Captain Dusty
Phil and Dusty the Golden Bear spent three days in May sailing around at Brady's
Lake on the Lyell Highway almost midway between Hobart's CBD and Queenstown on the West Coast.
Three Lakes
Three Lakes Bradys, Binney and Tungatinah Lagoon are linked by canals that you can motor through.
Contrary headwinds are at each end of the canal making sailing a bit dodgy
Sailing is hard work, out in all weathers, fighting the helm. The Captain pokes
his head out of the hatch - barks a few orders - then goes back to his bunk!!
Hot Tent
Forecast frosty nights meant we set up a base camp in our hot tent - a tent complete with
a fitted wood stove for frosty night comfort
GYDA at the Bradys Lake campsite pontoon
Phil & Dusty went day sailing in tiny GYDA - a Cal 14, made up in Brisbane during the 80s.
Lake levels are down (currently 3.3 metres below full supply level), but there is still plenty of deep water for centreboard down
sailing. 10 to 15 knot northwest breezes made for good sailing, another great trip up there.
Lake levels are low
VHF coverage in the area is good (Tas Maritime has a base near Bradys Lake, another at Barren Tier near Miena).
Phil only carries a little handheld radio and while he cannot pick up the regular skeds he has been able to call in to
Tas Maritime for weather and to make a position report without any issues.
Sailing towards Tungatinah Lagoon Outlet Canals in the Three Lakes
The Tungatinah Lagoon outlet marks the end of the navigable section of the three lakes which are connected by navigable canals
which you can see in the satellite view of the lakes.
A fine new day
Scenic evening colour over the lake heralds a fine new day for tomorrow.
