SAILING DIRECTIONS. 
333 
across being about half a mile. In entering the bay by 
this channel, steer so as to pass round Middle Rock, and 
upon bringing the peaked summit of Jar Island, at the 
bottom of the port, between it and Long Rocks, bearing 
S. W., steer directly for Jar Island, until you are abreast 
of Middle Rock, when you may haul close round it, with 
fourteen and sixteen’ fathoms : when you have passed the 
Long Rocks, a course may be directed at pleasure into the 
bay. There is also a deep passage to the westward of 
Middle Rock ; but it is too narrow to be safe, The tide 
sets through the channels with great strength ; with the 
flood-tide there is no danger, as the stream will carry a 
vessel through the deepest part ; with the ebb-tide, however, 
it should not be attempted. 
The western entrance to Vansittart Bay is between the 
land of Cape Bougainville and the Eclipse Islands : it is 
three miles and a half wide, and quite free from danger. 
The approach to it, between Troughton Island (latitude 
13° 44' 10", longitude 126° IT) and the reefs in the offing, 
is six miles wide, and probably quite safe. We did not 
ascertain the existence of a channel on the east side of the 
island, but it appeared to be free from danger, and, if so, 
would be the best approach. Eclipse Hill, being higher 
than the land near it, and conspicuous from its fiat tabular 
shape, is a good mark for the port ; it is in lat. 13° 54' 20," 
and longitude 126° 18' 40". 
Vansittart Bay is eighteen miles deep, and from five 
to ten broad; it oflfers excellent anchorage. The eastern 
shore is rocky, and should not be approached nearer than a 
mile; but the western shore is steep to, and may be passed 
very close : on this side the port there are many coves and 
bays fit for any purposes. The most secure anchorage is in 
A. 
Sect. IV. 
N.~VVe8t 
Coast. 
