.
The Gloucester Channel was a bit of a disappointment given the write ups in the cruising guides. I think we will bypass it on the way back and go around the outside of Gloucester Island.
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