Sailing directions for Nelson Haven.

New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, Volume I, Issue 49, 5 February 1842, Page 4

Sailing directions for Nelson Haven.

9th December , 1841. VESSELS bound to Nelson Haven, if, when they arrive off Cape Farewell, or Stephen’s Island, the weather be fine, should run for the Eastern Shore of the Gulf, and make Croixille’s harbour, which is a few miles to the Southward, of the entrance to the French pass, and will be easily known, by three Islands being in the centre ol the bay, which lead to a creek running up E. N. E., and W. N. W., with 6 and 7 fathoms for two or three miles, and quite land-locked from the sea. After passing Croixilles’, they may run boldly down to the S. W. within a mile of the shore; about 8 miles from Croixille, they will make Pepin’s Island, which, however, does not show as an island, but as a point, with several small rocks close off it. From thence, the course is something more to the Southward, about 8 miles to the commencement of the flats, off Nelson Haven, and 9 from the entrance. About 4 miles from Pepin’s Island to the S. W., will be seen a spit of shingle, which forms the harbour, and extends for several miles. This may be approached within a mile, keeping along it until they find 7 fathoms water, when they should anchor, in order to communicate with the port.— The course in, over the flats, is about S. J E., with Mount Rintoul (a remarkable peak) open to the westward of a clump of trees, about a mile from the beach. The westernmost buoy is in 11 feet at low water, on the edge of a bank, which runs about S. S. E. and N. N. W., and should be left on the starboard hand. The easternmost buoy is in two fathoms, low water, on the point which forms the entrance of the harbour. Ships, which cannot get into the harbour, may anchor in 6 and 7 fathoms, two or three cables length to the westward of the Arrow Rock, with it on, with a hollow place in the cliff, with the entrance of the Waimea open. Should the weather threaten from the N. W., upon entering the gulf, excellent anchorage will be found in Astrolabe Roads, on the western shore, and Croixilles’on the Eastern. No weather, however, has been yet witnessed in which a ship could not beat out of the gulf, or lay by in it, without inconvenience. The rise and fall of the tide at the springs, is 12 feet, and the time of high water 9 o’clock, but the best tides are several days after the full and change,and when it is high water at 12 o’clock. The tide signal will be a Red Flag on Cornet, close up for high water, and half mast for half tide ; no flag will be hoisted for less water. Ships may communicate by signal, as Marryatt’s signals are in the possession of the Company, and will be shewn on the signal post, on the hill over Green Point. Latitude 41 ° 14* South. Longitude 173 ° 15’ East.