With the nasty weather behind us we made good time down to Akoroa. The wind was either there or not there, meaning we either sailed at a good speed or motored slowly. Once south of Kaikoura we had a steady 20 to 25 knots of wind on the port quarter giving us a fast ride... Continue Reading →
AKAROA TO PORT LEVY
The 05:33 morning forecast predicted the 25 knot S’ly breeze would die out in the morning leaving variable 10 knots behind in the afternoon. I wanted to pick up the diminishing S’ly breeze (not the 25 knots that can mean 30 knot gusts) to take me around the south and east of Banks Peninsular. I... Continue Reading →
SOUTHWARD BOUND, GREAT SAIL AND BECALMED
Wednesday morning opened flat calm and clear at Jacksons Bay. The night only disturbed by the occasional ferry wash, gently rocking Truce, as the ferries passed along Tory Channel just outside the anchorage. The morning forecast was excellent with N’ly winds of 15 knots predicted down the Cook Strait and along the coast down towards Akoroa. ... Continue Reading →
NO ANCHORAGE, SO A NIGHT AT SEA
The anchorage at Waima Cove turned out to be quite good, just a little chop coming in over the reef, but I had a good night’s rest. Today I want to head south but the forecast further south is not nice, particularly around Castlepoint where gale force winds are happening. I have it in my... Continue Reading →
ENGINE OFF AND SAILING AGAIN
No wind this last twenty-four hours and the engine has been running constantly. The diesel bunker is getting low now so I was grateful when the wind finally showed up just after noon. Since then we have been sailing nicely straight down the track to Opua in beautify weather. In anticipation of the big blow this... Continue Reading →
The Adventures of Captain Ray Penson 