The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson
Sailing Yacht Truce
Another peaceful night at anchor and a good sleep again. This morning I set about freeing up the propeller. First I unwound the propeller shaft from inside the boat three turns, hoping the rope would unwrap a bit. Then I tried teasing the rope out of the propeller from the dinghy, it didn’t work. I... Continue Reading →
Last night was very peaceful at Kiwiriki anchorage, hardly any wind to ripple the water. The sunset seemed to last a long time and so did our sundowners. This morning we awoke refreshed, I had one of the best sleeps ever at anchor, a perfectly still night. Yesterday was the first time I had... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 