This year I completed the New Zealand cruise that was interrupted last year by covid and a long period of lockdown in the Marlborough sounds area. So, a year later I finally completed my adventure, sailing around New Zealand and visiting many places that are only easily accessible by boat. Last year I tried not … Continue reading REFLECTIONS ON NEW ZEALAND CRUISE 2021
Author: Ray Penson
BIOLUMINESCENT DOLPHINS TO FINISH
From Tutukaka to Parua Bay in Whangarei Harbour was another short hop down the coast, again under motor as the lingering high pressure over New Zealand continued. Before eight on Wednesday morning we were clear of Tutukaka Harbour and motoring on glassy calm waters down the coast towards Bream Head. Bream Head is a high … Continue reading BIOLUMINESCENT DOLPHINS TO FINISH
PIT STOP TUTUKAKA
Sunday morning opened fine and clear in Spirits Bay, just a slight S’ly breeze to ripple the water. The evening had been restful, the Cape Reinga light reassuringly flashing every twelve seconds away to the west. I was in no hurry today, the forecast was for light winds so there was no need to run … Continue reading PIT STOP TUTUKAKA
DOUBLING CAPE REINGA
At four on Thursday morning I slipped the mooring and motored quietly out of Port Taranaki. Not a breath of wind disturbed the sea, all was very still. Once clear of the breakwaters I increased the engine power and headed north towards Cape Reinga, almost three hundred miles distant. The forecast was for a few … Continue reading DOUBLING CAPE REINGA
NEW PLYMOUTH STOPOVER
We departed Ketu Bay early on Tuesday, motoring out of Pelorus Sound as the dawn began to break. All was very quiet after the thunderstorm of last night and everything on deck was wet from the rain. We motored on for a couple of hours before a breeze set in and sail could be set. … Continue reading NEW PLYMOUTH STOPOVER
DEPARTING HAVELOCK
Yesterday I completed the engine oil and filter change. The new vacuum pump worked a treat. For once, the first time ever. there was no mess to clean up. The right tool for the job makes all the difference. Why has it taken so long for me to figure this out? Sucking Oil and no … Continue reading DEPARTING HAVELOCK
INTO PELORUS SOUND
Last night I could not sleep. No point in festering in bed if you can’t sleep so I got up and checked the weather again. There seemed to be a window of opportunity to go up the east coast of the North island on Sunday. I decided to sail out of Nelson, head up through … Continue reading INTO PELORUS SOUND
NELSON HERITAGE PARK
Today I went for a walk and stumbled across the Founders Heritage Park, completely by accident as I didn’t know it existed. I went through the gate and found that entrance was free to residents of Nelson, I have been here so long I must qualify, I signed in the book as a Nelsonian. Nelson … Continue reading NELSON HERITAGE PARK
CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND
When I returned from the brewery tour on Tuesday I noticed that the floating work jetty adjacent to Truce was empty and the securing piles were missing. Instead, the jetty was held in position by a spider’s web of ropes. Funny I thought, maybe they have removed the piles for refurbishment or replacement. On Wednesday … Continue reading CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND
ENJOYING NELSON
Now the engine is fixed I am ready to continue the cruise up to the North Island. The beautiful high pressure in the Tasman has disappeared and is replaced by a procession of lows marching towards New Zealand. The weather man calls these complex lows, they are bringing fronts, rain and strong northerly and westerly … Continue reading ENJOYING NELSON
Sailing Yacht Truce 