A good shortcut to multiple dangers
The island of Raragala, in the north of Australia, blocks a shipping lane used by many boats. But there is a shortcut... an impressive crevasse, ideally placed, but which presents a multitude of dangers and difficulties that would discourage many crews. This gap in the majestic cliffs of the coast is called the Gugari rip, which means: "the hole in the wall". Its crossing, although not a feat, is not to be taken lightly and is an attraction worthy of the highest interest.
The place is subject to formidable tidal currents that reach ten knots during spring tides, with the striking characteristic of carrying its currents exactly the opposite of the usual rule in the Arafura Sea. Everywhere else, the flowing current carries to the west. Is this the fault of the hole, or the fault of the wall? In any case, through this Ragala, the flowing current goes to the east! Exactly the opposite!
"Gugari Rip, hole in the wall" between Guluwuru Island and Raragala Island in the Wessel Islands, Australia
Attention to the instructions to the captains
During the passage of Catafjord at the Gove yacht club, a document had been graciously given to us to explain all this in length, in width and in depth. Unfortunately, the document contained an error concerning the timetable at Gugari rip, the place where the big slide starts. As a result, the catamaran arrived an hour too early!
The optimism of the crew was not diminished for all that. In the first moments, everything went well, like a fairy tale, and the show was beautiful. As a foretaste of victory seemed to settle within the creweuros
Vigilance to avoid being carried away to the coast so close
Alas, in the middle of the passage, Catafjord seemed to evolve in the flooded Loire.
Five knots of current in the nose and a lot of violent eddies everywhere... A bit hot, the passage! Much too narrow and agitated to imagine turning back. It was absolutely necessary to pass, and then that's all.
On the other hand, the show was unique and impressive. While the captain was grinding from port to starboard, with the wheel to counter the swirling currents and avoid the dangers, the crew was crackling the cameras all around.
Anchorage in Guruliya bay
An hour later, Catfjord anchored in the calm waters of Guruliya Bay. Another original place full of beauty. Mini cliffs of flaky rocks, a few spots of red earth to contrast with the traditionally green vegetation, white sandy beaches, a twilight sky, colored like a child's drawing...and as often, alone at anchor
