South Cumberland Group

8 Island Circuit out of Mackay

Long time between drinks one might say. The weather has been at its worst over a long stretch since Easter in fact last decent run.

We planned not much as the forecast of late deceived us on several occasions. We went out winging it. Get out there have look prepared with extra fuel. Leaving Harbour 640 to a light lump across to Keswick Island. Brief stop in Basil Bay the island had a cloud clinging to it. We then slipped around to a bay Mornê wanted to investigate around on St Bees.

We had bypassed this area several times in the past and never payed any attention and probably should of. Has a bit going for it deserving a bit more respect in future.

Backtracking to Egremont Passage up out the northern end of the islands confronted with a flat as sea. Shrug of shoulders and off to Scawfell Island. Going around the top of St Bees we have quick look at the wreck Cramer. Glassing out conditions we arrive Refuge Bay were we anchor up for a while.

It is concluded we take advantage of flat conditions and try the circuit out to Calder Island as this was new to the majority. A short run over to Calder Island we go up the eastern side.

Some unusual rock formations along this side of the island * (nick named)

We run around the tip of Calder that is like a razor back range running into the ocean. Duck into this great cavern in the side of the range. Mornê contributed a splice from his 360 camera for this video.

After a bit of caving we head over to Wigton Island still on a flat sea. Large Cuttlefish x 3 are spotted here.

Western side provided a good quantity of deep blue coral. Photo does it no justice to the colour.

Leaving Wigton Island we go to Zilloth Rocks that has a coral & sand quay.

We run by Cockermouth starting to shallow out.

We decide to have a go at the northern end of the passage that divides Carlisle & Brampton there is a sand bar that will close you out. We crossed with a small bit to spare and anchor up for a while. Very happy with a our experience for the day in superb sea for most the journey.

Have nearly been caught out in this passage known as Brampton Roads that drains out at low tide. Have yet to see it and must make a point of a drive by at low tide from the outside. We left just before 1200hrs with the tide at 1.7m. We were in 0.7M at times to clear the northern end of passage heading south. Northern exit closed by sandbar now exposed.

Bottom of tide 0.3M @ 1425hrs would have those 0.7M areas out of the water by 0.7M. As it was we managed with out having to stop engines to wade our skis through shallows just. These areas can and have changed with shifting sands.

Rather than run straight back to Harbour we diverted back to Keswick St Bees through Egremont Passage and back to the Harbour just before 1300hrs over a flat sea.

Winging It adds to the venture with a feel of freedom or the unexpected. This days conditions allowed anything only restricted by fuel. I had 80lts all up, Simon 85lts and Mornê 90lts.

Video is mostly snippets of conditions of the crossings between islands

Thanks to fellow adventurers for a great day in good company.

Late addition Mornê’s Video. Thanks Mornê.