Now I am back home, sleeping in a double bed, no movement and no wind in the rigging. I do wake up in the morning and momentarily wonder where I am, but that will pass. Having not watched television for five months I find I am now strangely addicted, but that will pass as well.... Continue Reading →
TUTAKAKA TO AUCKLAND
Tuesday morning in Tutakaka Marina opened overcast and calm, although everywhere is still wet from the storm. Today I will head south again and see how far I can get and what the weather will throw at us. The forecast is calling for westerly winds that gradually decrease towards the evening. After letting go from... Continue Reading →
WHANGAMUMU TO A WINDY TUTAKAKA
After a beautiful calm and peaceful night in Whangamumu Harbour I awoke early and had a relaxed breakfast at anchor. The day was fine and clear with no wind. As today’s forecast called for variable 10 knot winds it seemed that sailing would be difficult. I picked up the anchor after breakfast, the water so... Continue Reading →
WHANGAROA TO WHANGAMUMU
First light in Whangaroa and it was hosing down, biblical style rain. I Let go of the mooring and motored down the harbour, slowly, the rain was so heavy visibility was reduced to just a few boat lengths. Once at the harbour entrance the rain reduced, replaced by a brisk NW’ly wind and lumpy sea.... Continue Reading →
MANGONUI TO WHANGAROA
I had a nice stop at Mangonui, I like the place. Some good shore leave and exercise and stocked up with fresh groceries. In the Four Square store I was taught the Covid level 2 protocol, wait to enter store, use hand sanitiser, keep distance from other shoppers etc. With fresh groceries at hand I... Continue Reading →
HOUHORA HARBOUR TO MANGONUI
By Monday morning the wind had moderated to around fifteen knots NW, I was ready to move on. As soon as the ebb tide started, the anchor was up and I was heading down the channel. Just after ten we were clear of Houhora and sailing across Rangaunu Bay to round Moturoa Island and Cape... Continue Reading →
SPIRITS BAY TO HOUHORA HARBOUR
Spirits Bay is a beautiful place, well worth a visit but the weather must be settled. Unfortunately, I was unable to get ashore as the surf on the beach was a little too high for a dinghy landing in comfort. I am just waiting for the South Easterly winds to reduce on the east coast... Continue Reading →
ROUNDING CAPE REINGA – NORTHLAND
Thursday morning, Lockdown lifted and no wind. Sitting in Port Hardy, the water was flat calm, not a catspaw disturbing the surface. The forecast was for another day of light and variable winds. I resigned myself to wait another day and had breakfast. By smoko the elastic band of frustration snapped in my brain. I... Continue Reading →
NOCTURNAL PANDEMONIUM AND I SEE LIGHT
A dark, cold, cloudy and wet morning. Just after six I dropped the mooring in Cherry Tree Bay and headed out towards French Pass. The dark and drizzle was depressing. Once again, no wind and we motored south, the lights either side of French Pass becoming visible through the rain as we approach. Just before... Continue Reading →
FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS
Lockdown has now been forty days. It’s been tough going hanging around, restricted in movements and being alone. However, the end is in sight! For the last two days New Zealand has had zero new cases of Coronavirus – this must mean the lockdown will end soon. Last weekend brought a northerly storm, fifty-five knot... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 