Cook Strait

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===Tory Channel Transit===
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The following is a paraphrase of the Notice to Mariners issued in August 2007 regarding vessels passaging through Tory Channel:
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All ships transiting Tory Channel, operating at a speed of less than 15 knots shall  broadcast to ALL SHIPS based on the following criteria:
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For Inward Bound Vessels
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When on an arc of 3 nautical miles to seaward of East Head Light make a broadcast on Channel 19 VHF advising of the intention to transit Tory Channel inward bound and providing that the ETA at the Controlled Navigational Zone boundary as well as at East Head at the ships anticipated speed. Subsequent broadcasts, confirming or amending ETA is to be made at intervals not exceeding 10 minutes.
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For Outward Bound Vessels
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When abeam of Te Uira - Karapa (Clay Point) East Light, make a broadcast on Channel 19 VHF advising all ships of the intention to transit Tory Channel outward bound and providing the ETA at the controlled Navigation Zone boundary as well as East Head, at the ship's anticipated speed.Subsequent broadcasts, confirming or amending ETA is to be made at intervals not exceeding 10 minutes.
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Notes:
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The above broadcasts may be repeated on Channel 16 VHF
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Any significant changes in ETA must be promulgated to all ships.
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The Controlled Navigational Zone boundary is marked on LINZ and Navy charts NZ 615, NZ 6153 and NZ 6154 .
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For all ships operating at speeds greater than 15 knots, the provision as set out in the Marlborough District Council Navigational Bylaws 2002 Part3.3 (iii) shall apply. Masters of such vessels must know these regulations.
==Navigation Charts Required==
==Navigation Charts Required==

Revision as of 04:15, 13 August 2013

Cook Strait

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41°25.00′S, 174°30.00′E
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Local chartlet

Overview

Cook Strait is a natural wind funnel bordered by high geographic features on the North and South Islands, and at times creates a formidable gauntlet for boats sailing to and from the South Island. The following information is provided to help you cross the Strait safely.

Climate & Weather Information

Wind direction in Cook Strait is normally NW or S to SE. Storm force winds occur on average about 25 times a year. Gale force NW winds are usually very localised, but S gales affect the whole Strait. SE gales are more pronounced on the western side of the Strait.

Sea breeze conditions, with day and night winds alternating in direction, do not happen as a matter of course in settled weather in the Cook Strait region.

Sources of weather forecast information for this passage.

Weather Windows

Many people agree that the tail end of a southerly gale is one of the best times to cross Cook Strait. This period of light weather often lasts for 24 hours.

Tidal Streams

Tidal streams in Cook Strait generally flow towards the NW for 5 hours and SE for 7 hours. However, they are unreliable and the surface currents are affected by prolonged periods of strong winds and the shoreline configuration which can cause counter currents if close inshore.

High water occurs on the western side of Cook Strait about 4 hours later than Wellington at spring tides and slightly less at neap tides. This difference causes the strong streams. The streams are stronger during spring tides, which occur at two weekly intervals, when high water Wellington is about 0600 and 1800.

Tidal stream predications for Tory Channel have generally been found to be very accurate.

Sea State

Broken water is experienced in different parts of the Strait. This is caused by the cold north-setting bottom current being forced to the surface on meeting the steep slopes of submarine canyons, which will also cause modification of the tidal stream. Broken water is also caused when the wind flow is against the tidal stream, especially between Sinclair Head and Cape Terawhiti, off the eastern entrance of Tory Channel, and in the vicinity of the Brothers Islands.

Fog

Fog is rarely found in the Cook Strait area as the wind funnel effect sweeps it away. Late Summer is usually the only time of year fog is experienced. Low cloud and rain though can severely restrict visibility.

Offshore hazards include:

Awash Rock

Lying almost midway between Perano Head and the Brothers Islands, approximately 2 nm offshore, the rock, as it's name so rightly suggests is a rock to be avoided.

Fisherman’s Rock

Lying almost midway between Cape Koamaru and Mana Island it has a clearance of 10 metres. However the area surrounding the rock can be hazardous in strong tide or wind conditions. Large overfalls and seas can develop in these conditions.

Thoms Rock

Situated between Karori Rock and Sinclair Head. It lies 0.5 miles offshore. See passage instructions below.

Cook Rock

Situated 4nm north east of Cape Koamaru, the rock is visible in calm seas

The Brothers Islands

Formed by 2 small islands 2 1/2 miles east of Cape Koamaru. There is a lighthouse on the northern island visible 19M with a red sector light visible 10M. The water between and around the area of Cape Koamaru and The Brothers is often surrounded by overfalls, whorlpools and currents. Avoid the temptation to passage between the two islands except in calm weather. It's often wise when in this area to have your motor idling in nuetral, even with good winds.

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

List radio Nets covering this passage.

Tory Channel Transit

The following is a paraphrase of the Notice to Mariners issued in August 2007 regarding vessels passaging through Tory Channel:

All ships transiting Tory Channel, operating at a speed of less than 15 knots shall broadcast to ALL SHIPS based on the following criteria:

For Inward Bound Vessels When on an arc of 3 nautical miles to seaward of East Head Light make a broadcast on Channel 19 VHF advising of the intention to transit Tory Channel inward bound and providing that the ETA at the Controlled Navigational Zone boundary as well as at East Head at the ships anticipated speed. Subsequent broadcasts, confirming or amending ETA is to be made at intervals not exceeding 10 minutes.


For Outward Bound Vessels When abeam of Te Uira - Karapa (Clay Point) East Light, make a broadcast on Channel 19 VHF advising all ships of the intention to transit Tory Channel outward bound and providing the ETA at the controlled Navigation Zone boundary as well as East Head, at the ship's anticipated speed.Subsequent broadcasts, confirming or amending ETA is to be made at intervals not exceeding 10 minutes.


Notes: The above broadcasts may be repeated on Channel 16 VHF

Any significant changes in ETA must be promulgated to all ships.

The Controlled Navigational Zone boundary is marked on LINZ and Navy charts NZ 615, NZ 6153 and NZ 6154 .

For all ships operating at speeds greater than 15 knots, the provision as set out in the Marlborough District Council Navigational Bylaws 2002 Part3.3 (iii) shall apply. Masters of such vessels must know these regulations.

Navigation Charts Required

NZ46 Cook Strait (1:200000)

Passage Wellington to/from Tory Channel

The combination of broken water and strong wind gusts between Sinclair Head and Cape Terawhiti make it advisable to transit this section of the passage (commonly known as The Rip) at slack water. This section of your voyage is generally the most uncomfortable and should not be attempted by small craft or the inexperienced except in favourable conditions. Without local knowledge a minimum clearance from the shore of one mile is necessary and two to three miles are more prudent. Strong southerly winds with a SE setting tidal stream can make this area a real horror show, and in the interests of safe boating and harmonious crew relations, should be avoided.

Travelling Westbound

Leave Wellington to arrive at Sinclair Head 1 hour before HW Wellington. You will then have a favourable tidal stream across Cook Strait.

Alternatively, leave Wellington to arrive at Sinclair Head 1 hour before LW Wellington. You will then have an adverse tidal stream across Cook Strait, but in northerly winds this may be preferable. Tory Channel will be reached at slack water.

Travelling Eastbound

Leave Tory Channel 2 hours after the tidal stream commences setting E. You will have a favourable tidal stream across Cook Strait-and through the Cape Terawhiti-Sinclair Head area.

Alternatively, in southerly winds leave Tory Channel as the tidal stream starts setting W. You will have an adverse tidal stream across Cook Strait, but this may be preferable in southerly winds. The Cape Terawhiti-Sinclair Head area will be reached at slack water.

Clearing Marks

Thoms Rock Situated between Karori Rock and Sinclair Head. It lies 0.35 miles (650 metres) outside a line joining these points. Rock hopping in this area is not advisable.

Day: Keep Pencarrow Lighthouse visible through Sinclair Head until Karori Rock is open from Cape Koamaru. Night: Keep Pencarrow Light visible (red or white) until Tongue Point Light changes from red to white.

Sinclair Head Day: To pass about one mile off Sinclair Head, keep Pencarrow Lighthouse (lower) and Old Lighthouse (upper) in line. Night: Keep in the white sector of Pencarrow Light to pass 0.7 miles off Sinclair Head.

Checking on Tidal Set Day: Observe Karori Rock relative to Sinclair Head or Turakirae Head. Observe Tory Channel entrance relative to Mount Stokes. Night: Observe Tory Channel Entrance Leading Lights.


Distance & Duration

  • Distance =
  • Duration =

Possible Departure Points

Route/Suggested Stopovers

(In sequence)

Possible Arrival Ports

Forum discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

References

Books, guides, etc.

Personal Notes

Personal experience?


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Haiqu, Grantmc


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