There are days when conditions are so bad that no matter what lead you decide to use, It would be advisable not to negotiate the entrance to Port Phillip and put off your journey untill conditions improve! I have seed the forward third of a small ship, a coastal trader, out of the water as it's punching its way out. I have seen a larger ship do a U turn and abandon it's approach while entering. Here is a vid of the New Pilot boat that Hart Marine built in rough conditions using the 4 fingers west lead.

MorningBird said..
Looking at the chart it looks to me you would really have to stuff your Nav up to go near Corsair Rock.
Why are people so concerned about it?

Surprisingly easy to do if you don't follow the advice, and try to enter into the ebb in an under-powered (sail or motor) boat. Bloke I know got caught on port tack trying to make headway, pulled towards Corsair by the east-setting ebb, loathe to change direction due to standing big waves. He finally managed to pick a lull and tack through, and slowly crab across to the west. Shouldn't have tried it in a Top Hat with only an outboard for power!

Also saw a fairly large yacht trying to sail in against the ebb. He twigged in time and started his motor and headed back across to the west. He cut it pretty fine - I had my VHF mic in hand ready for a pan-pan or mayday on his behalf.

The thing is, the ancient (ice-age) Yarra course includes an 80-something meter deep submerged gorge which curves around to the east. That sets up an ebb current that will sweep you across to Corsair if you're there at the wrong time.

That is a classy drink tray!!

Guitz's second photo is, I think, SS "Time". I remember seeing the remains of her near Corsair Rock in the late 50's/early 60's, when using the original ferry run by the Farnsworth brothers. On those ferries, I have also seen 5+ metre seas going between Portsea & Queenscliff. Yes .. I have a great respect for the Rip.

And, those pilot boats: my research to date indicates they run twin 1000 HP motors. And remember they have not signed the Kyoto Protocol and the coxswain is not paying the diesel bill !!

The VW should have made a better choice of a weather window.........

wongaga said..

MorningBird said..
Looking at the chart it looks to me you would really have to stuff your Nav up to go near Corsair Rock.
Why are people so concerned about it?

Surprisingly easy to do if you don't follow the advice, and try to enter into the ebb in an under-powered (sail or motor) boat. Bloke I know got caught on port tack trying to make headway, pulled towards Corsair by the east-setting ebb, loathe to change direction due to standing big waves. He finally managed to pick a lull and tack through, and slowly crab across to the west. Shouldn't have tried it in a Top Hat with only an outboard for power!

Also saw a fairly large yacht trying to sail in against the ebb. He twigged in time and started his motor and headed back across to the west. He cut it pretty fine - I had my VHF mic in hand ready for a pan-pan or mayday on his behalf.

The thing is, the ancient (ice-age) Yarra course includes an 80-something meter deep submerged gorge which curves around to the east. That sets up an ebb current that will sweep you across to Corsair if you're there at the wrong time.

That is what I meant, Crossing any bar against an ebb tide is poor navigation. It seemed to me from the chart that if your nav is appropriate for your vessel you shouldn't get near Corsair Rock.

I have downloaded this article and given it a good read. A bit academic but Some interesting info:
Understanding the waves at Port Phillip Heads, Melbourne, Australia

omcinternational.com/media-centre/